Too Much Chocolate Cake Recipe
Devil's Food Cake
This rich and decadent devil's food cake is perfect for any occasion. With the addition of chocolate chips and a hint of sour cream, this cake is sure to satisfy any chocolate lover's cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 (15.25 ounce) package devil's food cake mix
- 1 (5.9 ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- cup warm water
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Directions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350F (175C). Generously grease a 12-cup Bundt pan to ensure the cake releases easily once baked.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the devil's food cake mix, chocolate pudding mix, sour cream, vegetable oil, warm water, and eggs. Beat together until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
Step 3: Stir in the semisweet chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 4: Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, spreading it evenly to the edges.
Step 5: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes. The cake is done when the top is springy to the touch, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 1 hours. Once cooled, carefully invert the cake onto a plate.
Step 7: If desired, sprinkle powdered sugar over the top of the cake for a finishing touch.
Step 8: Slice, serve, and enjoy this indulgent dessert!
Cooks Notes
- For an extra chocolate boost, add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the batter. This will enhance the chocolate flavor.
- To elevate the dessert, top each serving with a drizzle of caramel sauce. This cake is also delicious when served warm with vanilla ice cream and fresh berries.
- This cake stays moist for several days, making it a great make-ahead dessert. Store in an airtight at room temperature for optimal freshness.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Calories | 515 |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 34g |
| Saturated Fat | 11g |
| Cholesterol | 74mg |
| Sodium | 345mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 52g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Total Sugars | 32g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Vitamin C | 0mg |
| Calcium | 132mg |
| Iron | 2mg |
| Potassium | 199mg |
Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your calorie needs.

This moist chocolate Bundt cake, made with cake mix, instant pudding, sour cream, and chocolate chips, is the ultimate indulgence for chocolate lovers. Its rich, dense, and packed with chocolate flavor in every bite.
Origin Story
The "Too Much Chocolate Cake" recipe, like many popular cake recipes, emerged from home kitchens where bakers were constantly experimenting with ways to make the perfect chocolate cake. The origins of this particular cake can be traced back to the 1990s, a time when cake mixes and pudding mixes were becoming popular shortcuts for home bakers looking to create rich, decadent cakes without the need for long preparation times. This cake quickly gained popularity due to its intense chocolate flavor, and over the years, it has become a beloved classic in American homes.
Regional Variations
While the "Too Much Chocolate Cake" has become an iconic American dessert, it is frequently adapted by home bakers around the world. In some regions, variations include adding coffee or liquor like Baileys Irish Cream to intensify the flavor. Others experiment with different types of chocolate chips, from semi-sweet to dark chocolate or even white chocolate chips, enhancing the cakes richness. In some parts of Europe, where desserts tend to be a little less sweet, bakers may reduce the sugar content and balance the flavor with a touch of sea salt.
How It Differs from Similar Desserts
Compared to other chocolate cakes, the "Too Much Chocolate Cake" stands out because of its use of instant pudding mix, which makes the cake incredibly moist and dense. Unlike traditional chocolate cakes that might rely solely on butter or oil, this recipe uses both oil and sour cream, giving it a rich, tender crumb. Additionally, the inclusion of chocolate chips in the batter results in pockets of melted chocolate throughout the cake, making every slice a chocolate lover's dream. This sets it apart from more traditional chocolate cakes that might be lighter and less decadent.
Where Its Typically Served
The "Too Much Chocolate Cake" is a perfect choice for any occasion that calls for a celebratory treat. It is commonly served at family gatherings, birthdays, and even holidays like Valentines Day, where its deep, intense chocolate flavor is a hit with dessert lovers. It's also a great choice for potlucks and bake sales, as its rich flavor and moist texture stand out among other offerings. In more upscale settings, it can be served as a luxurious dessert at dinner parties, often topped with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of ganache for extra flair.
Fun Facts
- This cake is sometimes referred to as "the chocolate lovers dream" because its made with not just cocoa powder but also instant pudding mix and chocolate chips.
- For those who want to take the chocolate flavor to the next level, some bakers substitute part of the water with brewed coffee, enhancing the deep chocolate taste.
- Some variations of this cake can be made using a bundt pan, but it can also be baked in round cake pans for different presentations, like tiered cakes for weddings or special events.
- Despite being a "shortcut" cake using cake mix, many people consider it as good as, or even better than, cakes made entirely from scratch due to its rich texture and chocolatey taste.
Conclusion
The "Too Much Chocolate Cake" is more than just a dessert; its an experience for anyone who enjoys the depth of rich, chocolatey flavors. Whether you make it for a special occasion or as a sweet treat for yourself, this cake is guaranteed to impress. Its origins as a simple cake mix creation have evolved into a cherished recipe, beloved for its rich flavor and decadent texture. So go ahead, indulge yourself in the ultimate chocolate treatyou wont regret it!
Comments
Sandra Davis
03/06/2024 04:29:49 AM
I was initially hesitant to try a pre-made mix because I usually bake from scratch. However, due to the challenges of baking moist chocolate cakes at high altitudes, I decided to give it a go. And I'm so glad I did! The cake turned out perfectly. I baked it in 9" cake pans for a birthday celebration, filled it with raspberry, and frosted it with chocolate buttercream. It received rave reviews from everyone, as it was incredibly moist. The mini chocolate chips I added melted perfectly, enhancing the texture. My husband even compared it to a brownie cake. Not only does it taste great, but it's also ideal for decorating as it holds its shape without crumbling. This will now be my go-to chocolate cake recipe, and I'm excited to experiment with different fillings and frostings in the future. Yum!
James Moore
11/27/2022 03:23:31 PM
I have been baking this bundt cake recipe since the 1980s. I like to enhance it with a touch of vanilla. Instead of following the original recipe, I use 3/4 cup of oil and 1/4 cup of Hershey's syrup. I also mix in 3/4 cup of semisweet chocolate chips and 3/4 cup of milk chocolate chips for a richer taste. Remember to lower the baking temperature by 25 degrees if you're using a dark non-stick pan. For a simple frosting alternative, you can microwave a can of Milk Chocolate frosting on high for 45 seconds, then drizzle it over the cooled cake. Sprinkle some walnuts or colorful sprinkles on top for an extra touch of flavor.
Sharon Garcia
09/15/2023 11:58:11 AM
I have made this cake twice and it was a hit both times! It's the best chocolate cake ever and everyone loved it.
Brenda Adams
10/17/2024 01:24:21 PM
I substituted vanilla Greek yogurt for sour cream and coconut oil in this recipe. I also added 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to a yellow cake mix. The result was a cake that everyone agreed was the best they had ever tasted!
Ruth Gomez
10/13/2023 05:50:38 PM
A rich and indulgent chocolate dessert! It turns out perfectly every time I make it. For an extra chocolate kick, add ganache on top.
Matthew Brown
07/13/2023 02:33:56 PM
The best cake I have ever tasted. Truly exceptional.
Stephen Cruz
11/02/2023 09:08:57 AM
Absolutely delicious! I tried making it with a strawberry cake mix, vanilla pudding, and white chocolate chips, as well as with a lemon cake mix, lemon pudding, and white chocolate chips. Both versions turned out amazing! Highly recommend trying different varieties. :)