Decadent Dream Cake

Indulge in the Ultimate Decadent Better Than Sex Cake Recipe: An Easy Chocolate, Caramel & Toffee Delight (Heath Bar Cake)

Prepare yourself for a dessert experience that lives up to its name! This Better Than Sex Cake recipe is an incredibly rich, utterly decadent, and simply amazing creation that will captivate your taste buds from the very first bite. Also widely celebrated as Heath Bar Cake, each luscious forkful delivers an explosion of flavors and textures, featuring moist chocolate cake deeply infused with gooey caramel and sweet condensed milk, crowned with a cloud of fluffy whipped topping and crunchy toffee bits. It’s truly a symphony of sweet indulgence that leaves a lasting impression.

A slice of better than sex cake on a white plate with a fork.

If you’re seeking a cake recipe that is not only incredibly easy to prepare but also promises an unbelievably delicious outcome without breaking the bank, this Better Than Sex Cake with Heath bars is precisely what you need to try! Every mouthful is a rich, creamy, and satisfying delight. It stands out as one of the Best Chocolate Desserts you can possibly make, perfect for any occasion or just a special treat.

Despite its luxurious taste, this extraordinary cake requires only a handful of readily available ingredients, yet the results are nothing short of heavenly. Layers of intense chocolate, sweet caramel, and crunchy toffee converge to create a dessert that is profoundly tasty and undeniably addictive. The secret lies in how the sweetened condensed milk and luscious caramel sauce saturate the cake, transforming each slice into an unbelievably moist, tender, and flavor-packed experience. We’ve cherished and perfected this recipe over many years, alongside other family favorites like Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake and Sock It To Me Cake.

Table of contents

  • Why This Recipe Works
  • Ingredients for Your Decadent Cake
  • Creative Substitutions & Delicious Additions
  • How to Make the Ultimate Better Than Sex Cake
  • Storing Your Indulgent Cake
  • Frequently Asked Questions About This Heavenly Cake
  • More Irresistible Candy Bar Recipes

Why This Decadent Better Than Sex Cake Recipe Works Wonders

This cake is an absolute winner, and here’s why. With a mere 5 key ingredients, it transforms from a simple concept into a breathtakingly easy-to-make dessert. The combination of rich chocolate, flowing caramel, crisp toffee, and light, airy cool whip creates a harmony of flavors and textures that is truly heavenly. You will not only adore this cake, but I can almost guarantee it will become the undisputed favorite wherever you decide to share it!

However, be warned: once you unveil this magnificent cake at any gathering, prepare to become the designated baker for every future event. It is simply that irresistible. The genius of this recipe lies in its simplicity and profound impact. It starts with a humble boxed cake mix, which provides a wonderfully moist and tender foundation. After baking, this chocolate base is generously perforated, creating channels for the luscious sweetened condensed milk and rich caramel sauce to seep into every crevice, ensuring each bite is moist, tender, and intensely flavorful. The grand finale is a generous layer of creamy whipped topping, scattered with delicious bits of crunchy chopped Heath bars, which add a delightful textural contrast and an extra layer of buttery, toffee goodness. This sweet, gooey chocolate cake is the epitome of rich and decadent, yet surprisingly straightforward to achieve.

Ingredients for Your Decadent Cake

Crafting this incredible cake requires just a few simple ingredients, many of which you might already have in your pantry. Each component plays a vital role in building the cake’s signature rich flavor and moist texture.

  • Devil’s Food Chocolate Cake Mix: This provides the rich, deep chocolate base that is essential for the cake. Remember to also have on hand the additional ingredients specified on the cake mix box (typically eggs, oil, and water).
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: This magical ingredient is poured over the warm cake, soaking in to add unparalleled moisture and a creamy, sweet richness that defines a “poke cake.” For an even more homemade touch, consider trying our Sweetened Condensed Milk Recipe.
  • Jar Caramel Sauce: A thick, luscious caramel sauce is crucial for that signature gooey layer. It seeps into the poked holes, blending beautifully with the condensed milk. You can use your favorite store-bought brand, or elevate the flavor further with our Homemade Caramel Sauce Recipe.
  • Cool Whip: This light and airy whipped topping provides a delightful contrast to the rich cake and sauces. While store-bought Cool Whip is perfectly convenient, you can also opt for a fresher, homemade alternative with our Homemade Whipped Cream.
  • Chopped Heath Candy Bars: These iconic toffee and chocolate bars, chopped into small pieces, are sprinkled generously over the top. They add a fantastic crunch and an unmistakable buttery toffee flavor that rounds out the entire dessert.

You can find the complete, detailed recipe list with precise measurements at the very bottom of this page, ready for you to print or save!

Creative Substitutions & Delicious Additions to Personalize Your Cake

One of the joys of making this Better Than Sex Cake is its incredible versatility. Feel free to experiment with these ideas to tailor the cake to your preferences or to use up ingredients you have on hand.

  • Alternate Cake Mixes: While Devil’s Food offers a deep chocolate flavor, don’t hesitate to substitute other types of boxed cake mixes. A classic chocolate cake mix or German chocolate cake mix would work wonderfully, enhancing the cocoa notes. For a different twist, a yellow cake mix or even a white cake mix can be an excellent option, allowing the caramel and toffee flavors to shine even more prominently.
  • Variety of Candy Toppings: This recipe is a fantastic way to utilize leftover candy! Beyond Heath bars, the possibilities are endless. Consider chopping up Butterfinger bars for a peanut butter-crisp element, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups for a creamy peanut butter and chocolate fusion, Snickers for nougat, caramel, and peanuts, or classic Hershey bars for pure milk chocolate bliss. Any of these would provide a delicious crunchy or chewy topping for your cake.
  • Add a Scoop of Ice Cream: For an extra layer of decadence, serving a slice of this cake with a scoop of No-Churn Vanilla Ice Cream is a game-changer. The cool, creamy ice cream melts slightly into the warm cake, creating an unparalleled dessert experience.
  • Experiment with Different Sauces: While caramel is traditional, feel free to drizzle chocolate syrup or our rich Homemade Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe over the cake for an even more intense chocolate flavor. A swirl of both chocolate and caramel can also be truly divine!
  • Mix in Chocolate Chips: For an added textural dimension and an extra boost of chocolate, stir a half cup or more of your favorite chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark) into the cake batter before baking. They’ll melt slightly and add a pleasant crunch throughout.
  • Crushed Cookies: Chopped Oreo cookies are another fantastic topping idea. Their distinct chocolate and cream flavor pairs incredibly well with the other elements of this cake, adding a delightful crunch.
  • Tropical Twist with Coconut: If you enjoy tropical flavors, a sprinkle of toasted shredded coconut over the whipped topping can add a wonderful chewiness and a subtle, nutty sweetness that complements the chocolate and caramel beautifully.

How to Make the Ultimate Better Than Sex Cake

Creating this show-stopping cake is surprisingly simple, requiring minimal effort for maximum impact. Follow these easy steps to bring this decadent dessert to life.

  • Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). While the oven heats, take a 9×13 inch baking dish and generously spray it with a nonstick cooking spray to ensure your cake releases easily after baking.
  • Step 2: Bake the Cake. Prepare the chocolate cake batter exactly according to the package directions for a 9×13 inch cake. Pour the prepared batter into your greased baking dish and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or as indicated by your specific cake mix package directions, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake, as a slightly moist cake is key to this recipe’s success.
Cake being poked with holes.

Step 3: Poke Holes in the Warm Cake. Immediately after removing the cake from the oven, while it is still warm, grab the round handle end of a wooden spoon. Carefully and generously poke holes all over the surface of the cake. Aim for holes that are deep enough to reach almost to the bottom of the pan, but not so large that the cake crumbles. These holes are essential for allowing the sauces to fully permeate the cake.

Caramel Sauce poured over cake.

Step 4: Drench with Sweetness. First, evenly pour the entire can of sweetened condensed milk over the top of the still-warm, poked cake. Allow it a moment to begin soaking into the holes. Next, pour the jar of caramel sauce over the condensed milk layer, gently spreading it with a spoon or spatula to ensure it covers the entire surface and also drips into those wonderful holes. The warmth of the cake helps the sauces to absorb beautifully.

Whipped cream and heath candy spread on cake.

Step 5: Top with Whipped Cream and Toffee. Once the cake has completely cooled (this is important, as warm cake will melt the whipped topping), spread the entire tub of Cool Whip (or homemade whipped cream) evenly over the top of the cake. Finally, generously sprinkle the chopped Heath bar pieces over the whipped topping. The more, the merrier!

Better than Sex Cake cut into slices and served.

Step 6: Chill and Serve. For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate the cake for at least two hours. This allows the sauces to fully set and the flavors to meld beautifully. Once properly chilled, slice into generous portions and serve. Prepare for rave reviews!

Storing Your Indulgent Better Than Sex Cake

Proper storage is key to keeping your Better Than Sex Cake fresh and delicious, ensuring you can enjoy its decadent flavors for days.

  • Refrigerator Storage: If you have any glorious leftovers, it’s essential to store this cake in the refrigerator due to the dairy-based whipped topping and condensed milk. Make sure to cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will prevent the cake from drying out and absorbing any unwanted refrigerator odors. When stored correctly, the cake will remain fresh and delightful for 3-4 days.
  • Freezer Storage: Freezing leftover cake is an excellent option for longer preservation. To prepare for freezing, first ensure the cake is thoroughly chilled. Then, tightly wrap the entire cake (or individual slices for convenience) in several layers of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This double wrapping provides maximum protection against freezer burn. When properly sealed, the cake can maintain its quality in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • Thawing Frozen Cake: To enjoy a slice of frozen cake, simply transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. For individual slices, a few hours on the counter will often suffice, though refrigerator thawing is generally preferred to maintain texture. Once thawed, it will be as delicious as the day it was made!
A close up image of a slice of better than sex cake on a spatula with a whole cake in the background

Frequently Asked Questions About This Heavenly Cake

Can I make this Cake in the Crock Pot?

Absolutely! The versatility of the Better Than Sex Cake extends to your slow cooker. Making it in the Crock Pot offers a convenient, hands-off approach to this beloved dessert. The cooking time typically takes about 2 to 2.5 hours on high, or 4-5 hours on low, allowing the cake to cook gently and become incredibly moist and gooey. The result is the same wonderfully rich, chocolatey, and caramel-infused cake that you adore, just prepared with the ease of your slow cooker. For all the specific instructions and tips on how to adapt this recipe, be sure to check out our dedicated guide for Crock Pot Better Than Sex Cake.

What exactly is a poke cake?

A poke cake is a delightful and ingenious type of cake where, after it’s baked, holes are strategically poked into its surface. These holes are then filled with a delectable liquid mixture, such as pudding, fruit purees, or in our case, sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce. The magic happens as this flavorful liquid seeps into every inch of the cake, infusing it with extra moisture, richness, and an incredible depth of flavor. This technique creates an unbelievably tender and juicy cake that is far from dry. Recipes vary widely, but the core concept remains the same: a moist cake saturated with a delicious filling. It’s a very easy and forgiving recipe, making it a fantastic choice for both novice and experienced bakers. We absolutely love making poke cakes because there are countless ways to customize them with simple ingredients, making them our go-to for impressive yet effortless desserts.

How should I serve Better Than Sex Cake?

This cake is incredibly versatile and perfect for virtually any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive celebrations. Its rich and decadent nature makes it an instant crowd-pleaser at potlucks, birthday parties, summer cookouts, or holiday gatherings. It’s truly a showstopper that requires minimal fuss. While it’s utterly delicious on its own, a slice is often perfectly complemented by a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which melts slightly into the cake, creating an even more indulgent experience. It’s also surprisingly delightful with your morning coffee for a luxurious start to the day. Honestly, we enjoy this cake any time of day, whenever the craving for something truly special strikes!

What is the best tool to poke holes in the cake?

For achieving the ideal size and depth of holes, the round handle end of a wooden spoon is absolutely perfect. Its diameter creates holes large enough to allow the sauces to really soak in and create those pockets of gooey goodness. While you could also use a wooden skewer or even the tines of a fork, these typically create smaller holes that don’t allow for as much sauce penetration. The wooden spoon handle is truly the gold standard for this type of cake, ensuring maximum flavor infusion.

More Irresistible Candy Bar Inspired Recipes

If you love the candy bar twist in this Better Than Sex Cake, you’ll adore these other recipes inspired by classic candy bars:

  • Homemade Twix Bars
  • Homemade Mound Bars Recipe
  • Cookie Dough Bars
  • Cool Whip Candy

This Better Than Sex Cake recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone seeking an easy yet incredibly decadent dessert that truly delivers on its promise. I’m so excited for you to experience the rich, gooey, and satisfying flavors of this chocolate, caramel, and toffee masterpiece. Please don’t hesitate to let me know if you loved it as much as we do by leaving a comment below!

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Better Than Sex Cake Recipe

4.82 from 38 votes
This Better Than Sex Cake Recipe is a truly decadent and easy-to-make dessert, perfect for any occasion. Also known as Heath Bar Cake, it features a moist chocolate cake infused with sweet condensed milk and caramel, topped with whipped cream and crunchy toffee bits.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Refrigerate 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 40 minutes
Servings 9
Cuisine American
Course Dessert
Calories 576
Author 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
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Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Prepare the chocolate cake batter according to the package directions for a 9×13 inch cake. Pour into the prepared dish and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  • As soon as the cake is done baking, use the round handle end of a wooden spoon (or similar utensil) to generously poke holes all throughout the warm cake, reaching almost to the bottom.
  • Evenly pour the sweetened condensed milk all over the top of the warm, poked cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes.
  • Next, pour the caramel sauce over the top of the cake, gently spreading it to cover the surface and fill the holes.
  • Allow the cake to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least two hours to allow the sauces to set and flavors to meld.
  • Before serving, spread the Cool Whip (or homemade whipped topping) evenly on top of the chilled cake and generously sprinkle with the chopped Heath bars. Slice and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Calories 576kcal, 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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