Quick Triple Chocolate Cake

Three layers of chocolate flavor packed into one ridiculously easy cake. Chocolate cake mix, chocolate pudding, and a scatter of semi-sweet chocolate pieces on top make this a triple threat that barely asks anything of you.

The pudding mix is the secret here. Mixed into the batter, it keeps the crumb dense and fudgy instead of dry and crumbly. Let the pudding cool completely before combining it with the dry cake mix and eggs, or you’ll start cooking those eggs right in the bowl.

Chopped walnuts on top add a roasted crunch that cuts through all that rich chocolate. They toast as the cake bakes, so no need to pre-toast them.

Pro Tips

• Cool the pudding fully before mixing. Warm pudding will create lumps and partially cook the eggs.
• Use a toothpick test at 30 minutes. The fudgy texture from the pudding can make it tricky to tell when it’s done.
• Grease the pan well or line with parchment. The pudding makes this cake stick more than a standard box cake.
• Let the cake cool in the pan before frosting, or the frosting will slide right off.

Variations

• Swap walnuts for pecans or toasted almonds.
• Use white chocolate chips on top for a visual contrast against the dark crumb.
• Skip the nuts and press mini marshmallows into the top during the last 5 minutes of baking for a rocky road twist.