When it comes to indulgent desserts, few treats can compete with a truly decadent chocolate cake. And when Nestlé Toll House chocolate chips are involved, you know you’re in for something unforgettable. This “Death by Chocolate” cake is not just another dessert—it’s a full-on, rich, gooey, fudgy chocolate experience layered with moistness and depth, making it ideal for birthdays, celebrations, or any time you simply crave chocolate.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know to bake this delicious masterpiece from scratch!
What is a Death by Chocolate Cake?
A “Death by Chocolate” cake is essentially a chocolate overload in the best way. It’s a moist, rich cake made with layers of chocolate—Devil’s Food cake mix, chocolate pudding, chocolate chips, and topped with a silky ganache. The name implies that it’s so delicious and indulgent, it just might be the last dessert you ever need!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Insanely Moist: Thanks to the pudding mix, sour cream (or buttermilk), and coffee, this cake is guaranteed to stay soft and moist.
- Packed with Chocolate: From the batter to the ganache, chocolate is the star of the show.
- Easy to Make: Uses a boxed mix as the base but tastes totally homemade.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, birthdays, or when you’re craving a rich dessert.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Cake:
- 1 box Devil’s Food Cake Mix – Rich, deep chocolate flavor with a velvety texture.
- 1 box (3.9 oz) Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix – Adds moisture and richness.
- 5 large eggs – Binds the ingredients and makes the cake rise beautifully.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances all the chocolate notes.
- ¾ cup vegetable oil – Adds softness and helps prevent dryness.
- 1 cup sour cream or buttermilk – Ensures tenderness and extra flavor.
- ¾ cup brewed coffee – Deepens the chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee.
- 2 cups Nestlé Toll House chocolate chips – Melts throughout the cake for gooey, melty pockets of chocolate goodness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a Bundt pan or a 9×13-inch baking dish. Make sure it’s non-stick or lined with parchment for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cake mix, pudding mix, and a pinch of salt (if your cake mix doesn’t already include it).
In another bowl, beat the eggs, then whisk in the vanilla extract, oil, sour cream, and coffee. Slowly combine the wet and dry ingredients until smooth and no dry flour remains.
Fold in the chocolate chips, saving a few to sprinkle on top if desired.
Step 3: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake in the center of your oven for about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean or with moist crumbs (but not wet batter).
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack or cake plate to cool completely.
Make the Ganache Frosting
This simple ganache-style frosting is the perfect finishing touch:
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp salted butter
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- ½ bag powdered sugar (about 2 cups)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp milk (add more if needed)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter.
- Stir in the cocoa powder and let it bubble gently for 30 seconds to bring out the flavor.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add more milk if needed to achieve a pourable consistency.
- Stir in the walnuts if using.
- Immediately pour the warm ganache over the cooled cake.
Let the glaze drip over the edges for a beautiful, bakery-style finish.
Serving Suggestions
- Top with vanilla ice cream for an ultimate hot-and-cold experience.
- Add whipped cream and fresh berries for a tart contrast.
- Drizzle with caramel or extra melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
- Enjoy a slice with a hot cup of espresso or cold milk.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures everything mixes evenly for a smoother batter.
- Don’t Overbake: This cake is meant to be moist and fudgy, so check a few minutes early to avoid drying it out.
- Grease Your Pan Thoroughly: Especially if using a Bundt pan. Nothing ruins a cake like it getting stuck!
- Use Good-Quality Chocolate: Nestlé Toll House chocolate chips are a must for that creamy melt and classic chocolate chip flavor.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Make Ahead: Bake the cake a day in advance and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Add the ganache just before serving.
- Storage: Store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- Freezing: This cake freezes well! Wrap slices individually or freeze the whole cake (without ganache) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use different cake mix flavors?
Yes! While Devil’s Food Cake is ideal for deep chocolate flavor, you could try German chocolate or even chocolate fudge for slight variations.
Can I leave out the coffee?
Absolutely. If you prefer not to use coffee, substitute it with hot water or more buttermilk. Coffee just deepens the chocolate taste—it doesn’t make it taste like coffee.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes! Plain full-fat Greek yogurt is a great substitute and will still give you that moist texture.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, simply use a gluten-free Devil’s Food Cake mix and make sure your pudding mix and other ingredients are gluten-free.
Do I have to use chocolate chips?
No, but they add wonderful texture. You could use chopped chocolate, white chocolate chips, or even peanut butter chips for a twist.
Final Thoughts
This Nestlé Toll House Death by Chocolate Cake is not just a dessert—it’s a full-on experience. Every bite is loaded with chocolate flavor, from the moist cake base to the melty chips and rich ganache. It’s easy enough for weeknight baking but impressive enough for special occasions. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again—because one slice is never enough.
So go ahead—treat yourself to the ultimate chocolate indulgence. You deserve it.