Better Than Sex Cake
on Feb 05, 2024, Updated Mar 12, 2024
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This decadent cake features chocolate, caramel, cool whip, and crushed Heath bars. Nothing can beat this easy-to-make, moist, sweet, and irresistible Better Than Sex Cake.
Who doesn’t love a rich, moist chocolate cake? This “better than sex cake” recipe uses a box cake mix and a few other simple ingredients to bring you a cake that is perfect for any occasion.
The caramel and sweetened condensed milk mixture seeps into the chocolate cake as it cools to leave you with a moist, but not soggy cake.
Each time I bring this to an event people assume it took me hours to make and have nothing but praise for how it looks and tastes! If you are looking for a simple and sweet dish that will keep everyone coming back for more, you need to make this recipe. One bite and you will understand where this cake gets its name!
Table of Contents
What is Better Than Sex Cake?
“Better than sex cake” traditionally uses a chocolate cake that has been poked with holes and then topped with a caramel sauce. The cake is usually topped with a light and airy frosting as well as chocolate toffee bits.
It is similar to a German chocolate cake with a few differences, but it is just as delicious! The exact origins of this cake are not very clear, but it seems to have gained popularity during the 1980s and spread quickly due to the captivating taste. “Better than sex cake” is also commonly known as Holy Cow Cake, Better Than Anything Cake, or Heath Cake.
Recipe Ingredients
- Chocolate Cake Mix—I usually use Betty Crocker, but any brand will work!
- Vegetable Oil, Water, and Eggs—For the cake mix.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk—Adds a creamy, moist texture to your cake.
- Caramel Sauce—For a sweet, smooth flavor that will soak into the cake.
- Crushed Heath Bar—Gives your cake a rich, crunchy topping.
- Cool Whip—Thawed.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
How to Make Better Than Sex Cake
Step #1. Preheat your oven. Butter down a baking dish or use nonstick cooking spray. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cake mix, oil, water, and eggs.
Step #2.Once the cake batter is homogeneous, pour it into the dish and bake.
Step #3. Use a large skewer to poke holes throughout the cake. Stir together the condensed milk and caramel sauce then microwave the mixture. Pour the caramel mixture over the top of the cake and allow it to cool on the counter.
Step #4. Once the cake has cooled, spread the cool whip over the top of it and sprinkle on the Heath bar pieces. Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Recipe FAQs
Not at all! While crushed Heath bars are traditionally used you can also sprinkle chopped nuts or just pieces of chocolate on top for a nice look and taste.
This cake will be naturally moist once it is finished due to the caramel mixture that is poured into the small holes of the cake. If you are concerned that it will be too dry, you can substitute milk rather than water when making the cake.
Sure! If you want to make homemade whipped cream for the top of this cake go for it! You can make it by mixing heavy whipping cream, vanilla, and sugar with a hand mixer until it is thick enough to spread. For the sake of time and ease I usually buy a container of cool whip at the store, but either will work fine!
Expert Tips
- When making the cake, you can substitute the vegetable oil for either coconut or canola oil! You can also use ½ cup of butter (salted or unsalted) instead.
- The more holes you poke in your cake, the more evenly the caramel mixture will seep into the cake!
- To ensure the cool whip is full thawed, I like to transfer it to the fridge when I start making the cake batter!
- Allowing the cake to cool helps prevent the cool whip from sliding off and gives the caramel mixture time to soak into the cake.
- You can usually find crushed Heath bars at most major grocery stores on the baking aisle next to the chocolate chips. If you can’t find them, you can get regular Heath bars and chop them into small pieces!
How to Store Your Leftover Cake
“Better than sex cake” really speaks for itself and will be a big hit for dessert! If you happen to have leftover cake, you can store it in the fridge for up to 4 days! Simply cover the pan with plastic wrap or transfer the slices into a large rubbermaid container.
More Cake Recipes To Consider
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Better Than Sex Cake
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix, 13.5 ounce box
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- 3 large eggs
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk, 1 can
- 3/4 cup caramel sauce
- 1 cup crushed Heath bar pieces
- 8 ounces Cool Whip, thawed
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Butter down a 9×13 inch baking dish or coat it in nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cake mix, oil, water, and eggs.
- Once the cake batter is homogenous, pour it into the prepared dish. Bake for 30 minutes.
- Use a large skewer to poke holes throughout the cake. Stir together the condensed milk and caramel sauce and then microwave the mixture for 20 seconds.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the top of the cake and then allow it to cool on the counter for 30 minutes.
- Once the cake is cool, spread the cool whip over the top of it and sprinkle on the Heath bar pieces.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
- The more holes you poke in your cake, the more evenly the caramel mixture will seep into the cake.
- Allowing your cake to cool helps prevent the cool whip from sliding off and gives caramel mixture time to seep into the cake.
- You can store your leftover cake in the fridge for up to 4 days. Cover the pan with plastic wrap or transfer your cake slices to a large Rubbermaid container.
- You can substitute the vegetable oil for either coconut or canola oil. You can also use 1/2 cup of melted butter (salted or unsalted).
- You can find crushed heath bars at most major grocery stores on the baking aisle next to the chocolate chips.
- To ensure the cool whip is thawed, I like to transfer it to the fridge when I start making the cake batter.
Always a family favorite. We make it for my husband’s birthday every year!