Nestles Toll House Death by Chocolate Cake

If you’re a chocolate lover, the Nestles Toll House Death by Chocolate Cake is the ultimate indulgence. This rich chocolate cake recipe combines layers of moist chocolate cake with creamy chocolate frosting, creating a dessert experience that’s irresistible. Each bite is a celebration of chocolate, featuring rich flavors and exquisite textures. Perfect for celebrations or just a cozy night in, this cake is sure to impress friends and family alike. Let’s dive into the delectable details!

Ingredients

• For the Chocolate Cake:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 cup Nestle Toll House chocolate chips
• For the Creamy Chocolate Frosting:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (more if needed for consistency)

Note: For a more intense chocolate flavor, consider using high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips. You can substitute almond milk for a dairy-free option to accommodate different dietary needs. When selecting your cocoa powder, look for brands that are labeled “Dutch-processed” for a richer and deeper taste. Additionally, using fresh eggs can enhance the cake’s moisture. You can learn more about this topic.

Steps / Instructions

1. Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it is properly preheated for even baking. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, ensuring the sides and bottom are coated to prevent sticking. You can also line the bottoms with parchment paper for added security, which helps to remove the cakes easily after baking.
2. Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Sifting not only mixes the ingredients but also aerates the flour, which helps the cake to rise nicely and become fluffy. Take a moment to admire the rich, dark color of the cocoa powder as it blends with the other dry ingredients.
3. Add wet ingredients: Add the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth. The mixture will be thick at first, but as you mix, it will become glossy and well-integrated. This is the time to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
4. Incorporate boiling water: Carefully stir in the boiling water until the batter is well combined. The batter will be thin, which is normal for a moist chocolate cake. This step is crucial as it activates the cocoa powder, enhancing the chocolate flavor and contributing to the cake’s moist texture.
5. Add chocolate chips: Gently fold in the Nestle Toll House chocolate chips until evenly distributed. This crucial step adds delicious pockets of melted chocolate throughout the cake that will create a delightful surprise in every bite. Make sure not to overmix; you want to maintain the fluffy texture of the batter.
6. Bake the cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cakes to avoid overbaking; they should have a slight bounce when gently pressed. A perfect bake will yield a cake that is moist yet firm.
7. Cool the cakes: Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely. Allow the cakes to cool thoroughly to prevent melting the frosting during assembly; this step is essential for achieving a beautiful finish.
8. Prepare the frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, mixing on low speed initially to avoid a sugar dust cloud. Add the vanilla and heavy cream, beating until the frosting is fluffy and smooth. Adjust the consistency with more cream if necessary; it should be spreadable but not too runny, ensuring that it holds its shape when applied to the cake.
9. Assemble the cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top, ensuring an even distribution. Then place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake, creating a smooth finish. Take your time with this step to achieve an elegant appearance.
10. Decorate and serve: Optionally, garnish with additional chocolate chips or shavings for an elegant touch. Slice and serve this decadent dessert to your guests! Consider serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries to contrast the rich chocolate; the combination elevates the dessert experience.

Tips & Tricks

• Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. If refrigerated, let the cake come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. You can also freeze slices; wrap them in plastic wrap for longer-lasting freshness.
• Make-ahead option: You can bake the cake layers ahead of time. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days before frosting. You can even freeze the layers for up to a month; just allow them to thaw in the fridge overnight before frosting to retain moisture.
• Avoiding dry cake: Be careful not to overbake. Check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested time. If the cakes are rising too much, you may need to reduce the temperature slightly to ensure even baking without drying out the texture.
• Frosting consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of heavy cream at a time until you reach the desired spreadable consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar to thicken it, creating a rich, velvety texture that compliments the chocolate cake.
• Using baking tools: A good quality spatula and offset knife can help create a smooth frosting finish. For added flair, you can use a piping bag to pipe decorative borders or rosettes on the cake, enhancing its visual appeal and making it even more inviting.

Variations

For those looking to customize the Nestles Toll House Death by Chocolate Cake, consider the following: Check out our related guide for more tips.

• Vegan option: Substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use almond milk and dairy-free butter in the frosting to make it vegan-friendly, allowing everyone to enjoy this decadent treat.
• Gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this dessert accessible to those with gluten sensitivities. Ensure that your baking powder is gluten-free as well, so everyone can partake in this chocolate delight.
• Different flavors: Add a splash of espresso or coffee to the batter to enhance the chocolate flavor profile. For a fruity twist, consider adding pureed raspberries or cherries between the layers, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate.