For the Topping

  • ½ cup Nestlé Toll House chocolate chips
  • Chocolate shavings, optional
  • Chocolate curls, optional

What Kind of Chocolate Chips Should You Use?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips are a wonderful choice because they provide plenty of chocolate flavor without making the cake overwhelmingly sweet.

You can also experiment with:

  • Milk chocolate chips
  • Dark chocolate chips
  • Mini chocolate chips
  • Chocolate chunks
  • A combination of semi-sweet and dark chocolate

If you're a serious dark-chocolate fan, swapping in dark chocolate chips gives the cake a deeper, slightly less-sweet flavor.

Tools You'll Need

Before you start, gather:

  • Two 9-inch round cake pans
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cooling rack
  • Offset spatula or cake spatula
  • Parchment paper

A cake turntable is helpful for frosting, but definitely not required.

How to Make Nestlé Toll House Death by Chocolate Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.

Line the bottoms with parchment paper, then lightly grease the parchment as well.

This makes removing the finished cakes much easier.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:

  • Flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Sugar
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Whisk until everything is evenly combined.

Breaking up any cocoa lumps now will save you trouble later.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla.

Beat until the mixture is smooth and combined.

Don't worry if the batter seems fairly loose.

That's exactly what you want.

Step 4: Add the Hot Coffee

Slowly pour in the hot coffee while mixing on low speed.

The batter will become even thinner.

Again, don't panic!

A thin chocolate cake batter can produce an incredibly moist cake.

If you don't want to use coffee, hot water works too.

Coffee simply helps intensify the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.

Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the Nestlé Toll House chocolate chips.

Try not to overmix the batter.

You want those chocolate chips distributed throughout without unnecessarily developing the gluten in the flour.

Step 6: Divide the Batter

Pour the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.

If you want perfectly even layers, you can use a kitchen scale to divide the batter.

Give the pans a gentle tap on the counter to release any large air bubbles.

Step 7: Bake

Place the pans in the preheated oven.

Bake for approximately 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.

Don't wait for the toothpick to come out completely dry.

That can mean you've gone too far.

Step 8: Cool the Cakes

Let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes.

Then carefully turn them out onto cooling racks.

Remove the parchment paper and allow the cake layers to cool completely.

This is important.

Do not try to frost warm cake.

The frosting will melt and slide right off.

And nobody wants a chocolate avalanche!

How to Make the Chocolate Frosting

Step 1: Beat the Butter

Place the softened butter in a large mixing bowl.

Beat until smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Add Cocoa and Powdered Sugar

Add the cocoa powder and powdered sugar gradually.

Mix on low speed at first to avoid creating a giant cloud of powdered sugar in your kitchen.

Trust me.

I've learned this one the messy way!

Step 3: Add Cream and Vanilla

Pour in the heavy cream or milk and vanilla extract.

Add the salt.

Beat on medium-high speed until the frosting becomes light, creamy, and spreadable.

If it's too thick, add a small splash of cream.

If it's too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.

How to Assemble the Cake

Place one completely cooled cake layer on your serving plate.

Spread a generous layer of chocolate frosting over the top.

Sprinkle with a handful of chocolate chips if you want even more chocolate in the middle.

Place the second cake layer on top.

Then frost the top and sides of the entire cake.

Don't worry about making it perfectly smooth.

A slightly rustic chocolate cake looks absolutely beautiful.

Finish with extra chocolate chips, chocolate shavings, or chocolate curls.

And there it is.

Death by Chocolate.

Tips for the Best Chocolate Cake

Don't Overmix

Once the flour has been incorporated, mix only until the batter is combined.

Overmixing can lead to a tougher cake.

Use Room-Temperature Ingredients

Room-temperature eggs and buttermilk generally blend more smoothly into the batter.

Don't Overbake

This is one of the biggest secrets to keeping chocolate cake moist.

Start checking a few minutes before the recipe's expected baking time.

Let the Cake Cool Completely

I know you're excited.

But patience pays off.

A completely cooled cake is much easier to frost.

Don't Pack Your Flour

For consistent results, spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off rather than scooping directly from the flour container.

Use Good Cocoa Powder

Since chocolate is the star here, cocoa quality matters.

Choose an unsweetened cocoa powder you enjoy.

How to Make This Cake Extra Fudgy

Want to take the chocolate situation even further?

Try one or more of these additions:

  • Add a thin layer of chocolate ganache between the cakes.
  • Sprinkle extra chocolate chips over the frosting.
  • Add chocolate chunks to the batter.
  • Drizzle the finished cake with warm ganache.
  • Add chocolate curls to the top.
  • Serve each slice with chocolate ice cream.

There is no need to apologize.

You've already committed to Death by Chocolate.

Go all the way!

Optional Chocolate Ganache

For an especially decadent finish, make a simple ganache.

Heat ½ cup heavy cream until steaming but not boiling.

Pour it over 1 cup chopped chocolate.

Let it sit for a couple of minutes, then stir until smooth.

Allow the ganache to cool slightly before drizzling it over the cake.

You want it thick enough to create those beautiful drips without running completely off the cake.

Delicious Variations

Add Chopped Pecans

Fold chopped pecans into the batter or sprinkle them over the frosting.

The crunch is fantastic against the soft cake.

Make It A Mocha Cake

Use strong coffee in the batter and add a small amount of espresso powder to the frosting.

Add Caramel

Drizzle caramel sauce between the layers or over the finished cake.

Chocolate and caramel are an almost unfairly good combination.

Use Dark Chocolate

Replace some or all of the semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.

Add Peanut Butter

Spread a thin layer of creamy peanut butter between the cake layers before adding the chocolate frosting.

Chocolate and peanut butter lovers, you're welcome.

What to Serve With Death by Chocolate Cake

This cake is already rich, so simple accompaniments work beautifully.

Vanilla Ice Cream

A cold scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a wonderful contrast with the rich chocolate cake.

Fresh Berries

Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries can add a bright, slightly tart element.

Whipped Cream

A little lightly sweetened whipped cream makes each slice feel extra special.

Coffee

A hot cup of coffee alongside a slice is practically mandatory.

At least that's my excuse!

How to Store Chocolate Cake

Cover the cake tightly or place it in an airtight cake container.

Because the frosting contains dairy, refrigerate the cake if you're keeping it for more than a short period.

For the best texture, allow refrigerated slices to sit at room temperature for a little while before serving.

The cake is often even more delicious after it has had time for the flavors to settle.

Can You Freeze Death by Chocolate Cake?

Absolutely.

For the easiest freezing, freeze the unfrosted cake layers individually.

Wrap each completely cooled layer tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Freeze for up to about 2–3 months for best quality.

Thaw the layers in the refrigerator overnight, then bring them closer to room temperature before frosting.

You can also freeze individual frosted slices in airtight containers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use hot water instead of coffee?

Yes. Hot water works perfectly well. Coffee simply enhances the chocolate flavor and doesn't generally make the finished cake taste strongly of coffee.

Why is my chocolate cake batter so thin?

That's normal for this style of chocolate cake. The hot liquid helps create a moist, tender crumb.

Can I make this cake in a 9 x 13-inch pan?

Yes, but the baking time will need to be adjusted. Start checking the cake early and use the toothpick test to determine when it's finished.

Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes. For a simple substitute, you can add about 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a measuring cup, add enough milk to reach 1 cup, stir, and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes before using.

Can I make the cake ahead of time?

Definitely. The cake layers can be baked a day ahead and wrapped tightly once completely cooled.

How do I keep my cake from sticking to the pans?

Grease the pans thoroughly and line the bottoms with parchment paper.

Why did my cake sink in the middle?

A cake can sink for several reasons, including underbaking, opening the oven too early, or using too much leavening. Make sure the center is properly baked before removing it from the oven.

How do I get clean slices?

Use a sharp knife and wipe the blade clean between cuts. Chilling the cake briefly can also make a heavily frosted cake easier to slice neatly.

Recipe at a Glance

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
Cooling Time: About 1 hour
Total Time: About 2 hours
Servings: 12–16
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking

Approximate Nutrition

Because serving sizes and frosting amounts can vary, these numbers are estimates.

Per slice, assuming 16 servings, this cake contains approximately:

  • Calories: 500–600
  • Carbohydrates: 70–80g
  • Fat: 25–30g
  • Protein: 6–8g
  • Sugar: 50–60g

Adding ganache, extra chocolate chips, ice cream, or other toppings will increase the nutritional values.

Final Thoughts

There are chocolate cakes...

And then there are chocolate cakes that make you stop halfway through the first bite and think, Oh, this is serious.

This Nestlé Toll House Death by Chocolate Cake falls firmly into the second category.

It's soft, rich, fudgy, loaded with chocolate chips, covered in creamy chocolate frosting, and completely unapologetic about being decadent.

It's the cake to make when you want dessert to be the main event.

So grab your cocoa, open that bag of chocolate chips, and get the oven warming.

Because when someone asks whether there's such a thing as too much chocolate...

You can simply hand them a slice.

If you make this cake, leave a review and share a photo on Pinterest. I always love seeing how everyone puts their own spin on these recipes!

And if you're still craving chocolate afterward, you might want to try Homemade Crunch Bars, Chocolate Éclair Cake, Chocolate Fudge Brownies, or a rich chocolate sheet cake next.

Happy baking—and remember...

Life is short. Eat the chocolate cake! 🍫

;