Better Than Sex Cake Recipe is a truly indulgent dessert that lives up to its name. This incredibly rich, decadent, and simply amazing chocolate poke cake is also widely known as Heath Bar Cake, and every single bite delivers an explosion of flavors and textures, loaded with luscious caramel, deep chocolate, crunchy toffee, and a creamy topping. It’s the ultimate treat for any chocolate lover seeking an easy yet show-stopping dessert.
If you’re on the hunt for a cake recipe that is not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly simple and budget-friendly, this Better Than Sex Cake with Heath bars is precisely what you need to try. Each forkful is sumptuously rich and unbelievably creamy, making it one of the Best Chocolate Desserts you’ll ever experience. Its layers of flavor and moist texture make it an instant favorite for potlucks, parties, or just a delightful family treat.
Despite its elaborate taste, you only need a handful of readily available ingredients to achieve heavenly results. The combination of intense chocolate, sweet caramel, and crunchy toffee bits comes together seamlessly, ensuring every bite is a symphony of flavor. The secret to its incredible moistness lies in the sweetened condensed milk and rich caramel sauce, which are generously poured over the warm cake, soaking deep into its pores and infusing every slice with unparalleled flavor. We’ve been enjoying this recipe for years, alongside other beloved classics like our Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake and Sock It To Me Cake.
Table of Contents
- Why This Recipe Works
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- Substitutions and Creative Additions
- How to Make Better Than Sex Cake
- Pro Tips for the Perfect Cake
- Storage and Make-Ahead Options
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Irresistible Candy Bar Inspired Recipes
Why This Recipe Works So Well
This Better Than Sex Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a culinary triumph achieved with minimal effort. Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your rotation:
- Effortless Preparation: Starting with a simple box of cake mix, this recipe streamlines the baking process, making it perfect for both seasoned bakers and beginners. You only need about five core ingredients, proving that extraordinary flavor doesn’t require a complicated ingredient list.
- Unmatched Moisture: The “poke cake” method is truly genius. By poking holes in the warm cake and pouring in sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce, these rich liquids seep deep into every crevice, transforming a standard cake into an incredibly moist, gooey, and flavorful masterpiece that practically melts in your mouth.
- Irresistible Flavor Combination: The classic pairing of rich chocolate, buttery caramel, and crunchy toffee bits creates a harmonious flavor profile that is both intense and perfectly balanced. The addition of a light, whipped topping cuts through the richness, creating a delightful contrast.
- Crowd-Pleasing Decadence: This cake is a guaranteed showstopper. Its indulgent layers and luxurious taste make it a hit at any gathering, from casual family dinners to festive celebrations. Be prepared for recipe requests – once you make this cake, everyone will want you to bake it again and again!
- Versatile & Customizable: While the classic version is phenomenal, this cake offers endless possibilities for customization, allowing you to tailor it to your specific tastes or use up leftover ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this “Better Than Sex” Heath Bar Cake lies in its simplicity. With just a few key ingredients, you can create a dessert that tastes like it came from a gourmet bakery.
- Devil’s Food Chocolate Cake Mix: This forms the rich, chocolatey base of our cake. You’ll also need the additional ingredients (like eggs, oil, and water) listed on the back of the box to prepare the cake mix. Any good quality chocolate cake mix will work, but Devil’s Food offers that extra deep cocoa flavor.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This magical ingredient is the key to the cake’s extraordinary moisture and sweetness. As it soaks into the warm cake, it creates an almost custard-like texture, making every bite incredibly tender. For an extra touch of homemade goodness, consider trying our Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe.
- Jar Caramel Sauce: A thick, gooey caramel sauce is essential for that signature sticky, sweet layer. You can use your favorite store-bought caramel ice cream topping for convenience, or elevate the flavor even further with our Homemade Caramel Sauce Recipe.
- Cool Whip: This light, airy whipped topping provides a perfect balance to the rich cake and sauces. It adds a cool creaminess without being overly heavy. While store-bought Cool Whip is perfectly fine and convenient, feel free to substitute with our indulgent Homemade Whipped Cream for an even fresher taste.
- Chopped Heath Candy Bars: These iconic toffee bars provide the satisfying crunch and distinct buttery toffee flavor that earned this cake its “Heath Bar Cake” nickname. Make sure they are chopped into small, bite-sized pieces for even distribution across the top of the cake. This adds a fantastic texture contrast and an extra layer of sweetness.
A detailed list with exact measurements is available in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
Substitutions and Creative Additions
One of the many joys of this Better Than Sex Cake recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to experiment with these delicious variations to make it uniquely yours:
- Cake Mix Alternatives: While Devil’s Food is a classic, you can easily substitute other types of boxed cake mix. Consider a rich German chocolate cake mix for added coconut and pecan notes, a dark chocolate fudge mix for intense cocoa flavor, or even a yellow cake mix or white cake mix if you prefer a less intense chocolate base that lets the caramel and toffee shine. For a seasonal twist, try a pumpkin spice cake mix during the fall!
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Variety of Candy Toppings: This cake is a fantastic way to use up leftover candy. Beyond Heath bars, almost any chopped candy bar would be delicious. Popular choices include:
- Butterfinger: For a crispy, peanut buttery crunch.
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: Adding a delightful peanut butter and chocolate dynamic.
- Snickers: Bringing nougat, caramel, and peanuts into the mix.
- Twix: For a cookie-caramel combo.
- Crushed Oreos: If you love cookies and cream, this is a must-try.
- M&M’s or Reese’s Pieces: For a pop of color and extra chocolate/peanut butter flavor.
- Peppermint Patties (chopped): A refreshing minty addition, especially during holidays.
- Crushed Pretzels: For a salty-sweet crunch that really elevates the flavor profile.
- Decadent Ice Cream Pairing: For an ultimate treat, serve each slice with a scoop of No-Churn Vanilla Ice Cream or a coffee-flavored ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream wonderfully complements the warm, gooey cake.
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Alternative Sauces: Instead of, or in addition to, caramel sauce, drizzle your cake with:
- Chocolate Syrup or Hot Fudge: Our Homemade Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe would be phenomenal.
- Butterscotch Sauce: For a different kind of sweet, buttery flavor.
- Peanut Butter Sauce: If you’re a fan of the chocolate-peanut butter combination.
- White Chocolate Ganache: A creamy, luxurious addition.
- Extra Chocolate Chips: Mix in a handful of chocolate chips (milk, dark, or white) into the cake batter for an extra layer of chocolatey goodness and a slight crunch throughout the cake.
- Toasted Coconut: Sprinkle shredded coconut on top of the cake, either untoasted or lightly toasted for a nutty flavor and added texture.
- Chopped Nuts: Toasted pecans, walnuts, or almonds can add an elegant touch and another layer of crunch.
- Sprinkles or Chocolate Shavings: For a festive look, especially if serving for a birthday or special occasion.
How to Make Better Than Sex Cake
Creating this incredibly decadent dessert is surprisingly simple. Follow these straightforward steps for a cake that will impress everyone!
- Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). While the oven heats, prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by generously spraying it with a nonstick cooking spray. This ensures your cake will release easily after baking.
- Step 2: Bake the Cake. Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package directions for a 9×13 inch cake. Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
Step 3: Poke Holes in the Warm Cake. Immediately after removing the cake from the oven, while it’s still warm, use the round handle end of a wooden spoon (or a sturdy chopstick) to poke holes evenly all throughout the cake. Make sure the holes go almost all the way to the bottom. This is crucial for allowing the sauces to deeply penetrate the cake.
Step 4: Saturate with Sweetness and Caramel. Carefully pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk all over the top of the warm, poked cake, ensuring it seeps into all the holes. Next, evenly pour the caramel sauce over the top of the cake. Allow the cake to sit for about 15-20 minutes, giving the sauces time to fully soak in.
Step 5: Top and Garnish. Once the cake has cooled completely (this is important for the Cool Whip not to melt), spread the whipped topping evenly over the surface. Finally, generously sprinkle with your chopped Heath bar pieces, ensuring every slice gets some of that delightful toffee crunch.
Step 6: Chill and Serve. For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate the cake for at least two hours. This chilling period allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the cake to set perfectly. Once thoroughly chilled, slice and serve this incredible dessert!
Pro Tips for the Perfect Better Than Sex Cake
Achieving a flawless “Better Than Sex Cake” is easy, especially with these helpful tips:
- Don’t Overbake: The key to a moist cake (even before the sauces) is not to overbake it. Follow the package directions closely, and test for doneness with a toothpick. A slightly underbaked cake is better than an overbaked, dry one when it comes to poke cakes.
- Poke While Warm: It’s crucial to poke the holes in the cake while it’s still warm, right out of the oven. This allows the heat to help the condensed milk and caramel absorb deeply into the cake, creating that signature gooey texture.
- Even Hole Distribution: Try to poke holes evenly across the entire surface of the cake, ensuring every slice gets a generous infusion of the sweet sauces. Space them about an inch apart.
- Cool Completely Before Topping: Resist the urge to spread the Cool Whip onto a warm cake! If the cake is still warm, the whipped topping will melt, creating a messy (though still tasty) result. Ensure the cake is fully cooled before proceeding to step 5.
- Chill Time is Essential: The minimum two-hour refrigeration time is not just a suggestion – it’s vital. This allows the cake to fully absorb the liquids, firm up, and lets the flavors meld together, resulting in a richer, more cohesive dessert. Overnight chilling is even better!
- Quality of Caramel: Use a good quality caramel sauce. A thicker sauce tends to adhere better and provides a richer flavor. If your caramel is too thick, you can gently warm it slightly to make it easier to pour and spread.
- Generous Topping: Don’t skimp on the Heath bar topping! A generous layer provides a wonderful contrast in texture and a burst of toffee flavor with every bite.
Storage and Make-Ahead Options
This cake is excellent for making ahead and storing, making it a perfect choice for parties or when you need a dessert ready to go!
- Refrigerator: Any leftover Better Than Sex Cake should be stored in the refrigerator. To keep it fresh and moist, make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Properly stored, the cake will remain delicious for up to 3-4 days. In fact, many find the cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had more time to meld and the sauces to fully absorb.
- Freezer: Yes, you can freeze this cake! To freeze leftover cake, wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly first in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. This double layer of protection helps prevent freezer burn. The cake will stay good in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Freezing in individual portions makes it easy to grab a single serving whenever a craving strikes.
- Thawing Cake: When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen slice or cake, simply transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the cake’s moisture and texture. Avoid thawing at room temperature for prolonged periods, especially due to the dairy-based whipped topping.
- Make Ahead: This cake is an ideal make-ahead dessert. You can bake the cake, poke the holes, and pour the condensed milk and caramel a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. Add the Cool Whip and chopped Heath bars just a few hours before serving for the freshest topping and crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! You can indeed make a delicious version of Better Than Sex Cake in the slow cooker. This method typically takes about 2 hours for the cake to cook, offering a hands-off approach to baking. The result is the same gooey, chocolatey indulgence you love, just prepared with the convenience of your crock pot. For all the specific instructions, refer to our detailed Crock Pot Better Than Sex Cake recipe.
A poke cake is a delightful type of cake where, after baking, you literally “poke” holes throughout its surface. These holes are then filled with a delicious liquid mixture, such as pudding, fruit purees, or in our case, sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce. This infusion technique allows the filling to soak deep into every inch of the cake, resulting in an incredibly moist, flavorful, and often gooey dessert. The poke cake concept originated in the 1970s with Jell-O poke cakes and has since evolved into many delicious variations, becoming a beloved and easy go-to dessert for its simplicity and impressive results.
This cake is perfect for virtually any occasion! Its rich and decadent nature makes it a fantastic choice for potlucks, birthday parties, barbecues, or any festive gathering where you want to serve something truly special. It’s incredibly satisfying on its own, but for an extra layer of indulgence, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of extra whipped cream, or alongside your morning coffee for a luxurious treat. We truly believe this cake is delicious anytime of the day!
The round handle end of a wooden spoon is generally the perfect size for creating ideal holes in a poke cake, allowing enough space for the liquids to seep in without tearing the cake apart. Alternatively, you can use a sturdy chopstick, the blunt end of a kitchen utensil, or even a wooden skewer. If you prefer smaller, more numerous holes, a dinner fork can also work well, just ensure you make plenty of them!
The provocative name “Better Than Sex Cake” is a playful testament to its overwhelmingly delicious and indulgent nature. It’s meant to convey that the cake is so incredibly good, so rich and satisfying, that it rivals even the most pleasurable experiences. While the exact origin of the name is debated, it largely emerged from the deep south of the United States and has stuck due to the cake’s undeniable ability to delight anyone who tastes it with its layers of moist chocolate, gooey caramel, and crunchy toffee.
More Irresistible Candy Bar Inspired Recipes
If you loved the candy bar twist in this cake, you’ll definitely want to explore these other fantastic recipes that incorporate your favorite sweet treats:
- Homemade Twix Bars
- Homemade Mounds Bars Recipe
- Cookie Dough Bars
- Cool Whip Candy
- Easy Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Cake
- Snickers Salad
This Better Than Sex Cake recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone seeking an easy yet incredibly decadent and satisfying dessert. I am so excited for you to experience its rich layers of chocolate, caramel, and toffee. Please let me know how much you loved it by leaving a comment and rating the recipe below! Happy baking!
Better Than Sex Cake Recipe
15 mins
25 mins
2 hrs
2 hrs 40 mins
9
American
Dessert
576
Carrie Barnard
Ingredients
- 1 Devil’s Food Chocolate cake mix plus ingredients listed on the box
- 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 16 ounce jar caramel sauce
- 8 ounce tub of Cool Whip
- 1/2 cup chopped Heath bars
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a 9×13 dish by spraying with nonstick spray.
- Make the cake according to the package directions for a 9×13 cake.
- When the cake is done baking, use the round handle end of a wooden spoon and poke holes all throughout the cake.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk all over the top of the cake and spread it out.
- Then pour the caramel sauce over the top of the cake and spread it out.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least two hours.
- Spread the Cool Whip on top of the cooled cake and sprinkle with chopped Heath bars.
Nutrition Facts
Carbohydrates 115g,
Protein 8g,
Fat 11g,
Saturated Fat 7g,
Cholesterol 20mg,
Sodium 670mg,
Potassium 330mg,
Fiber 2g,
Sugar 55g,
Vitamin A 207IU,
Vitamin C 1mg,
Calcium 307mg,
Iron 3mg
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