There are few things better than a decadent chocolate cake that delivers a serious indulgence—and this Toll House Death by Chocolate Cake is that cake. It’s a rich, luscious treat that has the perfect combination of deep chocolate flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Trust me when I say, you’re going to want a second slice, and maybe even a third. From the first bite, you’ll be swept away by layers of chocolate chips, rich cake, and a gooey center that will make you wonder if you’re in heaven. It’s a showstopper for birthdays, holidays, or any time you want to treat yourself (or your loved ones!) to something truly special.
Why You’ll Love Toll House Death by Chocolate Cake
This cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just craving a little extra chocolatey goodness, this recipe delivers every time. Here’s why this cake is bound to become a staple in your kitchen:
- Versatile: Whether you’re hosting a big event, planning a casual gathering, or even just indulging on a quiet night, this cake fits the bill. It’s a crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion.
- Decadent and Rich: Every forkful is pure indulgence. With a deep chocolate flavor and gooey chocolate chips scattered throughout, you’ll never want to go back to a regular chocolate cake.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry, so it’s perfect for a last-minute craving or surprise dessert.
- Foolproof: Even if you’re a baking newbie, this recipe is designed to be easy and stress-free. Plus, the results are so impressive that no one will believe you didn’t spend hours in the kitchen.
- Customizable: Want to add a little twist? Add a handful of your favorite nuts, extra chocolate chips, or even a dash of your favorite liqueur for a special flair. This cake is ready to take on your flavor preferences!
Ingredients
Let’s break it down—this cake is made with just a few simple ingredients that come together to create magic. No complicated steps here!
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of this cake, giving it structure and texture.
- Sugar: Sweetness is key to balancing the deep chocolate flavor, so we’re using just the right amount.
- Cocoa powder: This adds that rich, dark chocolate essence that makes this cake oh-so-decadent.
- Baking soda: Helps the cake rise, making it soft and fluffy.
- Salt: A pinch to enhance the flavor and balance the sweetness.
- Eggs: These help bind everything together and create a moist cake.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
- Buttermilk: The secret ingredient that keeps the cake moist and tender.
- Butter: Rich and creamy, it gives the cake that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Toll House chocolate chips: These are the real star, providing pockets of gooey, melty chocolate throughout the cake.
(Note: The full ingredient list with measurements can be found in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Ready to dive into this decadent creation? Let’s get started!
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to [temperature] to ensure that your cake bakes evenly and perfectly. It’s a small step, but it makes a huge difference!
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This is where you get that base flavor going, so make sure it’s well-combined.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step creates a beautiful texture and adds sweetness that makes the cake melt in your mouth.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract to enhance that warm, comforting flavor.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until everything is just combined—be careful not to overmix.
Fold in the Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the Toll House chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. These little bits of chocolate will melt as the cake bakes, creating pockets of gooey goodness.
Prepare Your Pan: Grease and flour your cake pan, or line it with parchment paper. This will make sure the cake comes out easily when it’s time to serve.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for [time]. Keep an eye on it, and use a toothpick to check for doneness—if it comes out clean (with a few crumbs), you’re good to go.
Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once it’s cooled, it’s time to slice, serve, and indulge!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 380
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
How to Serve Toll House Death by Chocolate Cake
This cake is perfect all on its own, but if you want to take it to the next level, here are a few serving suggestions to complement its rich, chocolatey goodness:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: There’s something magical about pairing this rich, chocolate cake with a scoop of cold, creamy vanilla ice cream. It’s the perfect contrast.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the dense, chocolatey cake.
- Fresh Berries: For a bit of brightness, fresh raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries are a great addition.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle a little extra chocolate sauce on top for those who just can’t get enough of the chocolate experience.
Additional Tips
- Prep Ahead: If you’re short on time, you can prepare the cake batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking.
- Add Some Nuts: If you love a bit of crunch, toss in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze slices for up to a month.
- Double the Recipe: This cake is a hit, so consider doubling the recipe to serve a crowd, especially for parties or gatherings.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute buttermilk for regular milk?
A1: Yes! You can use regular milk, but the cake won’t be as tender. If you want to mimic the acidity of buttermilk, add a tablespoon of lemon juice to a cup of milk and let it sit for a few minutes before using.
Q2: Can I use a different type of chocolate chips?
A2: Absolutely! While Toll House chips are a classic, you can swap them for dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or even peanut butter chips for a different flavor profile.
Q3: How can I make this cake even more decadent?
A3: Try adding a layer of chocolate ganache on top or filling the middle with a creamy chocolate mousse for extra richness!
Q4: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A4: Yes! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Just be sure to check the other ingredients for any gluten-based additives.
Q5: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A5: Yes, this cake stores well. You can bake it the day before and let it sit covered at room temperature, or freeze it for longer storage.
Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze slices for up to a month.
Q7: Can I freeze the cake?
A7: Yes! Freeze individual slices of the cake in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap for up to a month. Let them thaw at room temperature or heat them up in the microwave.
Q8: How do I reheat this cake?
A8: Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or heat the whole cake in the oven at a low temperature (around 300°F) for 10-15 minutes.
Q9: Can I use a different pan size?
A9: Yes! If you want a thicker cake, use a smaller pan, or for a thinner cake, try a larger one. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes, you can double the recipe! Just be sure to increase your baking time slightly, and check the cake with a toothpick to ensure it’s fully baked.
Conclusion
This Toll House Death by Chocolate Cake is the kind of dessert that makes you feel like you’re indulging in something truly special. Rich, decadent, and easy to make—it’s the ultimate chocolate lover’s dream. So go ahead, treat yourself to a slice (or two), and enjoy every chocolatey bite!
PrintToll House Death by Chocolate Cake
A decadent, rich chocolate cake made with a blend of devil’s food cake mix, chocolate pudding, and brewed coffee, topped with a luscious ganache icing. Perfect when served warm with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings (can vary based on slice size) 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 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup 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 the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a bundt cake pan.
- In a large bowl, mix together all the dry ingredients (cake mix and chocolate pudding).
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all the liquid ingredients (eggs, vanilla, oil, sour cream or buttermilk, and brewed coffee).
- Combine the dry and liquid mixtures and blend well.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt cake pan and bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool for 10 minutes before turning it over onto a cake plate or large round platter.
For the Ganache Icing:
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter.
- Add the cocoa powder, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, milk, and pecan pieces. Stir until smooth.
- Pour the warm ganache over the cooled cake.
- Serve warm, preferably with vanilla ice cream. If necessary, reheat in the microwave before serving.
Notes
- Serve this cake warm for the best experience, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- If you prefer, substitute buttermilk for a tangier flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 42g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg