Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Prepare a 9x11-inch baking pan by spraying it with baking spray or coating it in oil and flour.

In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar and flour then set aside.

Combine the butter, oil, soda, and cocoa powder in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat.

Let the mixture melt and come to a boil, stirring constantly.

Once it reaches boiling, remove it from the heat and add the sugar and flour mixture, stirring until combined thoroughly.

Stir in the eggs, buttermilk, vanilla, baking soda, and salt stirring until combined.

Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan. Spread evenly.

Bake in the oven for 30 minutes or until the toothpick test comes out clean.

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes while you make the frosting.

Combine the soda, butter, cocoa powder, and salt in a saucepan and heat over medium heat. Whisk continuously until it begins to steam, but remove it before it boils.

Pour this melted mixture into a bowl and add the confectioner’s sugar. Mix together until combined.

Poke holes with a toothpick all over the semi-warm cake to allow some of the frosting to seep into the cake when coated.

Pour the frosting onto the cake and spread evenly.

Allow the cake to cool for another 10 minutes.

Cut and serve with vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup!