Gluten-Free Easy Death by Chocolate Layer Cake
This indulgent chocolate layer cake starts with a convenient boxed mix but gets with rich homemade chocolate cream cheese frosting and a generous coating of mini chocolate chips. The cake is finished with a glossy drizzle of melted chocolate for maximum chocolate impact. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or whenever you need an impressive dessert that doesn't require advanced baking skills. The combination of moist cake layers, creamy frosting, and multiple chocolate textures creates the ultimate chocolate lover's dream.
Ingredients
- 1 box fudge cake mix
- ingredients to make cake, eggs, vegetable oil, and water
- 8 tablespoons salted butter, softened
- 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 16-ounce box powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 1 12-ounce package mini chocolate chips
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- 1
Prepare cake according to package directions in 2 9-inch cake pans and cool completely
- 2
Beat butter and cream cheese with electric mixer until smooth
- 3
Beat in cocoa powder
- 4
Gradually beat in powdered sugar
- 5
Beat in milk and almond extract
- 6
Spread frosting on top of one cake layer, place second layer on top and spread frosting on top and sides
- 7
Press mini chocolate chips onto the top and sides of frosted cake
- 8
Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in microwave or double boiler and drizzle over cake
Tips
Make sure cake layers are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting and sliding off.
Press mini chocolate chips gently into the frosting while it's still soft so they stick well.
Let melted chocolate cool slightly before drizzling to prevent it from being too thin and running off the cake.
Good to Know
Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week
Can be made 1 day ahead; add chocolate drizzle just before serving for best appearance
Serve at room temperature; let refrigerated cake sit out 30 minutes before serving
Common Mistakes
Don't frost warm cake layers or the frosting will melt and slide off
Don't overmelt the chocolate for drizzling or it will be too thin and runny
Substitutions
Nut-Free Alternatives
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use homemade cake instead of a box mix?
Yes, use any chocolate cake recipe that makes two 9-inch layers. The frosting and assembly remain the same.
How long does this cake keep?
Store covered at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. The chocolate chips may bloom slightly over time but taste remains good.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, wrap unfrosted layers tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw completely before frosting and decorating.