Introduction:
If you’re a chocolate lover, our Nestlé Toll House Death by Chocolate Cake is the dessert of your dreams. This decadently rich cake combines the intense flavor of Nestlé Toll House chocolate with layers of chocolate goodness for a truly indulgent treat. Perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or any time you want to satisfy your sweet tooth, this cake is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
- Nestlé Toll House Chocolate Chips: 1 cup, for the ultimate chocolate flavor.
- Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), softened, to create a moist and rich cake texture.
- Sugar: 1 ½ cups, to sweeten the cake perfectly.
- Eggs: 3 large, for structure and moisture.
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 ½ cups, the base for the cake batter.
- Cocoa Powder: ½ cup, for an extra boost of chocolate flavor.
- Baking Powder: 1 ½ teaspoons, to help the cake rise.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon, to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Milk: 1 cup, to create a smooth and creamy batter.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, to add depth of flavor.
For Frosting:
- Nestlé Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: 1 cup, for a rich and creamy chocolate frosting.
- Heavy Cream: ½ cup, to make the frosting smooth and spreadable.
- Powdered Sugar: 1 cup, for sweetness and texture.
- Butter: ¼ cup, softened, to add richness to the frosting.
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the Nestlé Toll House chocolate chips.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- Make the Frosting: For the frosting, melt the Nestlé Toll House chocolate chips with the heavy cream in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in the microwave in 30-second intervals. Once melted and smooth, let it cool slightly before mixing in the powdered sugar and butter until creamy.
- Assemble the Cake: Spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer, then place the second layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining chocolate frosting.
- Serve: Decorate as desired with extra chocolate chips or shavings. Slice and enjoy the ultimate chocolate experience!
Serving and Storage Tips for Nestlé Toll House Death by Chocolate Cake:
Serving Tips:
- Optimal Temperature: For the best texture and flavor, serve the cake at room temperature. Let it sit out for about 30 minutes after removing it from the refrigerator before serving.
- Perfect Slices: Use a sharp knife or a serrated cake knife to cut clean slices. For easier slicing, dip the knife in hot water and wipe it clean between cuts.
- Garnishing: Enhance the cake’s appearance with additional garnishes such as chocolate shavings, a dusting of cocoa powder, or a few fresh berries. You can also top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Portion Control: Given the richness of the cake, smaller slices are often more satisfying. Serve it with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee to complement the intense chocolate flavor.
Storage Tips:
- Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the cake within 1-2 days, you can store it at room temperature. Cover it with a cake dome or plastic wrap to keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep the cake in the refrigerator. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from absorbing any odors and to keep it moist. The cake will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. Place it in an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag. The cake can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- Avoiding Crumbs: When storing leftover cake, ensure it is completely cool before wrapping to avoid condensation, which can make the cake soggy and lead to crumb formation.
Variations for Nestlé Toll House Death by Chocolate Cake:
1. Mint Chocolate Death by Chocolate Cake
- Ingredients: Add 1 teaspoon of mint extract to the cake batter and frosting. Optionally, mix in some chopped Andes mints or mint chocolate chips.
- Instructions: Stir the mint extract into the batter and frosting. Garnish the cake with additional mint chocolate chips or crushed Andes mints for a refreshing minty twist.
2. Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake
- Ingredients: Swirl ½ cup of creamy peanut butter into the cake batter and mix ½ cup of peanut butter into the chocolate frosting.
- Instructions: Add peanut butter swirls to the batter before baking, and blend peanut butter into the frosting. Decorate with chopped peanuts or drizzled peanut butter on top.
3. Espresso Chocolate Cake
- Ingredients: Add 2 tablespoons of instant espresso powder to the cake batter for a rich coffee flavor.
- Instructions: Dissolve the espresso powder in a small amount of hot water before incorporating it into the batter. Enhance the frosting with a bit of espresso powder or coffee for a deeper flavor.
4. Raspberry Chocolate Cake
- Ingredients: Fold 1 cup of fresh or frozen raspberries into the cake batter. Mix raspberry preserves into the frosting.
- Instructions: Gently fold raspberries into the batter and swirl raspberry preserves into the frosting. Garnish with extra raspberries for a fruity touch.
5. Caramel Chocolate Cake
- Ingredients: Add ½ cup of caramel bits to the cake batter and drizzle caramel sauce over the frosting.
- Instructions: Mix caramel bits into the batter before baking and drizzle caramel sauce over the finished cake. You can also add a sprinkle of sea salt for a salted caramel flavor.
6. Hazelnut Chocolate Cake
- Ingredients: Stir ½ cup of finely chopped toasted hazelnuts into the cake batter. Mix ¼ cup of hazelnut spread (like Nutella) into the frosting.
- Instructions: Add chopped hazelnuts to the batter and blend hazelnut spread into the frosting. Top the cake with extra hazelnuts for added crunch.
7. Orange Chocolate Cake
- Ingredients: Incorporate 2 tablespoons of orange zest into the cake batter and add 1 teaspoon of orange extract to the frosting.
- Instructions: Mix orange zest into the batter and blend orange extract into the frosting. Garnish with a few candied orange peels for extra citrusy flair.
8. Cherry Chocolate Cake
- Ingredients: Add 1 cup of chopped maraschino cherries to the cake batter and mix cherry preserves into the frosting.
- Instructions: Fold chopped cherries into the batter and swirl cherry preserves into the frosting. Decorate with additional cherries on top.
9. Toffee Chocolate Cake
- Ingredients: Mix ½ cup of toffee bits into the cake batter and sprinkle more toffee bits on top of the frosting.
- Instructions: Incorporate toffee bits into the batter and frosting, then top the cake with additional toffee bits for a crunchy, sweet finish.
10. Coconut Chocolate Cake
- Ingredients: Add 1 cup of shredded coconut to the cake batter and sprinkle more shredded coconut on top of the frosting.
- Instructions: Mix shredded coconut into the batter and use it to garnish the finished cake. You can also use coconut flakes for a more textured topping.
Conclusion:
The Nestlé Toll House Death by Chocolate Cake is the epitome of chocolate indulgence, combining rich flavors and textures that will delight any chocolate lover. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this cake is sure to impress with its intense chocolate flavor and creamy frosting. Make it for your next gathering and watch it become a new favorite!
FAQ’s About Nestlé Toll House Death by Chocolate Cake:
1. Can I use different types of chocolate for this cake?
Yes, you can use various types of chocolate, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or semi-sweet chocolate. Just ensure that any substitutions you make maintain the balance of sweetness and richness in the cake.
2. How do I ensure my cake turns out moist and not dry?
To keep the cake moist, avoid overmixing the batter and be careful not to overbake it. Check for doneness a few minutes before the recipe’s suggested baking time is up. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
3. Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, you can bake the cake in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months.
4. How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make the cake gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free, including any add-ins like chocolate chips.
5. Can I use a different type of frosting?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for chocolate frosting, you can use any type of frosting you prefer, such as cream cheese frosting, peanut butter frosting, or whipped cream.
6. What’s the best way to store leftover cake?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it in a tightly wrapped container or foil for up to 3 months.
7. How can I make the cake dairy-free?
To make the cake dairy-free, use dairy-free butter and a non-dairy milk (such as almond or soy milk). Ensure that the chocolate chips are also dairy-free or use a vegan chocolate alternative.
8. Can I make this cake as a sheet cake or cupcakes instead of a layer cake?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe to make a sheet cake or cupcakes. For a sheet cake, use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the baking time as needed. For cupcakes, line a muffin tin with paper liners and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. How do I get a smooth finish on the frosting?
To achieve a smooth finish on the frosting, ensure the cake is completely cooled before frosting. Use an offset spatula or a butter knife to spread the frosting evenly. For a smoother finish, you can also heat the spatula slightly or use a bench scraper.
10. What can I do if my cake domed in the middle?
If your cake domed in the middle, you can level it by trimming the top with a serrated knife once it has cooled completely. This will ensure an even surface for frosting and layering.