If you believe there is no such thing as too much chocolate, pull up a chair.
Because this Nestlé Toll House Death by Chocolate Cake is not trying to be subtle.
It's rich.
It's fudgy.
It's packed with chocolate flavor.
And when you slice into it and see those moist, chocolatey layers covered with creamy frosting and chocolate chips, you know you're in for something special.
This is the kind of cake you make when a regular chocolate cake simply isn't enough.
Birthday? Absolutely.
Holiday dessert? Of course.
Chocolate craving at 8 p.m.? I completely understand.
Or maybe you're just looking for that one spectacular dessert that makes everyone stop talking for a second after the first bite.
Yep.
This is that cake.
What Is Death by Chocolate Cake?
Death by Chocolate is essentially the ultimate celebration of chocolate.
Instead of using chocolate in just one part of the dessert, this cake layers chocolate flavor throughout.
You've got a moist chocolate cake, chocolate chips, rich chocolate frosting, and even more chocolate sprinkled over the top.
The result is intensely chocolaty without needing anything complicated.
And the Nestlé Toll House chocolate chips make it even better by adding little pockets of melted chocolate throughout the cake.
Why You'll Love This Cake
There are plenty of reasons this recipe disappears quickly!
- Seriously chocolatey: Chocolate cake, chocolate chips, and chocolate frosting all work together.
- Rich and moist: The cake stays wonderfully tender.
- Perfect for celebrations: It's impressive enough for birthdays and holidays.
- Easy to customize: Add nuts, extra chocolate chips, or a drizzle of ganache.
- Feeds a crowd: One beautiful layer cake gives you plenty of servings.
- Make-ahead friendly: The cake layers can be prepared ahead of time.
- Chocolate lover approved: If chocolate is your favorite dessert category, you're going to love this.
What Does Death by Chocolate Cake Taste Like?
Imagine a classic chocolate cake turned all the way up.
The cake itself is soft and deeply chocolatey, while the chocolate chips add little bursts of melted chocolate.
Then the frosting brings another layer of rich, creamy chocolate flavor.
It's sweet, decadent, and wonderfully fudgy.
The texture is just as important as the flavor.
You get soft cake, creamy frosting, and little bits of chocolate in every bite.
Honestly, a small slice goes a long way.
But nobody ever said you couldn't have another one later!
Ingredients You'll Need
For the Chocolate Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee or hot water
- 1½ cups Nestlé Toll House semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Chocolate Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup heavy cream or milk, plus more if needed
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
