Preheat the oven to 325°F. Spray the pan with cooking spray.
Add the flour, granulated sugar, and salt to a large mixing bowl; set aside.
Use a medium-sized saucepan to heat the butter, water, and cocoa mixture until it comes to a boil. Then, remove it from the heat and pour it over the dry ingredients in the bowl. Stir until the mixture is well mixed. Add the buttermilk, baking soda, vanilla, and eggs. Stir until blended well. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan.
Bake for 22-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Do not overbake.
Frosting
Use a large, clean saucepan to make the frosting. Melt the butter over medium heat and add the cocoa powder and salt. Stir to mix.
Remove from the heat and add half and half, vanilla, and powdered sugar. Mix well. Add the pecans and stir. Pour the frosting over the warm cake and spread it with a spatula.
Notes
Pecans
You can make the frosting without the pecans, and it will still be delicious.
Cocoa Powder
For optimal results, use regular cocoa powder instead of a dark powder for this recipe.
Half and Half
Half and half is a mixture of half whole milk and half cream. You can purchase it already prepared or make it yourself by mixing a 1:1 ratio.