Caramel Pecan Brownies

These brownies are super-moist and very similar to a Texas sheetcake, but the cooked frosting has a wonderful caramel flavor.

1 c. butter
1 c. water
1/4 c. baking cocoa powder
1/2 c. buttermilk
2 eggs
1 t. baking soda
1 t. vanilla
2 c. sugar
2 c flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup chopped pecans, toasted

Cook first three ingredients in a small saucepan over low heat until melted. Remove from heat.
Beat buttermilk, eggs, soda and vanilla with an electric mixer until smooth. Add cocoa mixture, beating until blended.
Combine sugar, flour and salt; gradually add to the buttermilk mixture, beating until just blended. Mixture will be thin. Grease and flour a 15x10 pan. Pour batter into pan and bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes until a wooden spoon inserted in center comes out clean. Cool cake on a wire rack.

Frosting:

1/2 c. butter
1 c. packed brown sugar
1/4 c. milk
2 c. powdered sugar
1 t. vanilla

Melt butter and brown sugar in a pan. Once melted, add milk and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla. Whisk until smooth. Pour over top of cooled brownies. Top with chopped pecans.