This Nestlé Toll House Death by Chocolate Cake is an ultra-rich, indulgent dessert made for true chocolate lovers. Combining moist chocolate cake layers with creamy chocolate frosting, chocolate chips, and optional ganache, it’s a decadent masterpiece perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or whenever a deep chocolate craving hits.
Why This Recipe Works
This cake succeeds because it layers chocolate in multiple forms for maximum impact. The Devil’s Food cake mix provides a deep, dark chocolate base. The instant chocolate pudding adds incredible moisture and richness. The chocolate chips create pockets of melted chocolate throughout. And the optional ganache or chocolate frosting finishes it with glossy decadence.
The Complete Recipe: Nestlé Toll House Death by Chocolate Cake
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 60 minutes | Servings: 12
Ingredients
For the Cake:
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1 box Devil’s Food cake mix
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1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
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5 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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¾ cup vegetable oil
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1 cup sour cream or buttermilk
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¾ cup brewed coffee, cooled
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2 cups Nestlé Toll House chocolate chips
For the Ganache Topping:
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2 tablespoons salted butter
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2 tablespoons cocoa powder
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1 cup powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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3 tablespoons milk
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½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt cake pan or 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Devil’s Food cake mix and instant chocolate pudding mix.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, sour cream (or buttermilk), and cooled coffee. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips
Fold in the Nestlé Toll House chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Make the Ganache
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the salted butter. Whisk in cocoa powder, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and glossy. Fold in chopped nuts if desired.
Step 8: Glaze and Serve
Once the cake is cool, pour the warm ganache over the top and spread evenly. Slice and serve immediately.
Pro Tips for the Best Death by Chocolate Cake
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Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room temperature ingredients for the best results.
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Don’t Skip the Coffee: The brewed coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
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Cool Completely: Let the cake cool fully before adding the ganache.
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Serve Warm: This cake is delicious served warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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Store Properly: Store leftovers at room temperature for 1 day, or refrigerate for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Delicious Variations
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Layer Cake Version: Bake in two 9-inch round pans for 30-35 minutes and layer with chocolate buttercream frosting.
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Chocolate Buttercream: Beat 1 cup softened butter with 3½ cups powdered sugar, ½ cup cocoa, and ¼ cup cream for a rich frosting.
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Add Nuts: Fold chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for extra crunch.
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White Chocolate Twist: Substitute white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream
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Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish
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Drizzle with extra chocolate sauce
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Garnish with fresh raspberries or strawberries
Storage
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Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.
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Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 5 days.
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Freezer: This cake freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw at room temperature.
Conclusion: Pure Chocolate Heaven
This Nestlé Toll House Death by Chocolate Cake is the ultimate dessert for serious chocolate lovers. With its moist crumb, pockets of melted chocolate chips, and rich ganache topping, it’s a show-stopping treat that lives up to its dramatic name.
Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or anytime you need a chocolate fix, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Make it once, and you’ll understand why it’s called “Death by Chocolate.”