BETTER THAN SEX CAKE is the kind of dessert you make when you want something wildly easy, outrageously delicious, and guaranteed to get a chorus of wow at the table. Maybe you’ve got last minute guests, or maybe you’re craving a fridge-cold chocolate slice after dinner. Either way, this is the cake that never fails me. It’s soft, caramel soaked, and covered in fluffy cream and toffee bits. You don’t need culinary school skills for this one, just a 9×13 pan and the willingness to poke holes in a cake. Let’s make it together. 
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Here’s the beauty of this dessert. It’s mostly pantry staples, it uses a boxed mix, and it still tastes like you hired a pro. To keep things super simple, I use a devil’s food cake mix and create a luscious layer of caramel and sweet cream that seeps into every bite. If you’re a cake fan and love having options, you might also browse my favorite bakes in the cake collection for more inspiration.
The Story Behind This Recipe
Here’s why I love this BETTER THAN SEX CAKE: it uses pantry staples and it tastes like home. BETTER THAN SEX CAKE is the kind of dessert you make when you want something wildly easy, outrageously delicious, and guaranteed to get a chorus of…
- 1 box devil’s food cake mix plus the ingredients listed on the box, typically eggs, oil, and water.
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk 14 ounces. This is what gives that silky, fudgy moisture.
- 1 jar caramel sauce about 12 to 14 ounces. Thick caramel works best.
- 1 tub whipped topping 8 ounces, thawed. Or whip 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar.
- Heath toffee bits or crushed toffee candy about 1 to 1.5 cups.
- Optional extras a drizzle of chocolate syrup, flaky sea salt, chopped pecans, or mini chocolate chips.
- Pan and tools 9×13 pan, wooden spoon or chopstick for poking, spatula.
Pro tip if you live for fall flavors: a slice of this cake pairs ridiculously well with anything apple caramel. If that’s your vibe, check out this cozy apple crisp cheesecake with caramel crunch for your next get together.
How to Make Better Than Sex Cake
We’re going for tender cake with a gooey middle and a cool, whipped crown. The technique is basically bake, poke, soak, chill, and top. It’s as fun as it sounds.
Step 1: Bake the base
Mix the devil’s food cake according to the box instructions. Bake in a lightly greased 9×13 pan until a toothpick comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. Every oven is different, but you’re usually in that 25 to 30 minute zone. When it comes out, let the pan rest for 10 minutes so the cake sets but is still warm.
Step 2: Poke and soak
While the cake is warm, use the handle of a wooden spoon or a chopstick and poke holes all over, about 1 inch apart. Don’t be shy. You want those holes. Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over the top, letting it pool and seep in. Then repeat with the caramel sauce, spreading gently with a spatula so it reaches the edges and flows into the holes. The cake will look shiny and super inviting.
Step 3: Chill, top, and chill again
Let the cake cool to room temp, then cover and chill for at least 2 hours. Cold is key for clean slices and the best texture. Once chilled, spread the whipped topping over the cake in swoops. Sprinkle on a thick layer of toffee bits. Add a light drizzle of chocolate syrup if you want it to look bakery level fancy.
Step 4: Slice and serve
Slice into squares and serve cold or just barely cool. You’ll get soft cake, creamy layers, sweet caramel, and the little crunch from toffee that makes it sing. If you like mini desserts for parties, these Texas sheet cake bites are also a huge hit alongside a pan of BETTER THAN SEX CAKE. Balance is everything.
“I brought this to a potluck and watched the tray disappear. Two coworkers called it dangerous and asked for the recipe before they even finished their slices.”
Expert Tips
Warm cake, cool topping. Always poke and soak while the cake is warm, then let it fully cool before topping. This keeps the whipped layer fluffy instead of melting into the cake.
Make your own whipped cream if you want lighter sweetness. Whip 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla to soft peaks. It tastes fresh and balances the caramel. If you enjoy bright and tangy desserts too, you might love this creamy key lime cheesecake for another crowd pleaser.
Salt is your secret weapon. A pinch of flaky sea salt on top makes the chocolate and caramel pop. It doesn’t make the cake taste salty. It just rounds out the sweetness.
No toffee? No problem. Crushed chocolate-covered pretzels, chopped pecans, or mini chocolate chips are great swap-ins. I’ve even put a layer of crushed Oreos between the cake and topping and wow, very good decision.
Chill time matters. The longer it chills, the better the slices. Overnight is magic. If you need a fast savory win to go with dessert for a small holiday plan, this sheet pan Thanksgiving dinner for four is a clever, low-stress main that pairs perfectly with a cold slice of BETTER THAN SEX CAKE for dessert.
How to Store Your Leftover Cake
BETTER THAN SEX CAKE is a fridge cake at heart. The caramel and condensed milk keep it moist for days, and the whipped topping stays soft and sliceable. Here’s how I keep it fresh.
- Refrigerator: Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or a fitted lid. It keeps beautifully for 3 to 4 days.
- Freezer: Slice into squares, place on a tray to firm up for 1 hour, then wrap individually. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
- Traveling with it: Keep it cold. If it’s a hot day, pop the pan into a cooler bag with an ice pack.
One fun tip if you’re planning a dessert table: mix in a fruity option for contrast. I like adding a pan of something bright beside chocolate, like a caramel apple inspired treat or a citrus cheesecake, because it keeps everyone happy and gives the table a little color pop.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different cake flavor? Yes. Yellow cake or butter cake works. Chocolate is the classic, but yellow cake with caramel is sweet and nostalgic. If you want a fruit-forward twist for another time, try a spiced cake with a light topping.
What if I don’t have toffee bits? Crush a few toffee bars or swap in chopped nuts, pretzels, or chocolate chips. It’s the texture that makes the topping fun.
Do I have to use a boxed mix? Not at all. A homemade chocolate sheet cake works great. The method stays the same. Bake, poke, soak, chill, top. If you love experimenting with seasonal themed bakes, you might also enjoy this dramatic and party-ready black velvet Halloween cake.
Can I make it a day ahead? Definitely. In fact, I recommend it. Overnight chilling helps the caramel soak in and gives you nicer slices.
Can I cut the sweetness? Use homemade whipped cream, drizzle less caramel, and add a small pinch of sea salt. You still get the gooey vibe of BETTER THAN SEX CAKE but with a softer sweet note.
The Cake People Beg Me To Bring Again
So that’s my no-stress, big-smile game plan for BETTER THAN SEX CAKE. You bake a simple base, soak it with caramel and condensed milk, and crown it with clouds of cream and a shower of toffee. It’s the kind of dessert that tastes like a celebration even when it’s just a Tuesday night craving. If you’re curious to compare styles or want another reliable guide, check out this classic Better Than Sex Cake Recipe and the step-by-step from Better Than Sex Cake – Preppy Kitchen for extra ideas. I’m excited for you to try it. Save a square in the fridge for tomorrow, because it somehow tastes even better the next day.
Better Than Sex Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Mix the devil’s food cake according to the box instructions. Bake in a lightly greased 9×13 pan for 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
- Let the cake rest for 10 minutes.
- While the cake is warm, poke holes all over with a wooden spoon handle or chopstick.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, letting it seep into the holes.
- Repeat with the caramel sauce, spreading gently.
- Let the cake cool to room temperature, then cover and chill for at least 2 hours.
- Spread the whipped topping over the cake, sprinkle with toffee bits, and drizzle with chocolate syrup if desired.
- Slice into squares and serve cold or barely cool.
