INSTRUCTIONS:
Follow these steps to make the Nestlé Toll House Death by Chocolate Cake:
Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until well combined.
- Add the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix on medium speed until well blended.
- Reduce the mixer speed to low and slowly add the boiling water. Beat on high speed for about 1 minute to add air to the batter.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Chocolate Frosting:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until creamy.
- Gradually add the cocoa powder and mix until well combined.
- Alternately add the powdered sugar and milk, beating on low speed until fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract.
- Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Fold in the melted chocolate morsels until well blended.
Prepare the Filling:
- In a medium mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on high speed until stiff peaks form.
Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of the whipped cream filling over the top.
- Sprinkle a handful of chocolate morsels over the whipped cream.
- Place the second cake layer on top and repeat the process with another layer of whipped cream and chocolate morsels.
- Add the third cake layer on top.
Frost the Cake:
- Apply a crumb coat of chocolate frosting to the entire cake and chill for 15 minutes.
- Remove from the refrigerator and apply a thick, even layer of chocolate frosting over the entire cake.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings or curls, if desired.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice the cake and serve to your delighted guests. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Why This Recipe Works
- Rich Chocolate Flavor: The combination of cocoa powder and melted chocolate morsels in both the cake and frosting creates an intense chocolate flavor that is irresistible.
- Moist and Tender Cake: Adding boiling water to the batter helps to bloom the cocoa powder, resulting in a moist, tender cake with a deep chocolate flavor.
- Decadent Frosting: The chocolate frosting is creamy and rich, perfectly complementing the fluffy whipped cream filling.
- Texture Contrast: The crunchy chocolate morsels in the filling provide a delightful contrast to the soft cake and creamy frosting.
