Alright, listen up, fellow chocolate fanatics, because you’re about to be introduced to a cake that will make your taste buds do a happy dance! This is the Nestlé Toll House Death by Chocolate Cake, and trust me when I say it’s pure, unadulterated chocolate heaven. Imagine biting into a slice of cake that’s so rich and indulgent, it feels like it’s wrapped in a warm, gooey chocolate hug. It’s every chocoholic’s dream come true. And if you’re looking for a dessert that makes people swoon with delight, you’ve found it. This cake is not just a treat; it’s an experience.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, this cake checks all the boxes. You’ll be greeted by layers of moist, melt-in-your-mouth cake, bursting with gooey chocolate chips and complemented by a decadent frosting. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make! So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to bake a masterpiece.
Why You’ll Love Nestlé Toll House Death by Chocolate Cake
This cake isn’t just about indulging in chocolate—though that’s definitely a perk. It’s about creating a moment that brings everyone together. Here’s why it’ll become your new favorite dessert:
Versatile
This cake works for any occasion, whether you’re having a cozy dinner with loved ones or hosting a big birthday bash. It’s sure to be the star of the dessert table, leaving everyone asking, “Can I have the recipe?”
Budget-Friendly
You don’t have to spend a fortune to make this dessert shine. It uses simple, everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. No fancy tools or obscure ingredients—just pure chocolatey goodness.
Quick and Easy
Don’t be intimidated by the word “death” in the title. While the results are jaw-droppingly indulgent, the steps are simple enough for anyone to follow. Even if you’re a beginner baker, you’ll nail this one.
Customizable
Feel free to tweak this cake to your taste! You can add a sprinkle of sea salt for a salty-sweet kick, or swap out the chocolate chips for chunks of your favorite candy bar. The cake is a blank canvas for your chocolate imagination.
Crowd-Pleasing
I’ve never met anyone who didn’t fall head over heels for this cake. Whether you’re baking for kids or adults, this dessert is universally adored. Chocolate lovers, get ready to be floored.

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Ingredients in Nestlé Toll House Death by Chocolate Cake
Here’s what you’ll need for this ultimate chocolate indulgence:
- Nestlé Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: The heart and soul of this cake. They melt perfectly into the batter, giving the cake a deep, rich chocolate flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps hold everything together and creates the perfect texture for the cake.
- Cocoa Powder: Because we’re not here to mess around—we want the chocolate flavor to really shine.
- Baking Soda: To help the cake rise just right.
- Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake, making every bite melt in your mouth.
- Sugar: For that sweet balance of flavors.
- Eggs: These help the cake hold its shape and contribute to the texture.
- Vanilla Extract: For a warm, aromatic touch that complements the chocolate.
- Buttermilk: Gives the cake a soft, tender crumb and a slight tang that balances out the sweetness.
- Chocolate Frosting: A generous layer of frosting is essential, and this one is creamy, smooth, and decadent—just like the cake itself.
(Note: The full list of ingredients, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into making this chocolate masterpiece:
Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the cake will bake evenly and come out with the perfect texture. Preheating is key to setting the right foundation for your cake.
Combine Your Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and sugar. These dry ingredients are the base of the cake, so make sure everything is thoroughly mixed. No lumps allowed!
Mix Your Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat together the butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Once it’s nice and smooth, add the buttermilk and continue mixing until everything is well incorporated.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your wet ingredients to the dry mix, stirring gently until the batter is just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. You want the cake to stay tender and light, not tough!
Add the Chocolate Chips
Fold in the Nestlé Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips—this is where the magic happens. These little morsels of chocolate will melt perfectly into the cake, giving it pockets of gooey chocolate goodness in every bite.
Pour Into the Pan
Grease and flour your baking pans (or line them with parchment paper for easy removal). Pour the batter evenly into the pans. Smooth out the top with a spatula, and get ready for the cake to rise beautifully.
Bake to Perfection
Pop your cake into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center. While it’s baking, your kitchen will smell like a chocolate lover’s dream. It’s hard, but try to resist the temptation to open the oven too soon!
Cool and Frost
Once your cake is baked to perfection, let it cool completely in the pans for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool fully. When it’s cool, spread your delicious chocolate frosting generously on top and between the layers. You want it to be decadent!
Serve and Enjoy
Now it’s time to slice and serve! The cake is rich, fudgy, and guaranteed to make any chocolate lover weak in the knees. Enjoy it as-is or pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
How to Serve Nestlé Toll House Death by Chocolate Cake
This cake is an absolute showstopper, and while it’s perfect on its own, there are a few ways to elevate it even further:
A Scoop of Ice Cream
A classic pairing, right? Vanilla or chocolate ice cream complements the richness of the cake, making each bite even more indulgent.
Fresh Berries
The slight tartness of fresh raspberries or strawberries cuts through the richness of the cake beautifully, balancing out the sweetness.
A Drizzle of Caramel Sauce
If you’re feeling extra fancy, drizzle some warm caramel sauce over the cake for a sweet and buttery addition that will take it to the next level.
Additional Tips
- Prep Ahead: You can make this cake ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days. It gets even better as it sits!
- Make It Gluten-Free: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free without sacrificing flavor or texture.
- Double the Recipe: If you’re serving a crowd, double the ingredients and bake in two pans for a two-layered cake that’s sure to impress.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute the chocolate chips for another type of chocolate?
A1: Absolutely! You can use milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or even a combination of both. The choice is yours!
Q2: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A2: Yes! This cake keeps beautifully for a couple of days when stored in an airtight container. It also freezes well if you need to make it further in advance.
Q3: How should I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store it longer, freeze it in individual slices for up to a month.
Q4: Can I freeze this cake?
A4: Yes! You can freeze the whole cake or individual slices. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Q5: How do I reheat this cake?
A5: You can enjoy this cake at room temperature, but if you prefer it warm, heat it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. Add a scoop of ice cream for the ultimate treat!
Q6: Can I make this cake with a different frosting?
A6: Yes, feel free to experiment! A cream cheese frosting or whipped cream frosting would pair wonderfully with this chocolate cake.
Q7: Can I double the recipe?
A7: Definitely! Just be sure to use larger pans and adjust the baking time slightly. Keep an eye on it as it bakes.
Q8: Is this recipe suitable for special diets?
A8: With a few swaps (like using dairy-free chocolate and plant-based butter), you can make this cake suitable for various dietary preferences.
Q9: What side dishes go well with this cake?
A9: While it’s already a showstopper on its own, pairing it with a light fruit salad or a scoop of sorbet would be a refreshing contrast.
Q10: What’s the best cookware to use for this recipe?
A10: A 9-inch round cake pan or an 8×8 square pan works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure to grease or line it well!
Conclusion
This Nestlé Toll House Death by Chocolate Cake is a game-changer, plain and simple. If you love chocolate (and who doesn’t?), this cake will quickly become your go-to for all things sweet and indulgent. It’s easy, delicious, and impossible to resist. Enjoy every bite and share the love with friends and family. Trust me, they’ll be begging for seconds!
PrintNestlé Toll House Death by Chocolate Cake
Indulge in a decadent dessert with this Death by Chocolate Cake. Made with Devil’s Food cake mix, rich chocolate chips, and a luscious ganache icing, this cake is perfect for chocolate lovers! Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (includes cooling)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
-
For the Cake:
- 1 box Devil’s Food cake mix
- 1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding
- 5 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup sour cream or buttermilk
- 3/4 cup brewed coffee
- 2 cups Nestlé Toll House chocolate chips
For the Ganache Icing:
- 1 stick salted butter
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/2 box powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 cup pecan pieces
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt cake pan.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix and chocolate pudding mix.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, sour cream (or buttermilk), and brewed coffee.
- Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the bundt pan and bake for 45 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a cake plate.
- Make the ganache: In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in cocoa, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. Add pecans.
- Pour ganache over the cake while still warm. Serve warm, ideally with vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!
Notes
- The coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
- If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the pecan pieces.
- Be sure to cool the cake for at least 10 minutes before transferring it to the plate to prevent it from breaking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg