Chocolate Buttermilk Squares

• servings: 15 serves
• active time: 20 mins
• total time: 40 mins

Ingredients

1 cup butter, cubed

1/4 cup baking cocoa

1 cup water

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 cups sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup buttermilk

2 large eggs, room temperature, beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 to 4 drops red food coloring, optional

Frosting:

1/2 cup butter, cubed

1/4 cup baking cocoa

1/4 cup buttermilk

3-3/4 cups confectioners' sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dash salt

3/4 cup chopped almonds, optional

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, bring butter, cocoa and water just to a boil. Cool.

2. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda and salt. Add cocoa mixture and buttermilk; mix well.

3. Beat in the eggs, vanilla and, if desired, food coloring.

4. Pour into a greased and floured 15x10x1-in. baking pan.

5. Bake until set, 20 minutes.

6. For frosting, melt butter with cocoa and buttermilk. Stir in the confectioners' sugar, vanilla and salt. Spread over warm cake. Garnish with nuts if desired.