Nestles House Toll Death by Chocolate Cake

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Death by Chocolate Cake – A Show-Stopping Chocolate Lover’s Dream

Indulge in layers upon layers of rich chocolate with this Death by Chocolate Cake. The tallest and most decadent dessert on the block, this cake is surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to be the star of any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to Make: Despite its grand appearance, this cake comes together effortlessly.

  • Ultra-Chocolatey: A rich combination of cake mix, pudding, chocolate chips, and ganache.

  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for birthdays, holidays, or potlucks, this cake is always a hit.

Ingredients

  • 1 box Devil’s Food Cake mix – The rich, chocolatey base of the cake.
  • 1 box (3.9 oz) Instant Chocolate Pudding – Adds moisture and enhances the chocolate flavor.

  • 5 eggs – Helps create a rich and fluffy texture.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth to the flavor.

  • 3/4 cup vegetable oil – Keeps the cake moist and tender.
  • 1 cup sour cream or buttermilk – Adds richness and prevents dryness.

  • 3/4 cup brewed coffee – Intensifies the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.

  • 2 cups Nestlé Toll House Chocolate Chips – Melts into the cake for bursts of gooey chocolate.

How to Make Death by Chocolate Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a cake pan. In a large bowl, mix all dry ingredients together. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla, oil, sour cream (or buttermilk), and coffee.

Step 2: Combine & Bake

Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until well combined. Fold in the chocolate chips. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 3: Cool & Prepare the Ganache Frosting

Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before transferring to a cake plate.

To make the ganache frosting:

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of salted butter over low heat.
  • Stir in 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, ½ bag of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, and 3 tablespoons of milk.

  • Add ½ cup of walnuts (optional) for extra crunch.
  • Pour the warm ganache over the cake and serve immediately.

Pro Tips for the Best Chocolate Cake

  • For an extra rich flavor, use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate.
  • Use high-quality cocoa powder for the ganache to enhance the chocolate taste.

  • Let the cake sit for a few hours before serving to allow the flavors to deepen.
  • Microwave leftover slices for 10 seconds for a warm, melty treat.

Final Thoughts

This Death by Chocolate Cake is a must-try for any chocolate lover. It’s rich, moist, and packed with chocolatey goodness in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to satisfy a craving, this cake is sure to impress.

Variations

For a twist on the classic Death by Chocolate Cake, try adding a layer of raspberry or strawberry jam between the cake layers. The fruity tang complements the rich chocolate flavor beautifully.

Another option is to incorporate a teaspoon of espresso powder into the batter for a deeper, more complex chocolate taste without making the cake taste like coffee. If you’re a fan of texture, sprinkle crushed Oreos or toffee bits on top of the ganache for a delightful crunch.

For a minty variation, add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the batter or ganache. This pairs wonderfully with the chocolate and gives the cake a refreshing twist.

If you prefer a nutty flavor, mix chopped hazelnuts or almonds into the batter or sprinkle them on top of the frosting. For a boozy upgrade, brush the cake layers with a bit of chocolate liqueur or bourbon before assembling—just enough to enhance the flavor without overpowering it.

If you’re looking for a lighter version, swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt and use dark chocolate chips for a richer but slightly less sweet result.

You can also turn this cake into cupcakes for easy individual servings—just adjust the baking time to about 18-20 minutes. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Tips

To ensure your Death by Chocolate Cake turns out perfectly, always use room-temperature eggs. This helps them blend more smoothly into the batter, creating a uniform texture.

If you forget to take them out ahead of time, place the eggs in a bowl of warm water for 5-10 minutes to quickly bring them to room temperature. Another key tip is to sift the cake mix and pudding powder together to avoid lumps and ensure an even distribution of flavors.

When folding in the chocolate chips, toss them in a bit of flour (or cocoa powder) first. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking.

For an extra-moist cake, wrap the cooled cake layers in plastic wrap and let them sit overnight before frosting—this locks in moisture and intensifies the flavor.

If you’re short on time, a quick fix is to poke small holes in the warm cake and drizzle it with a bit of chocolate syrup or sweetened condensed milk.

For a flawless ganache, warm the milk slightly before mixing it into the powdered sugar and cocoa. This helps create a smooth, lump-free frosting.

If the ganache is too thick, add a splash more milk; if it’s too thin, let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.

To achieve a professional look, use an offset spatula to spread the ganache evenly over the cake, or let it drip down the sides for a more rustic appearance.

How to Store

To keep your Death by Chocolate Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If your kitchen is warm or humid, refrigerate it to prevent the ganache from melting.

Before serving, let the cake sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to take off the chill. If you need to store it longer, the fridge will keep it fresh for up to 5 days—just be sure to wrap it tightly to prevent it from drying out.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cake. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw it overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours before serving. If freezing a frosted cake, place it in the freezer uncovered for 30 minutes to let the ganache set, then wrap it to avoid smudging the frosting.

If you’ve already sliced the cake, cover the cut edges with a piece of parchment paper before storing to keep them moist. Leftover ganache can be stored separately in the fridge for up to a week—reheat it gently in the microwave or over a double boiler before using. For the best texture, avoid storing the cake near strong-smelling foods, as chocolate can absorb odors easily.

Conclusion

This Death by Chocolate Cake is the ultimate indulgence for anyone who loves chocolate. With its rich layers, gooey chocolate chips, and velvety ganache, it’s a dessert that never fails to impress. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, this cake is sure to become a favorite.

The best part? It’s incredibly versatile. With a few simple tweaks, you can customize it to suit any taste or dietary need. From minty freshness to nutty crunch, the possibilities are endless. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake the most decadent chocolate cake you’ve ever tasted!

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