Nestlé’s House Toll Death by Chocolate Cake

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Indulgence reaches new heights with this decadent Nestlé’s House Toll Death by Chocolate Cake, a true masterpiece for chocolate lovers. This towering dessert is not just a cake—it’s a celebration of all things chocolate, layered with rich, moist chocolate sponge, coated in silky chocolate buttercream, and finished with a luxurious ganache drip. The final touch? A generous crown of chopped chocolate bars and shavings, making each bite a journey through deep, velvety sweetness.

Perfect for birthdays, parties, or any special occasion where you want to impress and indulge, this cake brings the timeless charm of Nestlé’s chocolate to center stage. Whether you’re a baking enthusiast or just craving the ultimate treat, this cake delivers intense chocolate flavor, texture variety, and eye-catching beauty in every slice.

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Ingredients for Nestlé’s House Toll Death by Chocolate Cake

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed)
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot water (or hot brewed coffee for enhanced flavor)

For the Chocolate Buttercream:

• 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, room temperature
• 4 ½ cups powdered sugar
• ¾ cup cocoa powder
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the Ganache Drip:

• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

For the Topping:

• Assorted Nestlé chocolate bars (Crunch, Toll House, Milk Chocolate, etc.), chopped
• Chocolate curls or mini chips for garnish

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Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layers

1. Preheat and Prep
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Mix until well combined.
4. Create the Batter
   Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Once incorporated, carefully pour in the hot water (or coffee), mixing slowly. The batter will be thin—this is normal and results in a moist cake.
5. Bake the Cakes
   Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Step 2: Make the Chocolate Buttercream

1. Cream the Butter
   Beat the softened butter on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).
2. Add Dry Ingredients
   Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, beating on low to incorporate, then on high for a smooth texture.
3. Finish the Frosting
   Add vanilla, salt, and cream, adjusting the consistency to your preference. Beat until the buttercream is airy and spreadable.

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Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. Level and Stack
   If needed, level the cake layers with a serrated knife. Place the first layer on your cake stand, spread a thick layer of buttercream, and repeat for all layers.
2. Crumb Coat and Chill
   Apply a thin layer of buttercream all over the cake to seal in crumbs. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
3. Final Coat
   Spread the remaining buttercream smoothly over the cake using an offset spatula. Chill again briefly before adding the ganache.

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Step 4: Add the Ganache Drip

1. Make Ganache
   Heat cream in a small saucepan until just simmering. Pour it over the chopped chocolate in a bowl. Let sit for a minute, then stir until smooth.
2. Drip Technique
   Once the ganache is slightly cooled but still pourable, drip it along the edges of the chilled cake using a spoon or squeeze bottle. Fill the top center with the rest.

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Step 5: Decorate with Chocolate

1. Chocolate Explosion
   Pile chopped Nestlé bars and chocolate curls on top of the cake while the ganache is still slightly tacky. Press some pieces gently into the sides for a full effect.
2. Chill Before Serving
   Place the finished cake in the fridge to set everything, but let it come to room temperature before slicing for the best flavor.

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Storage Instructions

To keep your Nestlé’s House Toll Death by Chocolate Cake fresh and decadent:

• Short-term Storage (1–3 days): Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap or store it in a cake dome at room temperature if your home isn’t too warm.
• Refrigeration (up to 5 days): For longer freshness, refrigerate the cake in an airtight container. Let it sit at room temperature for 1–2 hours before serving to soften the frosting and ganache.
• Freezing (up to 2 months): Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temp before enjoying.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per slice (based on 12 servings):

• Calories: ~720
• Total Fat: 42g
• Saturated Fat: 24g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 370mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 86g
• Sugars: 65g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 4g

Note: Values are approximate and can vary based on brands and toppings used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boxed cake mix instead?

Yes! You can use a chocolate boxed cake mix as a base to save time. Just enhance it with espresso powder or a touch of vanilla for added depth.

How do I make the cake extra moist?

Using buttermilk and hot coffee in the batter helps intensify the flavor and maintain moisture.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely. Bake the layers up to 2 days in advance and store them wrapped tightly in the fridge. Assemble on the day of serving.

What type of chocolate is best for ganache?

Use high-quality semi-sweet chocolate bars for a smooth, rich ganache. Avoid chocolate chips as they may include stabilizers.

How do I get clean slices?

Use a hot knife! Dip a sharp knife in hot water, wipe it dry, and slice. Repeat between cuts for clean presentation.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. Make sure all your chocolates are gluten-free as well.

Can I skip the ganache drip?

You can, but it adds dramatic flair and richness. If you’re short on time, spread it on top without the drip effect.

How long does the ganache take to set?

It typically takes 10–15 minutes in the fridge to firm up. You’ll know it’s set when it no longer feels tacky.

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