f you’re a chocolate lover, prepare to meet your match. This Nestle’s Toll House Death by Chocolate Cake is the ultimate indulgence—a rich, moist chocolate cake layered with creamy chocolate frosting and topped with chocolate chips. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you close your eyes and savor every bite, and it’s perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or anytime you need a serious chocolate fix.
What makes this cake so special is its deep, intense chocolate flavor. From the cake to the frosting to the chocolate chips, every layer is a celebration of chocolate. The cake itself is incredibly moist, thanks to the addition of sour cream, while the frosting is smooth, creamy, and downright irresistible.
The first time I made this cake, it was for my husband’s birthday. He’s a self-proclaimed chocoholic, and when he took his first bite, he declared it the best chocolate cake he’s ever had. Now, it’s our go-to dessert for special occasions, and my kids love helping me decorate it with extra chocolate chips and sprinkles.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this Death by Chocolate Cake is a must-try. It’s rich, decadent, and guaranteed to impress.
Resume: Why This Death by Chocolate Cake Is Worth Trying
- Chocolate Overload: Every layer is packed with rich, intense chocolate flavor.
- Moist & Tender: Sour cream ensures a soft, moist crumb.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or anytime you need a chocolate fix.
Exciting Story: A Birthday Favorite
This Death by Chocolate Cake has become a tradition in our house, especially for birthdays. One year, I decided to surprise my husband with this cake for his birthday. When he walked into the kitchen and saw it, his eyes lit up like a kid on Christmas morning.
As soon as he took his first bite, he declared it the best chocolate cake he’s ever had. Now, it’s his birthday cake every year, and my kids love helping me decorate it with extra chocolate chips and sprinkles. It’s become more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of family, love, and, of course, chocolate.
Why This Death by Chocolate Cake
This cake is a winner because it’s rich, decadent, and easy to make. The combination of moist chocolate cake, creamy frosting, and chocolate chips is simply irresistible.
What You Need For Death by Chocolate Cake
For the Cake:
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (90g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) boiling water
- 1/2 cup (120g) sour cream
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 1/2 cups (440g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup (60ml) whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 cup (175g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
How to Make Death by Chocolate Cake
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the boiling water and sour cream until the batter is smooth.
- Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and fluffy.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake. Sprinkle with chocolate chips.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy!
Tips For Death by Chocolate Cake
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures a smooth batter and even baking.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
- Cool Completely: Make sure the cakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
Substitutions and Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the milk with almond milk and the sour cream with coconut cream.
- Add-Ins: Try adding chopped nuts or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Make a Healthier Version
- Reduce Sugar: Use 1 1/2 cups of sugar instead of 2 cups.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
- Low-Fat Sour Cream: Use a low-fat or Greek yogurt version.
Closing For Death by Chocolate Cake
And there you have it—a rich, decadent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. This Death by Chocolate Cake is sure to impress your family and friends. Don’t forget to let us know how your cake turns out, and consider checking out some of our other recipes for more culinary inspiration!
Frequently Asked Questions For Death by Chocolate Cake
- Can I use dark cocoa powder?
Yes, it will give the cake a deeper chocolate flavor. - How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. - Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. - Can I make cupcakes instead?
Absolutely! Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-20 minutes. - What’s the best way to frost the cake?
Use an offset spatula for smooth, even layers. - Can I use a different frosting?
Yes, cream cheese frosting or ganache would work well. - How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
Grease and flour the pans thoroughly, or use parchment paper. - Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, bake the cakes a day in advance and frost before serving. - What’s a good substitute for sour cream?
Greek yogurt or buttermilk works well. - Can I add coffee to the batter?
Yes, replace the boiling water with hot coffee for a richer flavor. - How do I make the cake extra moist?
Don’t overbake it, and ensure you’re using enough sour cream. - Can I use a different topping?
Yes, try chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or fresh berries.