If you’re a true chocolate lover, then “Too Much Chocolate Cake” is the indulgent dessert you’ve been dreaming of. This rich, ultra-moist cake is a fan favorite thanks to its deep chocolate flavor, velvety texture, and gooey chocolate chips baked right in. Despite its decadent name, there’s really no such thing as too much chocolate when it comes to this recipe.
Originally popularized through home bakers and online recipe communities, this cake became famous for how simple it is to prepare—while tasting like it came straight from a high-end bakery. It uses a clever shortcut: starting with a box of devil’s food cake mix and enhancing it with instant chocolate pudding mix, sour cream, and a generous handful of chocolate chips. The result is a cake so rich and satisfying, it’s been known to steal the spotlight at birthdays, holidays, and potlucks alike.
Baked in a Bundt pan and often served without frosting—or with a drizzle of ganache for extra indulgence—this cake is incredibly versatile. It’s easy enough for beginner bakers but impressive enough to serve guests. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make your own Too Much Chocolate Cake, plus tips, variations, and storage advice.
Key Ingredients and Their Roles
What makes Too Much Chocolate Cake so incredibly rich and moist is the perfect combination of ingredients—each one playing a specific role in texture, structure, and flavor. Let’s break them down:
1. Devil’s Food Cake Mix
This boxed mix is the foundation of the recipe. Devil’s food cake is known for its deep, intense chocolate flavor and airy texture. Starting with a mix saves time while still delivering a rich base.
2. Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix
A key ingredient that sets this cake apart. The pudding mix adds density and moisture to the batter, resulting in a fudgy, melt-in-your-mouth crumb. It also amplifies the chocolate flavor.
3. Sour Cream
Sour cream brings tanginess and fat, which keeps the cake extra moist and tender. It also reacts with the baking agents to create a soft, luscious texture.
4. Eggs
Eggs are essential for structure and stability. They help bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s rise during baking.
5. Vegetable Oil
Unlike butter, oil stays liquid at room temperature, which helps create a soft, tender cake that doesn’t dry out easily. It’s a big reason this cake stays moist for days.
6. Warm Water
Water loosens the batter to the right consistency and activates the pudding mix and cake mix ingredients. Warm water also helps everything blend more smoothly.
7. Chocolate Chips
A generous handful of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips makes each bite extra indulgent. They melt slightly during baking, adding gooey pockets of chocolate throughout the cake.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Making Too Much Chocolate Cake is surprisingly simple, yet the result is an ultra-moist, bakery-worthy dessert. Follow this step-by-step guide for perfect results every time.
A. Gather Your Ingredients
You’ll need the following:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) devil’s food cake mix
- 1 package (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup warm water
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
B. Preheat and Prepare the Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Thoroughly grease and flour a 12-cup Bundt pan (or use baking spray with flour). This helps prevent sticking and gives your cake a clean release.
C. Mix the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix and pudding mix.
- Add in the sour cream, oil, eggs, and warm water.
- Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the ingredients on medium speed for about 2–3 minutes, until the batter is thick, smooth, and well combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips using a spatula to ensure even distribution.
D. Fill the Pan and Bake
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan.
- Tap the pan lightly on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
- Place in the center of the preheated oven and bake for 50–55 minutes.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center—it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs (melted chocolate is fine).
E. Cool and Release the Cake
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for at least 1 hour and 30 minutes. This helps the cake set and reduces the risk of it breaking during removal.
- After cooling, place a plate or cake stand over the Bundt pan and carefully invert it. Tap gently if needed to help release the cake.
F. Optional: Add a Topping
The cake is rich enough to serve as-is, but if you want to take it over the top:
- Drizzle with chocolate ganache (equal parts hot cream and chocolate chips, stirred until smooth).
- Dust lightly with powdered sugar for a simple, elegant look.
- Add fresh berries or whipped cream for a balanced presentation.
G. Serve and Enjoy
Slice and serve your Too Much Chocolate Cake as-is or with your favorite sides. It pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream, coffee, or a tall glass of cold milk.
Frosting and Decoration Options
While Too Much Chocolate Cake is incredibly rich and delicious on its own, adding a frosting or decorative topping can take it to the next level—especially for special occasions or gatherings. Whether you prefer a glossy glaze or a show-stopping frosting, here are a few popular options to consider:
1. Chocolate Ganache Glaze
A silky chocolate ganache is a classic pairing. It adds an elegant shine and an extra layer of chocolate richness.
To make:
- Heat ½ cup heavy cream until steaming.
- Pour over 1 cup chocolate chips.
- Let sit for 2–3 minutes, then stir until smooth.
- Pour over the cooled cake and let it drip naturally down the sides.
2. Fudge Frosting
For those who love dense, rich frosting, fudge frosting is a great option. It’s thicker than ganache and gives a deep chocolate flavor.
Tip: Use a small offset spatula to spread fudge frosting across the top of the cake and swirl it for a rustic, bakery-style look.
3. Powdered Sugar Dusting
Keep it simple by sifting powdered sugar over the top. This works beautifully for a clean, classic presentation and adds a touch of sweetness without overpowering the cake.
4. Decorative Toppings
- Chocolate curls or shavings: Use a vegetable peeler on a chocolate bar for curls.
- Fresh berries: Strawberries, raspberries, or cherries offer contrast and freshness.
- Crushed nuts: Sprinkle toasted almonds or hazelnuts for crunch.
- Whipped cream: A dollop on the side adds lightness to balance the rich cake.
Variations and Flavor Enhancements
One of the best things about Too Much Chocolate Cake is its flexibility. While the classic version is intensely chocolatey and delicious, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your preferences or add a unique twist. Here are some fun and flavorful variations:
1. Add Espresso or Coffee
A small amount of espresso powder (1–2 teaspoons) or replacing the warm water with brewed coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee. It deepens the richness and gives it a gourmet edge.
2. Try Different Chocolate Chips
Swap out the standard semi-sweet chips with:
- Dark chocolate chips for a more intense flavor
- Milk chocolate chips for a creamier, sweeter bite
- White chocolate chips for contrast
- Peanut butter or butterscotch chips for added flavor complexity
3. Add a Cream Cheese Swirl
Create a marbled effect by swirling in a mixture of cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla before baking. It adds tang and creaminess that balances the chocolate beautifully.
4. Mix in Chopped Nuts
Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts for a crunchy texture and nutty richness.
5. Orange or Mint Extract
A few drops of orange or peppermint extract can give your cake a unique twist. Chocolate-orange and chocolate-mint are classic pairings that taste especially great during the holidays.
6. Fill with Chocolate Ganache or Mousse
For a layered experience, slice the Bundt cake horizontally and add a thick layer of chocolate ganache or mousse between the halves. This turns the cake into a showstopper for celebrations.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Too Much Chocolate Cake is rich, moist, and decadent—which makes it perfect for both casual indulgence and special occasions. How you serve it can elevate the experience and complement its intense chocolate flavor.
For a simple presentation, serve it slightly warm with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate ganache. The heat enhances the gooey chocolate chips inside and makes each bite melt in your mouth.
If you’re serving guests or celebrating a special event, pair the cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The contrast between cold, creamy ice cream and warm, rich cake is heavenly. Fresh whipped cream or a dollop of chocolate mousse can also add an elegant touch.
Want to add some balance? Serve the cake with fresh raspberries, strawberries, or cherries. The tartness of the fruit helps cut through the richness and adds a refreshing twist.
As for beverages, coffee or espresso enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully. For a more indulgent treat, try serving with a glass of red wine (like a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon) or a dessert wine such as Port.
Storage and Shelf Life
Too Much Chocolate Cake is not only rich and delicious—it’s also a great make-ahead dessert because it stays moist for days. Proper storage ensures you enjoy every last slice at its best.
At Room Temperature:
If unfrosted or topped with non-perishable ingredients like powdered sugar or ganache, you can store the cake at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep it in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.
In the Refrigerator:
If your cake has a cream cheese filling or perishable frosting, store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow it to sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving to bring back its soft, rich texture.
Freezing the Cake:
Too Much Chocolate Cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or for a few hours at room temperature.
These storage tips help preserve the cake’s signature moistness and flavor, so you can enjoy every decadent bite—whether it’s fresh out of the oven or straight from the freezer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make Too Much Chocolate Cake without a Bundt pan?
Yes! While the Bundt pan is traditional and gives a beautiful shape, you can also use two 9-inch round cake pans, a 9×13-inch pan, or even cupcake tins. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
2. Is it okay to leave out the pudding mix?
The pudding mix is essential for achieving the signature moist and dense texture. Without it, the cake may turn out drier and less rich.
3. Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream?
Absolutely. Plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream. It offers a similar tang and moisture level and keeps the cake soft and flavorful.
4. How do I prevent the chocolate chips from sinking?
Toss the chocolate chips in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps suspend them evenly throughout the cake.
5. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake stays moist for several days, so you can make it 1–2 days in advance. Store it tightly covered at room temperature or in the fridge, depending on the toppings used.
Conclusion
Too Much Chocolate Cake is the ultimate treat for anyone who loves rich, indulgent chocolate desserts. With its ultra-moist texture, decadent flavor, and simple preparation, it’s no wonder this cake has become a favorite among home bakers and chocolate lovers alike. Whether you’re making it for a birthday, holiday gathering, or just because—you’re guaranteed rave reviews and requests for seconds.
What makes this cake so special is its balance of convenience and indulgence. Starting with a boxed mix and enhancing it with pudding, sour cream, and chocolate chips creates a dessert that tastes gourmet without requiring advanced baking skills. Plus, it’s highly customizable—making it easy to tailor to your personal taste or the occasion.
From choosing the right ingredients and adding creative variations to mastering storage and serving tips, you now have all the tools to bake the perfect Too Much Chocolate Cake every time. Whether you enjoy it plain, topped with ganache, or paired with ice cream and fresh fruit, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your dessert rotation.