Name: Chocolate Buttermilk Cake with Chocolate-Pecan Icing
Yield: 14 Servings
Ingredients: Nonstick vegetable oil spray; 3 1/4 cups cake flour; 1 cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt; 3 large eggs; 2 3/4 cups sugar; 3 cups vegetable oil; 1 1/2 cups buttermilk; 1 1/2 teaspoons distilled white vinegar; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/2 cup natural unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup whole milk; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 5 cups powdered sugar, sifted, plus more for dusting; 1 1/3 cups finely chopped toasted pecans; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Two 10-inch-diameter cake pans with 2-inch-high sides

This chocolate cake has no outer frosting, but the filling is so rich you won't miss it. Chopping the pecans finely helps keep the layers even when frosted.

Recipe notes