Cajun Chocolate Cake

8 servings Prep: 15 m Cook: 25 m Total: 40 m Beginner
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Cajun Chocolate Cake
Cynthia’s Cajun Chocolate Cake is decadent and delicious—made with cocoa, buttermilk, and pecans, then topped with a rich chocolate-pecan icing poured over the warm cake. This old-fashioned sheet cake is simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

8 servings
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 tsp soda
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 stick oleo, margarine or butter
  • 4 tbsp cocoa
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 1 cup water
  • Icing
  • 1 stick oleo margarine or butter
  • 4 tbsp cocoa
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 box powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 cup pecans

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl mix 2 cups sugar and 2 cups flour. In a sauce pan bring to a boil 1 stick oleo, 4 T cocoa, 1/2 cup shortening and 1 cup water. Pour over dry ingredients.
  2. Add 2 eggs, 1 tsp soda, 1/2 cup buttermilk and 1 tsp vanilla. Mix well and bake in a well greased oblong pan (9x13-inch) for 25 minutes at 400°F or until toothpick comes out clean.
  3. Start icing 5 minutes before cake is done. In a saucepan, mix 1 stick oleo, 4 T cocoa, and 1/2 cup milk and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and add 1 box confectioners’ sugar, 1 tsp vanilla, and 1 cup pecans. Pour over hot cake as soon as it comes out of the oven.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why is my icing too thick to pour?

A: Make sure you pour the icing while it's still hot from the stove. If it thickens too much, return it to low heat and add a tablespoon or two of milk to thin it out.

Q: Can I bake this at a lower temperature?

A: Yes, 400°F is hot for a cake. You can bake at 350°F for about 30-35 minutes instead, just watch for the toothpick test to come out clean.

Tips and Techniques

Pour the icing over the cake while both are still hot—this allows the icing to soak into the top of the cake and creates that signature fudgy texture. Don’t wait for the cake to cool.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • buttermilk: regular milk mixed with 1 1/2 tsp vinegar or lemon juice
  • shortening: additional butter or margarine
  • oleo or margarine: butter

Equipment Needed

  • 9x13-inch baking pan (oblong pan)
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Saucepan for boiling chocolate mixture
  • Saucepan for icing

Historical Context

This style of chocolate sheet cake has been popular across the South for generations, often called Texas sheet cake or chocolate oblong cake. The technique of pouring hot icing over hot cake creates a unique texture that sets it apart from traditional layer cakes.