3/4 c. soft butter
2 c. sifted cake flour
1 3/4 c. sugar
2/3 c. unsweetened cocoa
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. salt
1 c. plus 2 tbsp. buttermilk
3 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Fluffy Brown Sugar Frosting
Pecans or walnut halves (optional)

Cream butter. Sift flour, sugar, cocoa, soda, baking powder and salt into butter. Add 1 cup buttermilk and mix until all flour is dampened. Beat 2 1/2 minutes at low speed of electric mixer. Add remaining 2 tablespoons buttermilk, eggs and vanilla. Beat 2 1/2 minutes.

Pour into two 9-inch layer pans, lined on the bottom with paper. Bake in moderate 350 degree oven for 35 to 40 minutes. Cool, frost and decorate with nuts.