If you’re a chocolate lover, few desserts compare to the rich, decadent Death by Chocolate Cake. Bursting with layers of chocolate flavor, this dessert features a moist, fudgy cake loaded with Nestle Toll House chocolate chips and finished with a luscious chocolate ganache studded with pecans. Every bite is indulgent, sweet, and perfect for chocolate enthusiasts seeking the ultimate treat.

This recipe is ideal for easy dinner desserts, family comfort food, and quick indulgent treats that impress without complex baking skills. The combination of Devil’s Food cake mix, instant chocolate pudding, and brewed coffee ensures a moist, flavorful cake, while the homemade ganache icing elevates it to show-stopping perfection. It’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion that calls for a rich, chocolatey experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist, decadent cake: The coffee and pudding blend keeps the cake incredibly tender.
• Loaded with chocolate chips: Every bite has chocolate bursts for ultimate indulgence.
• Simple yet impressive: Easy enough for beginner bakers, but looks gourmet.
• Versatile serving: Perfect warm with ice cream or at room temperature for parties.
• Budget-friendly ingredients: Uses pantry staples without compromising flavor.
• Family-approved: A chocolate lover’s dream that both kids and adults adore.

Ingredient Breakdown

Devil’s Food Cake Mix – 1 box: Provides a rich, deep chocolate base and ensures consistent texture for beginner and experienced bakers alike.

Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix – 1 box: Keeps the cake moist and adds extra chocolatey flavor, making every slice tender.

Eggs – 5 large: Bind the ingredients together while adding richness and structure.

Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon: Enhances the chocolate flavor and adds depth to the cake’s taste.

Vegetable Oil – 3/4 cup: Keeps the cake moist without weighing it down.

Sour Cream or Buttermilk – 1 cup: Adds a slight tang and additional moisture, ensuring the cake doesn’t dry out.

Brewed Coffee – 3/4 cup: Intensifies the chocolate flavor without adding bitterness, creating a deep, gourmet taste.

Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chips – 2 cups: Adds pockets of melty chocolate throughout the cake for bursts of flavor.

Salted Butter – 1 stick (for ganache): Provides richness and a smooth base for the chocolate ganache.

Cocoa Powder – 2 tablespoons: Enhances chocolate intensity and contributes to the smooth texture of the ganache.

Powdered Sugar – 1/2 box (~2 cups): Sweetens the ganache while creating a silky, pourable consistency.

Milk – 3 tablespoons: Thins the ganache slightly for drizzling over the cake.

Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon (ganache): Adds warmth and balances the chocolate sweetness.

Pecan Pieces – 1/2 cup: Adds crunch and nutty flavor to the ganache, complementing the soft cake perfectly.

Pro Tips

• Use fresh coffee: Brewed coffee enhances chocolate flavor without overpowering sweetness.
• Don’t overmix: Gently fold chocolate chips to maintain pockets of melty chocolate.
• Warm ganache slightly: Pour over slightly warm cake for best drip effect.
• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure eggs, sour cream, and butter are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
• Optional ice cream pairing: Serve warm slices with vanilla ice cream for ultimate indulgence.

Ingredient Swaps and Variations

• Dairy-free option: Use coconut cream and dairy-free chocolate chips for a vegan-friendly version.
• Nut-free variation: Skip pecans or replace with toasted coconut.
• Extra chocolate: Sprinkle cocoa nibs or more chocolate chips on top for crunch.
• Coffee-free: Use warm water or milk instead of brewed coffee for a milder chocolate flavor.
• Healthier twist: Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for added protein.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this cake as a show-stopping dessert at:
• Family dinners for a memorable sweet ending.
• Holiday gatherings or birthday parties for chocolate lovers.
• Afternoon tea or casual get-togethers for decadent treat moments.
• Pair with fresh berries, whipped cream, or ice cream to enhance flavor and presentation.

Make-Ahead + Storage Tips

Storing Leftovers: Cover cake in airtight container or wrap in foil at room temperature for up to 2 days. Refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Freezing: Freeze individual slices in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and drizzle with ganache before serving.

Prep Ahead: Bake cake a day in advance and prepare ganache on the day of serving for a glossy finish.

Cultural Notes

Death by Chocolate Cake is a classic American dessert, designed to celebrate chocolate indulgence. Using Nestle Toll House chocolate chips adds nostalgia and convenience, making this recipe a beloved option for birthdays, holidays, and any occasion where chocolate is king.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, bake a day in advance and store at room temperature or in the fridge. Add ganache just before serving for best presentation.

Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, freeze slices individually in airtight containers. Thaw overnight at room temperature or in the fridge.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and ensure all chocolate chips are certified gluten-free.

Can I replace sour cream?
Yes, use buttermilk, Greek yogurt, or dairy-free yogurt for texture and moisture.

How do I make ganache extra smooth?
Use room temperature butter and whisk continuously over low heat until glossy.

Nestle Toll House Death by Chocolate Cake

Emily