Toll House Death By Chocolate Cake Recipe

The Ultimate Toll House Death By Chocolate Cake Recipe

Ever since discovering this legendary toll house death by chocolate cake, my dessert world transformed completely.

Chocolate lovers recognize pure indulgence when they see it.

Rich cocoa layers promise an extraordinary experience for anyone seeking decadent sweetness.

Silky ganache cascades between moist cake tiers, creating magical moments of pure bliss.

Delicate chocolate chips scattered throughout add surprising texture and depth.

Baking this masterpiece means crafting something truly spectacular that surprises everyone at the table.

You will want to savor every single incredible bite of this extraordinary chocolate creation.

Best Drinks for Toll House Death by Chocolate Cake

  • Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a rich Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the intense chocolate flavors, cutting through the cake's decadent sweetness with robust fruit undertones.
  • Serve with Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Create a temperature and flavor contrast by adding a scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream, which balances the warm chocolate cake's richness and provides a cool, silky texture.
  • Match with Espresso or Strong Coffee: Brew a shot of espresso or dark roast coffee to enhance the cake's deep chocolate notes and coffee undertones, amplifying the dessert's complex flavor profile.
  • Add Caramel Liqueur: Drizzle a small amount of caramel-flavored liqueur over the cake or serve alongside as a sophisticated adult accompaniment that introduces complementary sweet and buttery notes.

Extra Rich Chocolate Cake Ideas

  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Haven: Replace regular cake mix with gluten-free cake mix and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Dairy-Free Chocolate Dream: Swap sour cream with coconut yogurt, use almond milk instead of dairy milk, and select dairy-free chocolate chips to accommodate lactose-intolerant bakers.
  • Vegan Chocolate Bliss: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use vegetable oil, select plant-based milk, and choose dark chocolate chips without milk solids for a completely animal-product-free version.
  • Low-Sugar Chocolate Option: Utilize sugar-free cake mix, replace sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and select sugar-free chocolate pudding mix to create a diabetic-friendly dessert.

FAQs

  • What makes Toll House Death by Chocolate Cake so rich and moist?

The combination of chocolate pudding mix, brewed coffee, and sour cream creates an incredibly moist texture that keeps the cake soft and prevents it from drying out.

  • Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have everything on hand?

Yes, you can replace sour cream with buttermilk, and if you don’t have brewed coffee, you can use hot water with a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.

  • How do I know when the cake is perfectly baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake – if it comes out clean with just a few crumbs, the cake is done. Avoid overbaking to maintain its moisture.

  • Is this cake suitable for chocolate lovers?

Absolutely! With chocolate chips in the batter, cocoa powder in the ganache, and a chocolate pudding mix, this cake is a chocolate lover’s ultimate dream dessert.

Toll House Cake That Chocolate Lovers Go Crazy For

  • Elevate Chocolate Indulgence: Discover a decadent cake that transforms ordinary baking into a luxurious experience.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like buttermilk or sour cream, making this recipe adaptable for any baker's pantry.
  • Quick and Foolproof Preparation: Mix ingredients in just two bowls, with minimal steps ensuring even novice bakers can create a stunning dessert.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for an irresistible treat that delights both family and guests at gatherings.

Toll House Death by Chocolate Cake Ingredients

Cake Ingredients:
  • Cake Mix, Chocolate Pudding Mix: Base for rich chocolate cake with easy preparation.
  • Eggs: Provides structure and moisture to the cake.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall chocolate flavor with warm undertones.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures cake remains moist and tender.
  • Sour Cream or Buttermilk: Adds tangy richness and soft texture.
  • Brewed Coffee: Deepens chocolate flavor complexity.
Chocolate Chips and Nut Ingredients:
  • Chocolate Chips: Adds extra chocolate bursts throughout the cake.
  • Pecan Pieces: Provides delightful crunch and nutty dimension.
Ganache Topping Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creates smooth, glossy ganache base.
  • Cocoa Powder: Intensifies deep chocolate flavor.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken ganache.
  • Vanilla Extract: Rounds out chocolate flavor profile.
  • Milk: Helps achieve ideal ganache consistency.

Cake Instructions for Toll House Death by Chocolate

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

Set the oven to 350°F and coat a bundt cake pan with cooking spray or butter to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, blending the cake mix and chocolate pudding mix thoroughly until well incorporated.

Step 3: Prepare Liquid Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients:
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract
  • Vegetable oil
  • Sour cream
  • Brewed coffee

Blend until the mixture is smooth and consistent.

Step 4: Create Cake Batter

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until a rich chocolate batter forms without overmixing.

Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips

Carefully fold chocolate chips into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and bake for 45 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.

Step 7: Cool the Cake

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving plate.

Step 8: Create Chocolate Ganache

In a saucepan over low heat, melt butter and then add:
  • Cocoa powder
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Milk
  • Pecan pieces

Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.

Step 9: Finish and Serve

Pour the warm ganache over the cooled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.

Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent dessert.

Death by Chocolate Tips for Toll House Lovers

  • Add an extra shot of espresso or use dark roast coffee for a more intense chocolate-coffee taste.
  • Swap regular chocolate chips with dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips to deepen the richness.
  • Toss chocolate chips in a little flour before folding into the batter to keep them evenly distributed during baking.
  • Substitute regular cake mix with a gluten-free version and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
  • Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter texture while maintaining the cake's moisture.

Store Toll House Death by Chocolate Cake

  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping it fresh and moist in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months, preserving the cake's rich chocolate flavor.
  • Microwave slices for 15-20 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore the cake's soft, decadent texture.
  • Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream to revive the cake's delicious taste when reheating.
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Toll House Death By Chocolate Cake Recipe

Toll House Death By Chocolate Cake Recipe


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4.6 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Chocolate lovers will swoon over this luxurious Toll House Death by Chocolate Cake, packed with rich layers of indulgence. Rich chocolate ganache and moist cake crumb create an irresistible dessert that connects you to pure chocolate bliss.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 box devils food cake mix
  • 1 box (3.9 ounces / 110 grams) instant chocolate pudding
  • 2 cups Nestle Toll House chocolate chips
  • 5 eggs
  • 3/4 cup oil
  • 1 cup sour cream or buttermilk

Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 3/4 cup brewed coffee
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ganache Icing Ingredients:

  • 1 stick (113 grams / 4 ounces) salted butter
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1/2 box powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 cup pecan pieces

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly grease a bundt pan to prevent cake from sticking and ensure easy removal.
  2. Combine all dry ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl, whisking chocolate pudding mix and cake mix until uniformly blended.
  3. Create a separate mixture by vigorously whisking liquid components, integrating eggs, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, sour cream, and freshly brewed coffee until completely smooth.
  4. Gently merge dry and liquid mixtures, stirring carefully to avoid overmixing and maintain a light cake texture.
  5. Delicately fold chocolate chips into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
  6. Transfer cake batter into the prepared bundt pan, spreading it uniformly to ensure consistent baking.
  7. Place pan in a preheated oven at 350°F and bake for approximately 45 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick that should emerge clean.
  8. Allow cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, facilitating easier removal and preventing potential crumbling.
  9. Carefully invert cake onto a large serving plate, allowing it to cool completely before applying ganache.
  10. Prepare ganache by melting butter over low heat in a saucepan, creating a smooth base.
  11. Incorporate cocoa powder, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, milk, and chopped pecans into the melted butter, stirring until achieving a silky, glossy consistency.
  12. Pour warm ganache generously over the cooled cake, allowing it to cascade beautifully down the sides.
  13. Serve immediately, optionally accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and reheat briefly in microwave if needed for optimal enjoyment.

Notes

  • Choose high-quality chocolate chips for extra richness and deeper chocolate flavor.
  • Brew fresh, strong coffee to enhance the chocolate’s depth without overpowering the cake’s sweetness.
  • Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version that maintains moisture.
  • Reduce sugar content by using dark cocoa powder and semi-sweet chocolate chips for health-conscious bakers.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 42 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 65 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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