World'S Best Chocolate Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 50 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A rich, moist chocolate cake with chocolate chips and pecans, perfect for celebrations or indulgent dessert moments, appealing to chocolate lovers of all ages.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 box chocolate cake mix
  • 1 small box instant chocolate pudding
  • 8 oz sour cream
  • 4 eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 6 oz chocolate chips
  • 3/4 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Coat chocolate chips and chopped pecans in 3 tablespoons of dry cake mix.
  2. Mix the remaining ingredients—chocolate cake mix, instant chocolate pudding, sour cream, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and vanilla—together.
  3. Fold in the coated chocolate chips and pecans into the batter.
  4. Pour the batter into a greased and floured tube or Bundt pan.
  5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50 minutes.
  6. Cool completely before frosting.

Tips & Substitutions

For an even richer flavor, consider using high-quality cocoa powder or dark chocolate chips. If you don't have sour cream, plain yogurt works as a great substitute. To enhance the cake's moisture, you can add a splash of brewed coffee. For a fun twist, add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter for depth, similar to what's used in Nola'S Dirt Cake.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices of this decadent chocolate cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. For special occasions, top with chocolate ganache or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for added elegance. This cake is perfect for birthdays or any celebration.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you wish to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, microwave individual slices for about 20-30 seconds until warm.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of World'S Best Chocolate Cake contains roughly 357 calories, with 3g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (15% of the Daily Value).

357 kcal 18% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.5g 7% DV
Total Fat 17.8g 23% DV
Carbs 37.8g 14% DV
Fiber 1.5g 5% DV
Sugar 12.1g 24% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 345.3mg 15% DV
Potassium 251.9mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 51.4mg 17% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 133.2mcg 15% DV
Vitamin C 0.2mg
Calcium 90.3mg 7% DV
Iron 1.3mg 7% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Egg Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Yes, you can substitute the chocolate cake mix with a devil's food or a gluten-free mix if desired. Just make sure to adjust the baking time as needed, checking for doneness with a toothpick.

What can I use if I don't have chocolate pudding?

If you don't have instant chocolate pudding, you can use vanilla pudding instead, but it will alter the cake's chocolate intensity. You could also make a homemade pudding to enhance the flavor profile.

How can I make this cake even more decadent?

To make the cake more indulgent, consider adding layers of ganache or frosting between layers if you choose to slice it horizontally. You could also incorporate chocolate chunks or nuts into the batter for added texture, reminiscent of American recipes.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →