This was originally called Wesson Oil Cake. There are several different recipes floating around for this. I found this recipe when I was cleaning out some of Mrs. Wiemers’ things.
It was handwritten by her and spattered so I know it was a beloved recipe. There was a note on the recipe saying, ’Dad’s and John’s favorite‘ and it was dated 1974. John’s sister said it was the go-to birthday cake and for quite a while Mrs. Wiemers made it weekly.
You’ll Need:
Cake:
2 c flour
½ c butter, melted
2 c sugar
⅓ c cocoa
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla
Pinch salt
3 eggs
1 c oil
1 c buttermilk (or 1 cup milk mixed with 1 TBS vinegar and let sit 5 minutes)
¾ c boiling water
Frosting:
3 TBS cocoa
1 lb powdered sugar (3 ½ -4 c)
6 TBS regular milk, (not buttermilk)
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup chopped pecans, opt
Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°.
Mix all cake ingredients together and bake 40-45 minutes. Don’t overbake!
Step 2: Mix butter, vanilla, and cocoa. Beat in powdered sugar.
Step 3: Then add milk a couple TBS at a time until you get the consistency you like. If you want a thick glaze type frosting, frost while the cake is slightly warm. If you want regular frosting, wait until the cake is completely cool to frost.
KellRae’s Kitchen Tips: I’ve mixed everything up in the pan I bake it in. I’ve also used warm water instead of boiling water.
This cake also freezes well if you don’t frost it. I’ve split the batter between 2 8×8 foil pans and baked. When cooled, I wrapped in foil and froze for around 5 months one time.
Freezing is a great time saver if you know you have a lot of holiday baking or for unexpected company. Or if you don’t want to be tempted to eat the whole cake at once. Though, technically you’d only be eating one piece of cake if you don’t cut it 😂
This usually makes extra frosting, depending on how thick you frost it. The extra frosting is good for a while if refrigerated or frozen. Just mix or beat it again before using.
Until next time, take care of the people you love and make a few memories worth telling.
If you’re still hungry 🍴…
A few recipes you may like are coming soon
Potato Gnocchi
Cottage Fruit Whip
Grab a cup of coffee ☕…
A few stories you may like are coming soon
Don’t Pray for Patience
The Snake in the Storm Shelter
One Way Granny Survived the Depression
Pull up a chair 🪑…
Around here, recipes are meant to be shared right along with the stories that go with them. Do you have a recipe that’s been a family favorite for a long time? I’d love to hear about it!