Nestlé Toll House Death by Chocolate Cake

There are chocolate cakes, and then there is the chocolate cake for true believers. This Nestlé Toll House Death by Chocolate Cake is a magnificent, towering tribute to all things cocoa. With a rich, moist crumb from coffee and sour cream, pockets of melted chocolate chips in every bite, and a glossy ganache dripping down the sides, it’s the ultimate indulgence for any celebration . It’s pure chocolate bliss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake is a showstopper for chocolate lovers. The combination of a Devil’s Food cake mix with instant chocolate pudding creates an incredibly moist and tender texture, while the sour cream and brewed coffee add depth and richness without overpowering the chocolate flavor . The addition of Nestlé Toll House chocolate chips creates delicious, melty pockets throughout the cake, ensuring every slice is studded with chocolate . It’s surprisingly easy to put together, but the result looks and tastes like it came from a fancy bakery. It’s the perfect dessert for birthdays, holidays, or any time you need a serious chocolate fix.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

1 box (15.25 oz) Devil’s Food cake mix
1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
5 large eggs
1 cup sour cream or buttermilk
¾ cup vegetable oil
¾ cup brewed coffee, cooled slightly
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups (about 11.5 oz) Nestlé Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels

For the Ganache Icing:

½ cup (1 stick) salted butter
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup (about 2 cups) powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons milk
½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Directions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a bundt pan with butter or non-stick spray, ensuring you get into all the crevices to prevent sticking .
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Devil’s Food cake mix and the instant chocolate pudding mix until evenly combined .
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, vigorously whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, sour cream (or buttermilk), cooled coffee, and vanilla extract until smooth .
Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a smooth, uniform batter forms. Be careful not to overmix .
Fold in Chips: Gently fold the Nestlé Toll House chocolate chips into the batter until they are evenly distributed .
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, spreading it into an even layer. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs .
Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a decorative cake plate or wire rack to cool completely .
Make the Ganache: While the cake cools, prepare the ganache. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Whisk in the cocoa powder, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until the mixture is smooth and glossy . If using nuts, stir them in at the end.
Glaze and Serve: Generously drizzle the warm ganache over the cooled cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides. For the ultimate indulgence, serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream .

Expert Tips

Use Good Coffee: Brew a strong, flavorful coffee. The coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee itself .
Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until the ingredients come together. Overmixing can develop gluten and make the cake tough .
Cool Coffee Slightly: Make sure the brewed coffee has cooled for a few minutes before adding it to the wet ingredients. Hot coffee can cause the sour cream to curdle .
Toast the Nuts: For an extra layer of flavor, toast the pecans or walnuts in a dry skillet for a few minutes before adding them to the ganache .
Serving Suggestion: This cake is incredibly rich and is best served in moderation. A small slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is the perfect way to enjoy it.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days . For longer storage, you can freeze the cake (without the ganache) for up to 2 months . To reheat individual slices, microwave them for 15-20 seconds to bring back that warm, melty texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
Yes, you can absolutely use milk chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier flavor profile. Dark chocolate chips will also work for an even more intense chocolate experience .
What if I don’t have buttermilk or sour cream?
You can substitute plain yogurt, but keep in mind it may slightly alter the texture and tanginess. Using sour cream or buttermilk is recommended for the best, moistest crumb .
Can I bake this in a different pan?
Yes, you can use two 9-inch round cake pans. The baking time will be shorter, around 30-35 minutes . Just be sure to test for doneness with a toothpick. You can also use a 9×13-inch pan, which will require about 45-50 minutes .
Why did my cake stick to the pan?
This is almost always due to not greasing the pan thoroughly. For Bundt pans, make sure to use a baking spray that contains flour, or grease every detail with butter and dust with flour or cocoa powder .
Can I make this without coffee?
Yes, you can substitute the coffee with hot water. However, the coffee deepens the chocolate flavor, so the result will be less rich and complex.

What to Serve With This Dish

A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream melting over a warm slice.
A dollop of freshly whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the ganache for a sweet-salty contrast.
A hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk.

Final Thoughts

This Nestlé Toll House Death by Chocolate Cake is a guaranteed showstopper. It’s rich, fudgy, and packed with all the chocolatey goodness you could ever want. It’s the perfect project for a weekend bake, and it’s sure to earn you rave reviews from anyone lucky enough to get a slice. I hope you enjoy making and devouring it as much as I do.