There’s a reason this dessert is called Better Than Sex Cake. This easy poke cake starts with a moist chocolate base, is soaked with sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce, then finished with fluffy whipped topping and chopped candy for an irresistible, crowd-pleasing finish.
If you love chocolate poke cakes, this caramel-soaked variation is a must-try. A Devil’s food cake mix provides a tender, rich base that soaks up the sweetened condensed milk and caramel, while the whipped topping keeps the texture light. Chopped chocolate-caramel candy bars add a satisfying crunch and extra flavor. It’s an easy, decadent dessert that’s perfect for potlucks, holidays, or any time you want something special without a lot of fuss.
A Better Than Sex Cake That Lives Up to Its Name
- Great to make ahead. This cake improves after time in the fridge—the soak flavors deepen and the texture becomes lusciously moist. See storage tips below.
- So luscious. Rich chocolate and sticky caramel combine for a dessert that feels indulgent yet simple to make.
- Easy! A boxed cake mix and store-bought toppings streamline the process. If you prefer, you can swap in homemade cake, caramel, or whipped cream for a fully scratch-made version.
What is a Better Than Sex Cake?
This popular poke-cake dessert goes by several names, including Better Than Robert Redford or Better Than Anything. The concept is straightforward: a chocolate cake that’s poked after baking, then soaked with sweetened condensed milk and caramel or another sauce, finished with whipped topping and a crunchy candy or cookie garnish.
It’s sweet, moist, and richly flavored—decide for yourself if it lives up to its reputation.
What You’ll Need
Here’s a quick overview of the ingredients used to make this caramel-infused chocolate poke cake. Refer to the recipe card for exact amounts and full instructions.
- Chocolate cake mix – Devil’s food or any chocolate mix you prefer. Follow the package for eggs, oil, and water unless using a homemade cake.
- Sweetened condensed milk – This is essential for the soak; use the sweetened variety so the cake becomes rich and tender.
- Caramel sauce – Store-bought caramel works well and saves time.
- Whipped topping – Cool Whip or real whipped cream for the top layer. Thaw Cool Whip before using.
- Chopped candy bars – Heath bars, toffee, or your favorite chocolate-caramel candy for a crunchy topping.
Variation Ideas
Customize the cake to suit your tastes with these simple swaps and add-ins:
- Chocolate sauce – Use chocolate sauce instead of caramel for a double-chocolate version.
- Chocolate chips – Sprinkle semisweet, white, or peanut butter chips on top.
- Different candy – Try chopped Reese’s, Snickers, Skor, or other favorites instead of Heath bars.
- Crushed cookies – Crushed Oreos or graham crackers make a tasty alternative garnish.
- Different cake mix – Swap for German chocolate or dark chocolate cake mix for a different depth of flavor.
- Fresh whipped cream – Replace Cool Whip with freshly whipped cream for a lighter topping.
Helpful Tips
Follow these tips for the best texture and flavor:
- Use homemade when possible. If you have time, homemade cake, caramel, and whipped cream can elevate the dessert.
- Don’t poke all the way through. Poke deep enough for the soak to penetrate but not so deep that liquid pools in the pan.
- Serve chilled. Chill the cake for at least two hours or overnight to allow the condensed milk and caramel to absorb fully. This yields a tender, well-infused texture.
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes. Making the cake ahead is recommended—overnight chilling helps the flavors meld and the cake reach peak moisture. Add the whipped topping and chopped candy just before serving for the best appearance.
You can also bake the cake ahead and freeze it. Thaw in the fridge, poke the holes, and continue with the soak and toppings as directed.
Proper Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container. The cake will keep well for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly or store in an airtight container and freeze for 2–3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
More Tempting Cakes to Try
- Chocolate Pudding Cake
- Red Velvet Cake
- Easy Chocolate Cake
- Grinch Cake
Better Than Sex Cake
Ingredients
- 13.25 ounces box of Devil’s food cake mix, plus ingredients listed on the box
- 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 8 ounce container Cool Whip (or whipped cream)
- 4 Heath bars, chopped
Instructions
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Prep your tools. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray and preheat the oven to 350°F.
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Make the cake. Prepare the Devil’s food cake mix according to the package directions. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, bake, then let the cake cool for about 20 minutes. Use the handle of a wooden spoon or a skewer to poke holes evenly across the surface.
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Soak and chill. While the cake is still slightly warm, pour the sweetened condensed milk over it, spreading it to cover. Spoon the caramel sauce evenly over the top. Allow the cake to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight.
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Add toppings. Once chilled, spread the Cool Whip or whipped cream across the cake and sprinkle with chopped Heath bars or your chosen candy. Slice into squares and serve.
Equipment
- 9×13 glass baking dish
Nutrition
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used.
How to Make Better Than Sex Cake
This recipe fills a 9×13-inch pan and follows a straightforward process: bake, poke, soak, chill, then top. The step-by-step photos below illustrate the main stages so you can follow along easily.
- Prep your tools. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Prepare the cake. Mix the cake batter according to the box instructions, bake, then cool about 20 minutes. Poke holes in the warm cake using a wooden spoon handle or skewer.
- Soak and chill. Pour sweetened condensed milk over the warm cake and spread caramel sauce on top. Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least two hours so the flavors meld.
- Add whipped cream and toppings. When chilled, spread Cool Whip or freshly whipped cream across the cake and sprinkle with chopped candy bars. Slice and serve.