Rich, ultra-moist, and loaded with chocolate chips, Nestlé Toll House Death by Chocolate Cake is every chocolate lover’s dream dessert. Made with Devil’s Food cake mix, chocolate pudding, coffee, and finished with a warm chocolate ganache frosting, every bite is intensely fudgy, soft, and packed with chocolate flavor.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 12–16
- Calories: Approximately 620 per serving
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 box (about 15.25 oz) Devil’s Food cake mix
- 1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 5 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup sour cream or buttermilk
- ¾ cup brewed coffee, slightly cooled
- 2 cups Nestlé Toll House semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Warm Ganache Frosting
- ¼ cup (½ stick) salted butter
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ bag (about 3½ cups) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons milk
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Generously grease a Bundt pan or a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Devil’s Food cake mix
- Instant chocolate pudding mix
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine:
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Vegetable oil
- Sour cream (or buttermilk)
- Brewed coffee
Whisk until smooth.
Step 4: Make the Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
Mix until completely smooth.
Avoid overmixing.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in:
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Distribute evenly throughout the batter.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
Bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing if using a Bundt pan.
Make the Warm Ganache Frosting
Step 1
Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat.
Step 2
Whisk in:
- Cocoa powder
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla
- Milk
Continue whisking until smooth and glossy.
Step 3
Stir in the chopped walnuts if using.
Finish the Cake
Pour the warm ganache over the still-warm cake.
Allow it to drip naturally over the sides.
Top with extra chocolate chips if desired.
Serve while still slightly warm for the ultimate gooey chocolate experience.
Tips
- Coffee deepens the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
- Sour cream creates an incredibly moist, tender crumb.
- Don’t overmix the batter or the cake may become dense.
- Grease every crevice of the Bundt pan thoroughly for easy release.
- Warm the frosting again if it thickens before pouring.
Variations
Triple Chocolate
Add 1 cup white chocolate chips along with the semi-sweet chips.
Peanut Butter Version
Mix in 1 cup peanut butter chips.
Extra Fudgy
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream and hot fudge sauce.
Nut-Free
Simply omit the walnuts from the frosting.
Storage
Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Microwave individual slices for 15–20 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skip the coffee?
Yes. Replace it with an equal amount of hot water or milk, though coffee enhances the chocolate flavor.
Can I use buttermilk instead of sour cream?
Yes. Both work beautifully and keep the cake moist.
Can I bake this in a 9×13 pan?
Absolutely. Adjust the baking time slightly if needed and check for doneness with a toothpick.
Why is it called “Death by Chocolate”?
Because it layers multiple chocolate elements—cake mix, pudding, chocolate chips, cocoa frosting, and ganache—creating an intensely rich chocolate dessert.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a true chocolate lover, Nestlé Toll House Death by Chocolate Cake is the ultimate indulgence. Moist, decadent, loaded with melty chocolate chips, and covered in a silky warm ganache, it’s the perfect dessert for birthdays, holidays, potlucks, or anytime you want to impress with a show-stopping chocolate cake.
