Name: Nestle’s House Toll Death by Chocolate Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box Devil’s Food Cake mix; 1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding; 5 eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 cup sour cream or buttermilk; 3/4 cup brewed coffee; 2 cups Nestle Toll House chocolate chips; 1 piece salted butter (about 1/2 cup); 2 tablespoons cocoa powder; 1/2 bag powdered sugar (about 2 cups); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for ganache); 3 tablespoons milk; 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: Using a cake mix and instant pudding simplifies the process without compromising flavor.
Decadent Chocolate Flavor: Between the rich cake, chocolate chips, and ganache frosting, it’s a chocolate lover’s paradise.
Moist and Tender: Sour cream or buttermilk ensures a soft, moist texture.
Customizable: Add nuts, chocolate chunks, or whipped cream to suit your taste.
Showstopping Dessert: Its towering layers and glossy ganache make it impressive enough for any gathering.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cake:
1 box Devil’s Food Cake mix
1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding
5 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup sour cream or buttermilk
3/4 cup brewed coffee
2 cups Nestle Toll House chocolate chips

Ganache Frosting:
1 piece salted butter
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1/2 bag powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons milk
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

directions

Prepare the Cake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the cake pan with butter or non-stick spray.
In a large bowl, combine the Devil’s Food Cake mix and instant chocolate pudding.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, sour cream or buttermilk, and brewed coffee until smooth.

Combine and Bake

Gradually mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients until smooth and lump-free.
Fold in chocolate chips evenly.
Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Ganache Frosting

Melt salted butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
Stir in cocoa powder, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and glossy.
If desired, fold in chopped walnuts.
Pour warm ganache over cooled cake, letting it drip down the sides.

Serve

Serve warm by microwaving slices briefly to enhance chocolate flavor.
Or serve at room temperature with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 12

Variations

Nutty Chocolate: Add chopped hazelnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter.
Double Chocolate: Use white chocolate chips alongside regular chocolate chips.
Coffee Infused: Increase brewed coffee to 1 cup for a mocha twist.
Frosting Options: Top with cream cheese frosting or whipped ganache for a different texture.

storage/reheating

Store covered at room temperature for 1–2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Ganache may firm up in the fridge; gently warm slices in the microwave before serving.
Cake can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

FAQs

Can I use a different chocolate cake mix?

Yes, any chocolate cake mix can be used, though Devil’s Food is recommended for the richest flavor.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, it can be baked a day in advance and stored covered at room temperature or refrigerated.

Can I skip the coffee?

Yes, replace with water or milk, but coffee enhances the chocolate flavor.

Is it necessary to use a water bath?

This recipe does not require a water bath since it uses a cake mix.

Can I make it gluten-free?

You can use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and ensure pudding mix is gluten-free.

Can I substitute walnuts?

Yes, use pecans, almonds, or omit nuts entirely.

How do I prevent the ganache from hardening too much?

Serve at room temperature or slightly warm the cake slices before serving.

Can I use dark chocolate instead of chocolate chips?

Yes, chop dark chocolate and fold into the batter for a richer flavor.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, double all ingredients and bake in larger pans, adjusting baking time as needed.

How do I store leftovers?

Cover the cake with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Conclusion

Nestle’s House Toll Death by Chocolate Cake is the ultimate dessert for chocolate enthusiasts. With its moist cake layers, rich chocolate chips, and glossy ganache, it’s both a visual and flavorful masterpiece. Easy to make yet impressive enough for celebrations, this cake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser every time.