If you’re craving something rich, moist, and absolutely irresistible, this Death by Chocolate Cake is the ultimate easy dessert recipe to satisfy every chocoholic’s dream. Picture a slice of decadent, fudgy cake layered with silky ganache, melty chocolate chips, and a buttery finish that feels like pure heaven with every bite.
Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, planning a special occasion dessert, or simply need a comfort food fix after a long week, this cake checks every box. It’s made with simple pantry staples, yet it tastes like something from a luxury bakery. The best part? You don’t need to be a pro baker to make it. This easy family dessert recipe delivers bakery-quality results without the stress or the price tag.
With the combination of Nestlé Toll House chocolate chips, rich Devil’s Food cake mix, and smooth, homemade chocolate ganache icing, this dessert brings together every texture and flavor chocolate lovers crave: dense, moist cake; creamy, glossy icing; and a hint of coffee to deepen that cocoa flavor.
It’s pure chocolate bliss perfect for holiday baking, birthday celebrations, or any time you want a dessert that guarantees compliments.
Why You’ll Love This Death by Chocolate Cake
- Rich and Moist Texture: Thanks to sour cream and brewed coffee, every bite is deeply flavorful and soft.
- Beginner-Friendly Baking: You can whip this up with just a bowl, a whisk, and basic ingredients no professional skills needed.
- Perfect for Entertaining: This cake serves beautifully at dinner parties, birthdays, or potlucks.
- Budget-Friendly Dessert: Made with accessible ingredients that won’t break the bank.
- Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Every layer cake, chips, and ganache is loaded with chocolate goodness.
- Great for Meal Prep & Make-Ahead: This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors settle.
Ingredient Breakdown: Why Each One Matters
For the Cake
- Devil’s Food Cake Mix: The foundation of this recipe. It gives that rich, deep chocolate flavor and light crumb without complicated steps. A great shortcut for easy weeknight baking.
- Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix (3.9 oz): The secret ingredient for that ultra-moist, velvety texture. It adds density and keeps the cake from drying out an essential for moist cake recipes.
- Eggs (5 large): Provide structure, richness, and that soft, tender crumb everyone loves.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the chocolate notes and balances sweetness. Always use pure vanilla for the best flavor.
- Vegetable Oil (¾ cup): Adds moisture and gives the cake a soft, almost fudgy texture. It’s a reliable baking essential for consistent results.
- Sour Cream or Buttermilk (1 cup): Keeps the cake moist, tangy, and perfectly balanced. Great for homemade dessert recipes that stay fresh for days.
- Brewed Coffee (¾ cup): Don’t worry it won’t make the cake taste like coffee. Instead, it intensifies the chocolate flavor, giving it a gourmet touch.
- Nestlé Toll House Chocolate Chips (2 cups): The heart of this dessert. They melt into pockets of gooey goodness throughout the cake perfect for cheesy, melty-style desserts that feel indulgent and satisfying.
For the Ganache Icing
- Salted Butter (½ cup): Adds creaminess and balances the sweetness of the chocolate.
- Cocoa Powder (2 tbsp): Deepens the flavor and gives the ganache its luscious chocolate color.
- Powdered Sugar (2 cups): Thickens the icing while keeping it smooth and glossy.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the chocolate flavor.
- Milk (3 tbsp): Brings everything together for that perfect pourable consistency.
- Pecan Pieces (½ cup): Optional but they add crunch, warmth, and a bit of texture that elevates every bite.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results Every Time
- Preheat Your Oven Properly: Always make sure your oven reaches full temperature before baking. This ensures even rising and the perfect crumb.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, making your cake tough instead of tender.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Helps everything blend evenly for a smoother texture.
- Let the Cake Cool Before Frosting: If the cake is warm, the ganache will melt off patience pays off for that glossy, bakery-style finish.
- Try a Bundt Pan for Drama: The cake looks stunning when baked in a Bundt pan, plus it bakes evenly for a rich, moist result.
Ingredient Swaps & Flavor Variations
- Low-Carb Option: Swap the cake mix for a low-carb chocolate mix and use sugar-free pudding and chocolate chips for a keto-friendly dessert idea.
- Dairy-Free Version: Substitute plant-based milk and vegan butter for a lactose-free treat.
- Spicy Chocolate Cake: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for a subtle, bold kick.
- Nut-Free Variation: Skip the pecans and add a sprinkle of sea salt or shredded coconut instead.
- Mocha Delight: Use espresso instead of regular coffee for a deeper flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
- A glass of cold milk for classic comfort
- Fresh berries for a refreshing contrast
- A hot espresso or cappuccino for adults who love a rich pairing
Make Ahead & Storage Tips
- Make Ahead: You can bake the cake up to 2 days before serving. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature.
- Freezing: Freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and frost before serving.
- Reheating: For a warm slice, microwave individual portions for 15–20 seconds.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
A Sweet Slice of History
The “Death by Chocolate” concept traces back to the 1980s, when dessert chefs aimed to push chocolate to its richest limits layering cocoa, ganache, and chocolate chips into one decadent creation. This version, inspired by Nestlé Toll House’s legacy of quality chocolate, is a modern take on American comfort food. It combines the nostalgia of Toll House cookies with the indulgence of a restaurant-worthy cake, proving that traditional family desserts never go out of style.
Frequently Asked Questions
1: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! It tastes even better the next day. Just bake, cool, and store in an airtight container.
2: Can I make it healthier?
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, sugar-free pudding mix, and dark chocolate chips for a healthy dessert twist.
3: How do I store leftovers?
Keep at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
4: Can I use a different cake mix flavor?
Absolutely! Try chocolate fudge or triple chocolate mixes for a slightly different depth.
5: What’s the secret to keeping the cake moist?
Don’t overbake. Start checking doneness at 35 minutes. The coffee and sour cream also help lock in moisture.
Nestle Toll House Death by Chocolate Cake
Ingredients
Method
- 1. Preheat oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a Bundt or 9×13-inch baking pan.
- 2. Prepare cake batter: In a large bowl, combine cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, vanilla, oil, sour cream (or buttermilk), and coffee. Beat until smooth, then fold in chocolate chips.
- 3. Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- 4. Make ganache icing: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in cocoa powder until smooth. Remove from heat, then stir in powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until glossy and pourable.
- 5. Glaze the cake: Pour the warm ganache over the cooled cake, letting it drip down the sides. Sprinkle with pecan pieces.
- 6. Serve: Let the icing set slightly before slicing. Enjoy rich, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate bliss!
