Introduction
This cake isn’t just chocolate — it’s Death by Chocolate. Inspired by the beloved Nestlé Toll House tradition, this dessert layers deep chocolate flavor with melty chips, moist crumb, and rich cocoa. A showstopper for true chocoholics, it’s the kind of dessert that silences the room with the first bite.
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Origin and Cultural Significance
The Toll House name traces back to the 1930s when Ruth Wakefield invented the original chocolate chip cookie using Nestlé chocolate. That small act of creativity sparked one of America’s most iconic dessert brands. Building on that legacy, this “Death by Chocolate” cake pays homage to Toll House chocolate in its most indulgent form — loaded, layered, and luxurious. It’s a go-to dessert for birthdays, potlucks, and celebrations where only the richest chocolate will do.
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Ingredients & Quantity
For the Cake:
1 box devil’s food cake mix
1 (3.9 oz) package instant chocolate pudding mix
4 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
½ cup vegetable oil
½ cup water
2 cups Nestlé Toll House semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Ganache (Optional):
1 cup Nestlé Toll House chocolate chips
½ cup heavy cream
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Optional Additions
Chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch
Espresso powder (½ tsp) to intensify chocolate flavor
White chocolate chips for contrast
Dash of cinnamon or chili powder for depth
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Tips for Success
Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing.
Don’t overmix once the flour is added — it keeps the cake tender.
Use a Bundt pan or layer cake pans for best visual appeal.
Let cake cool fully before adding ganache or glaze to prevent melting.
Refrigerate leftovers — this cake gets fudgier the next day.
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Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a Bundt or 9×13 inch cake pan.
2. Mix Batter: In a large bowl, beat cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, sour cream, oil, water, and vanilla until thick and smooth. Fold in chocolate chips.
3. Bake: Pour into prepared pan and bake for 45–50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn onto wire rack.
4. Ganache (optional): Heat cream in a saucepan until just simmering. Pour over chocolate chips in a bowl. Wait 2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Pour over cooled cake.
5. Serve: Let ganache set before slicing. Serve with whipped cream or berries if desired.
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Description
Dense, rich, and unapologetically chocolatey, this cake is what dessert dreams are made of. The chocolate chips melt into little puddles, while the pudding and sour cream keep it incredibly moist. With every bite, you get layers of texture and deep cocoa bliss — it truly earns the name Death by Chocolate.
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Nutritional Information (approx. per slice, 1/12 of cake):
Calories: 440
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Sugar: 34g
Protein: 5g
Fiber: 3g
(Values vary depending on added ingredients and toppings.)
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Conclusion and Recommendation
This cake is not for the faint of heart — it’s a celebration of all things chocolate. Perfect for chocoholics, festive dinners, or when you just need a pick-me-up dessert that delivers pure indulgence. Pair with coffee, a glass of milk, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for next-level enjoyment.
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Embracing Healthful Indulgence
Even decadent treats can be mindful with a few swaps:
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for added protein.
Substitute applesauce or avocado for part of the oil.
Choose dark chocolate chips (60% cacao or higher) for antioxidants.
Bake in mini loaf or muffin tins for portion control.
Add in shredded zucchini or beets for moisture and nutrients (and no one will notice!).
A slice of something special — when made thoughtfully — can be both soul-soothing and balanced.