Better Than Sex Cake

5 from 69 votes
198 Comments

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This Better Than Sex Cake is a simple recipe that turns a basic cake mix into a decadent dessert. Chocolate cake filled with a sweet caramel filling, topped with chopped toffee bars, this Better Than Sex Cake is always our go-to when we need to whip up a quick dessert.

A slice of Better Than Sex Cake on a plate
Featured With This Recipe
  1. What is Better Than Sex Cake?
  2. It All Started with a Box Cake
  3. Make Your Own Chocolate Cake Mix
  4. Better Than Sex Cake Variations
  5. Storage Tips
  6. More Cake Recipes
  7. More Poke Cake Recipes
  8. Frequently Asked Questions
  9. Better Than Sex Cake Recipe

This Better Than Sex Cake is rich, creamy, and sinfully delicious, and it’s so easy to make! It can be made as far in advance as two days before serving, but store it in the refrigerator until just before serving time. Top with whipped topping and toppings right before serving.

Of course, the name of this cake is not exactly family friendly. In front of the kids we call it “Better Than You Know What Cake.” We have had many of our readers share with us what they call this dessert. Some people say they call it “Better Than Sex,” while others say they call it “Better Than Anything You Can Think Of.” Still others have told us they simply refer to it as their “secret weapon.” Whatever you want to call this delicious dessert, one thing is for sure: It’s easy to make, tastes incredible, and will leave everyone satisfied and smiling!

What is Better Than Sex Cake?

Better Than Sex Cake is a decadent chocolate poke cake that combines layers of moist chocolate cake, creamy whipped cream, rich caramel sauce, and a sprinkle of toffee bits. The result is a heavenly dessert with a combination of flavors and textures that will have you craving more.

It All Started with a Box Cake

You won’t believe that this sinfully delicious Better Than Sex Cake recipe starts out with just a regular box cake mix and a cake pan. The perfect combination to start this recipe off quick and easy. My favorite part of this recipe is poking the holes in the cake with a wooden spoon and pouring the caramel sauce over the top. It is so fun! Make sure the holes are evenly spaced and not too close together, otherwise your cake will end up soggy. Here’s what you need for this recipe:

  • Devil’s Food Cake Mix
  • Sweetened condensed milk
  • Caramel ice cream topping
  • frozen whipped topping (or fresh whipped cream)
  • Heath candy bars (or Skor bars), chopped

Make Your Own Chocolate Cake Mix

Prefer to make your cake mix from scratch? We’ve got you covered! Make any kind of cake mix using our simple Homemade Cake Mix Recipe and pick the variation you are going for. After making the cake mix, just add eggs, butter, cocoa, and milk to make the perfect cake batter.

Better Than Sex Cake Variations

We have made this several different ways, we have even had a reader report that it is delicious with a white cake mix or yellow cake mix in place of the chocolate mix. If you can’t find Devil’s Food Cake mix, you can use a German chocolate cake mix or a regular chocolate cake mix instead. You can also add any kind of chopped up candy bars on the top, but we love Skor candy bars or Heath bars the best. The crunchy toffee candy is so good! Here are some more great topping ideas:

  • Butterfinger Bars
  • Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
  • M & Ms Minis
  • Reese’s Pieces
  • Snickers Bars
  • Crushed Oreo Cookies or Mini Oreos
  • Fudge Stripe Cookies
  • Chocolate Chips
  • Peanut Butter Chips
  • Caramel ice cream topping (drizzle over the top in a fun design. YUM!)
  • Hot fudge (can also be drizzled over the top)

All work great and are just as good, it just depends on the taste you are going for. Make it with your favorite candy to make it just right for YOU.

Toffee and Chocolate Dessert on a plate


Storage Tips

To keep your “Better Than Sex” cake tasting fresh and delicious, here are some helpful storage tips:

  1. Refrigeration: Due to its whipped cream and caramel components, it’s best to store the cake in the refrigerator. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container to prevent drying out and to maintain its moisture.
  2. Slicing and Storing: If you have leftover slices, individually wrap them in plastic wrap or place them in individual airtight containers. This will help maintain the freshness and prevent the cake from absorbing any unwanted odors from the refrigerator.
  3. Freezing: If you anticipate longer storage, consider freezing the entire cake or individual portions. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag or simply place the entire cake in a freezer-safe container or bag. Ensure the cake or slices are well-protected to prevent freezer burn. The frozen cake can be enjoyed within 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
  4. Serve Chilled or Thawed: If you prefer a colder and firmer texture, you can serve the cake directly from the refrigerator. Otherwise, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 15-30 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly.

Remember, the “Better Than Sex” cake is best enjoyed when fresh. So, aim to consume it within a few days for the ultimate flavor experience.

More Cake Recipes

If you love this Better Than Sex Cake, check out some of our favorite cake recipes!

  • Strawberries and Cream Cake– Strawberries and Cream Cake is a great summer dessert, loaded with fresh strawberries in both the cake and frosting! Perfect for a family get together.
  • Cinnamon Swirl Cake– This Cinnamon Swirl Cake is one of my favorite desserts because it’s quick, easy and so yummy! It’s like a cinnamon roll in a cake, end everyone loves it!
  • Chocolate Chocolate Chip Nothing Bundt Cake Copycat– Our copycat version of Nothing Bundt Cake’s Chocolate Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake is a MUST TRY! It is one of our most popular recipes for a good reason.
  • Carnival Cruise Warm Melting Cake– Have you tried the Carnival Cruise Line Warm Chocolate Melting Cake? If you’ve been on a Carnival Cruise, you know how amazing it is. If not, you can indulge in this decadent chocolate melting cake at home.
  • Flourless Chocolate Cake– This Flourless Chocolate Cake is by far the easiest version I have ever made and it tastes just as good as more difficult recipes. It is light and decadent and has a rich chocolate flavor.
  • Chocolate Pudding Cake– This Chocolate Pudding Cake is probably the easiest chocolate cake recipe out there. There are only 4 ingredients! If you love our Better Than Sex Cake, you are going to love this chocolatey moist cake.
  • Orange Pineapple Cake– Orange Pineapple cake is a light, fruity cake with an island flair. You will love the delicious whipped creamy topping! Perfect for potlucks and parties!
  • Coconut Cream Cake with Coconut Frosting– This Coconut Cream Cake is a coconut lovers dream! It is a coconut infused cake, with a rich and creamy coconut cream cheese frosting, sprinkled with even more toasted coconut.
  • Coca-Cola Cake – This Coca-Cola Cake is a moist, chocolatey dessert flavored with the popular, fizzy, soft drink. Topped with frosting and maraschino cherries.
A chocolate cake topped with whipped topping and crushed heath bars

More Poke Cake Recipes

What makes this Better Than Sex Cake so moist and delicious is poking holes in the cake and pouring a caramel sauce over the holes. We call this a “Poke Cake”. Try some of our other delicious poke cake recipes!

  • Raspberry Lemon Poke CakeRaspberry Lemon Jello Poke Cake is a cold, refreshing treat! You’ll love this moist, tangy lemon and raspberry flavor with light pudding frosting.
  • Pumpkin Poke Cake – This Pumpkin Poke Cake is a deliciously rich and ultra moist cake with a creamy, crunchy topping. Every bite tastes like fall!
  • Piña Colada Poke Cake – This Piña Colada Cake is bursting with coconut and pineapple. The topping on this cake is simple, yet so delicious. It is the perfect summer dessert!
  • 4th of July Poke Cake – This 4th of July Cake is the perfect chilled dessert for your Independence Day celebrations. It is so fun with the red, white, and blue colors inside.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Heath and Skor Candy Bars?

Heath and Skor Candy Bars are English toffee bars covered in milk chocolate. The Hershey Company makes the Heath Toffee bars and also sells Heath Toffee Bits which are great for baking in cookies and as a topping on this cake. The Hershey Company, makers of Skor Bars, markets them as “buttery toffee enrobed in milk chocolate.” There are no nuts in either bar. They can be found in typical grocery stores.

Can Better Than Sex Cake be made ahead?

Yes, make it a day or two before serving if needed, but store it in the refrigerator. Add the whipped topping and toppings just before serving.

Can I use real whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Absolutely! However, don’t use the whipped cream that comes in a can. It melts quickly and becomes runny, and won’t work for this recipe. You can make your own whipped cream with heavy cream and sugar, and it will taste amazing!

A slice of Better Than Sex Cake on a plate

Better Than Sex Cake

5 from 69 votes
Turn a basic cake mix into a decadent Better Than Sex Cake! Chocolate cake filled with a sweet caramel filling and topped with toffee bars.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12

Video

Equipment

  • 9×13 Cake Pan
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Hand Mixer
  • Mixing Bowls

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Bake cake according to package directions for a 9×13 inch pan. Cool for about 15 minutes. Using the handle of a wooden spoon, poke holes into the cake.
    A chocolate cake with holes poked in the top
  • In a small bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk and caramel topping. Slowly pour caramel mixture over the cake, letting it sink into the holes.
    Caramel sauce being poured over chocolate cake
  • Let cake cool completely (I usually cover it and put it in the fridge until I'm ready to serve it). Top cooled cake with whipped topping. 
    A cake topped with whipped topping
  • Decorate the top of the cake with chopped candy bars. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
    A chocolate cake topped with whipped topping and crushed heath bars

Nutrition Information

Calories: 415kcalCarbohydrates: 71gProtein: 6gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 470mgPotassium: 277mgFiber: 1gSugar: 44gVitamin A: 140IUVitamin C: 0.8mgCalcium: 178mgIron: 1.7mg

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About the author

Erica Walker

Erica lives in Boise, Idaho with her husband, Jared, an attorney, and her three beautiful girls. Beyond the world of recipes, she loves adventuring with everything from kayaking, to cruising, to snowboarding and taking the family along for the thrill ride.

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Comments

  1. I have a recipe called “Better than Sex” cake, but instead of actual cake, it calls for chocolate pudding, and the crust/topping is nuts. Anyone else tried this version?

  2. It looks nice but I don’t understand why so many desserts use packet mix? Why not make the cake from scratch? So many American recipes do this- does no one bake in the states? I’m going to try it but actually make the cake myself rather than cheating with horrible packet mix- you guys should try it!

      1. Yes, I did but I used heath bar bits instead of nuts. I took it to work and everyone s a I’d it was to die for. It must have been, a lot of people didn’t get any!!!!!

      2. We Americans do bake from scratch, it is so much better. No store bought cakes here. Unfortunately what you see and what we do is two completely different things. I am making sure my Grandkids are learning how to bake like I did with my Grandmother and Mom. ❤

  3. 5 stars
    I have made this several times however I use hot fudge topping with smashed up malted milk balls. A huge hit among young adults.

    1. Do you have HEATH bars? They are essentially the same as a SKOR bar. It is a toffee candy bar covered in milk chocolate – similar to English Toffee. In the U.S. you can also get toffee bits that are used for baking, and these work really well too.

  4. I just finish making this cake for my Birthday . i will let you know how it came out. keeping my fingers cross . Thank you for the recipe.

  5. This sounds so good and delicious so i will make it for my Church dinner after our service !! I’m so grateful for the share and all of the compliments on this truly amazing Cake Love The Way It Sounds Just So Scrumptious and Yummy Yours Truly Joy B.

  6. I make this cake ALL the time for events and I NEVER come home with any! The only difference I do is that use a chocolate cake mix and 12 oz of diet coke and mix it together and back as directed! You can very it with dr. pepper or cherry coke, ect!! you can not even taste that it was made with diet coke and I get asked the recipe ALL the time!!

  7. I love this cake too and have made it often. It’s always a hit. I do one thing differently, however. I mix half the jar of caramel sauce with the sweetened condensed milk before pouring it over the cake. Oh YUM!!

  8. 5 stars
    I make it at Halloween and we call it the Gooey Goblin Cake! I always buy a bag of Heath toffee bits for the top…costs less and is a lot easier than pulverizing Heath bars!

  9. 5 stars
    Great cake, always a crowd pleaser. I use the fork method instead of the handle of the wooden spoon, and use hot fudge ice cream topping instead of caramel topping. I always freeze the Heath Bars in the wrapper then take a hammer to them while they are still wrapped. This makes less of a mess. Then I sprinkle the candy from the wrapper onto the cake. Ellen.

  10. I can hardly wait to make this cake for Easter!! I’m wondering if it would work in 2- 9″ round cake pans to form in the shape of a bunny or if all the gooey stuff is better in the 9 x 13′ pan??

  11. This looks great and very easy to make. I will be trying it out for Easter this year as I am responsible for the dessert.

  12. The SWEETENED condensed milk makes it way too sweet. I use Mrs RICHARDSON’S CARAMEL FUDGE ice cream topping, heated a little , then cool whip and candy bars, so good!!

  13. 5 stars
    Made this for my family Easter celebration this year and it was a HUGE success! Everyone had seconds! Not sure if it was better then you-know-what though…(lol)

  14. If you’re going to post recipes then please make sure all ingredients (words) are spelled correctly. I don’t think you mean “health” bars. Don’t you mean heath candy bars?

      1. if you look by the chocolate chips there are bags of Heath bar bits. I don’t know for sure what they are called but that is what I use on “Death by Chocolate”. I am making the (I am going to call it) OMG cake for a family reunion tomorrow..can not wait!

  15. I was in a hurry, poked the holes then added the condensed milk etc..right away..waiting now for it to cool..hope I didn’t ruin it..after I’ll put the cream on and its in the fridge..has anyone else done that..please say it was okay…thanks

    1. I’m not sure, I haven’t tried that. It might be easier to mail the ingredients with directions on how to make it.

  16. 5 stars
    We call it ALMOST better than Sex cake. We laugh at those who call it “Better than” 🙂

    We fork the cake but not all the way to the bottom, and drizzle sweetened condensed milk, a jar of caramel sauce, and a jar of chocolate fudge sauce, then keep it refrigerated over night. The next day right before serving, cool whip with crumbled SKOR bar all over it. I even mix in a dry pistachio pudding mix in with the cool whip sometimes. So GOOD!!

  17. I see a lot of people are having a hard time finding Skor bars as I was. I decided to take teh ten minutes extra and make my own toffee at home. Worked great and it always tastes better when you know its all been made at your own hand.