Death By Chocolate Cake Recipe is an incredibly rich and indulgent dessert made with layers of moist chocolate cake, creamy chocolate frosting, and a luscious chocolate ganache drip.
This Death By Chocolate Cake Recipe offers deep, intense chocolate flavor that satisfies any chocolate lover’s cravings. Making this cake takes about an hour and ten minutes, including preparation and baking.
The combination of chocolate chips, coffee, and sour cream creates a moist texture and bold taste. Now, I will guide you step-by-step on how to create this delicious Death By Chocolate Cake Recipe at home.
Death By Chocolate Cake Recipe
This Death By Chocolate Cake recipe brings together multiple layers of rich chocolate flavor for an unforgettable dessert experience.
The base is a moist chocolate cake made even more decadent by adding instant chocolate pudding and coffee, which enhances the chocolate taste.
The cake is filled and covered with a creamy chocolate frosting that balances sweetness and smoothness perfectly. A silky chocolate ganache drip adds a luxurious finishing touch.
This Death By Chocolate Cake Recipe is designed to be approachable yet impressive, making it a great choice for celebrations or any time you want to indulge in a deep, satisfying chocolate treat.
How To Prepare Death By Chocolate Cake Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 10 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Yield: 12 servings

Kitchen Utensils Needed
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9×13 inch cake pans (2)
- Spatula
- Saucepan (for ganache)
- Wire whisk
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 1 box Devil’s Food cake mix
- 1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 5 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup sour cream or buttermilk
- 3/4 cup brewed coffee, cooled
- 2 cups Nestlé Toll House chocolate chips
For the Chocolate Frosting:
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream (add more if needed)
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
- 2 cups unsalted butter (4 sticks, 16 ounces), very soft
- 4 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons hot fudge sauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Ganache Drip:
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate
- 4 oz heavy whipping cream
To make this Death By Chocolate Cake Recipe perfectly, let’s walk through each step carefully! I’ve explained everything clearly to help you follow along easily.
I’ve also included a list of helpful tools that can make the process smoother, though they aren’t all necessary.
Don’t worry if you don’t have everything use what’s available, and you’ll still end up with a rich, delicious chocolate cake everyone will love!
How To Make Death By Chocolate Cake Recipe
1. Making the Cake Batter:
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, mix together the Devil’s Food cake mix and instant chocolate pudding mix. Add the eggs, vanilla, vegetable oil, sour cream (or buttermilk), and cooled coffee. Beat everything on medium speed until smooth and combined. Stir in the chocolate chips at the end.
2. Baking the Cake:
Prepare two 9×13 inch pans by greasing them or lining with parchment paper. Pour the batter evenly into both pans. Bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, let the cakes cool completely on a wire rack.
3. Making the Chocolate Frosting:
Beat very soft butter until creamy using a mixer. Gradually mix in sifted powdered sugar and cocoa powder, alternating with heavy cream. Continue beating until light and fluffy. Stir in hot fudge sauce, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Add more cream if you want a thinner consistency.
4. Preparing the Ganache Drip:
Chop semi-sweet chocolate finely and place it in a heatproof bowl. Heat the heavy cream just until it starts to simmer, then pour over the chocolate. Let it sit for a minute before stirring gently until smooth and shiny. Allow it to cool slightly before using.
5. Assembling the Cake:
Place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread a thick layer of frosting on top. Add the second cake layer and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting evenly.
6. Adding the Ganache Drip:
Use a spoon or piping bag to carefully drip the ganache around the edges of the cake. Pour the rest over the top and smooth it out gently.
7. Finishing Touch:
Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes so the frosting and ganache firm up. Before serving, let the cake sit at room temperature to bring out the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition Facts Of Death By Chocolate Cake Recipe
Nutrition | Amounts |
---|---|
Calories | 650 kcal |
Fat | 45g |
Carbohydrates | 60g |
Protein | 6g |
Sugar | 45g |
What Is The Best Serving And Decorating Ideas
The best way to serve this Death By Chocolate Cake Recipe is chilled slightly so the frosting and ganache hold their shape but still feel soft and creamy.
For decorating, fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries add a bright contrast and a touch of freshness. You can also sprinkle chopped nuts or chocolate shavings on top for extra texture.
A dusting of cocoa powder or powdered sugar around the edges gives a nice finish. Simple edible flowers or a drizzle of caramel can add elegance for special occasions.
Tips For Best Results
● Make sure eggs and butter are at room temperature for better blending.
● Use cooled, freshly brewed coffee to deepen the chocolate taste.
● Sift dry ingredients like cocoa powder and powdered sugar to avoid clumps in the frosting.
● Mix the cake batter gently and only until everything is combined to keep it light.
● Let the cake layers cool completely before applying frosting to keep it firm.
● Cool the ganache until slightly thickened to create smooth, controlled drips on the cake.
Additions And Variations
Additions
- Chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch
- Mini chocolate chips mixed into the batter
- A tablespoon of espresso powder to intensify chocolate flavor
- Shredded coconut sprinkled between layers
- Fresh raspberries or strawberries as a fruity layer
Variations
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangy twist
- Swap semi-sweet chocolate ganache for white chocolate ganache
- Add a layer of caramel sauce between cake layers
- Incorporate a hint of chili powder or cinnamon for warmth
- Replace vegetable oil with melted butter for richer taste
Substitutions You Can Use For This Cake Recipe:
➤ Sour cream: Replace with buttermilk or plain Greek yogurt for a similar tang and moisture.
➤ Vegetable oil: Use melted coconut oil or melted butter instead.
➤ Instant pudding mix: You can skip it, but the cake will be less moist and rich.
➤ Coffee: Use hot water or strong black tea to keep the deep flavor without caffeine.
➤ Heavy cream (for frosting and ganache): Substitute with full-fat coconut milk or half-and-half.
How Do I Store This Cake?
Store the Death By Chocolate Cake Recipe covered in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap to keep it fresh. Keep it refrigerated to maintain the frosting and ganache’s texture.
Before serving, let the Death By Chocolate Cake Recipe sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften slightly and bring out the flavors.
This Death By Chocolate Cake Recipe will stay good for up to 4-5 days when properly stored in the fridge. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices wrapped well for up to a month.
FAQs For Death By Chocolate Cake Recipe
Can I use homemade cake instead of a cake mix?
Yes, you can bake your favorite chocolate cake from scratch and follow the rest of the recipe for frosting and ganache.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is done.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix or homemade gluten-free cake recipe as a base.
How long does the ganache take to set?
Ganache usually firms up in about 30 minutes when refrigerated but can vary based on thickness.
Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake layers or the fully assembled cake wrapped tightly for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Conclusion
This easy and delicious Death By Chocolate Cake Recipe is sure to be a hit once you make it. The rich layers of moist chocolate cake, creamy frosting, and smooth ganache create an unforgettable dessert experience.
I hope the step-by-step method was clear and simple to follow, making the baking process enjoyable for you. Soon, you will be able to create this impressive cake at home and share it with friends and family.
Enjoy the incredible chocolate flavor and the satisfaction of baking something truly special.