Bowl Me Over

  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • About Me
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Me
    • Work with Me
  • Video
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • Video
  • Contact
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • Video
  • Contact
×
Home » Recipes » Cake Recipes

Better Than Sex Cake Recipe

Published: Jan 8, 2025 by Debra Clark · 6 Comments

Jump to Recipe

Made with a Devil's Food Cake mix. Dolled up with caramel sauce and topped with Cool Whip, chocolate, and crushed Heath candy bar bits, this delicious cake is seriously over the top! And THAT's why it's called the best Better than Sex Cake Recipe! 😋

Chocolate cake with whipped cream frosting, topped with crunched up chocolate bars on plate with fork.
Chocolate lovers will really love this easy-to-make chocolate poke cake recipe!
Jump to:
  • Better than sex cake recipe
  • Ingredients
  • Creative variations to try
  • Step-by-step instructions
  • Essential tools for this recipe
  • Frequently asked questions (FAQ’s)
  • Deb’s tips for the best poke cake
  • More easy dessert recipes
  • What I've learned
  • Better Than Sex Cake

Better than sex cake recipe

Dan (the most experienced food taste tester ever!) totally agrees! I know when he goes back for thirds... I definitely have a winner!

And yes he totally went into a food coma after eating three pieces BUT he said it was worth it. Let me tell you.... you NEED this cake in your life!

Bonus? This is a simple chocolate cake mix recipe that starts with a boxed cake mix!

Deb... you're saying... seriously now... Better Than Sex Cake Recipe? Yup! You know I like my over-the-top chocolatey desserts and this one takes the cake - pun intended!! 😋

Ingredients for recipe.

Ingredients

For the exact measurements, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

  • Devil's Food Cake Mix - or German Chocolate cake mix, or make a homemade chocolate cake! Of course you can use a yellow cake mix if you think it's too much chocolate... (but isn't that why we're making this cake?!!)
  • milk or half and half
  • For the toppings you'll need:
  • chocolate syrup and caramel sauce - you want the drizzly kind! Now by all means, if you want to make homemade caramel sauce and chocolate sauce you can, but I used store bought.
  • cool whip - yes, I used sugar free. Kinda seems crazy but it worked just fine. Regular works well too.
  • Heath bars - 3-4 candy bars, if you like super crunchy texture, use four bars. You can also use Heath toffee bits.

Creative variations to try

There's a variety of combinations you can use to make this recipe!

  • crushed chocolate toffee bars
  • reese's peanut butter cups
  • or mini chocolate chips
  • you can use heavy cream and make your own whipped topping.
step by step instructions to make Heath Cake Recipe.

Step-by-step instructions

This is an overview of the instructions for the bts cake. For the complete directions just scroll down to the bottom!

  1. In large bowl, combine the cake mix with butter and milk.
  2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing between each addition.
  3. Pour batter into the pan, bake cake mix as directed.
  4. When it's done baking, immediately poke holes all over the hot cake with the back of a wooden spoon. No need to let the cake cool.
  5. While it's still warm, pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake.
  6. Next pour caramel sauce over the cake and refrigerate.
  7. Chop the candy bars into small bits.
  8. Remove from the refrigerator, top with Cool Whip, drizzle with chocolate and remaining caramel. 
  9. Sprinkle with candy bits!

Essential tools for this recipe

The following are affiliate links. We participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. 

Here are the baking must have's for my kitchen!

  • Kitchen Aide Stand Mixer
  • Pyrex 4-Piece Glass Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Rubber Spatula

Frequently asked questions (FAQ’s)

What is a poke cake?

It's a cake that you poke holes in after baking, then it's filled with an amazing pudding. They are easy to make and delicious! If you like chocolate, you'll love this!

What do you use to poke the holes?

You can use the end of a wooden spoon or a small dowel. Whatever you use, it should be about the size of a pencil. If you have kids, they will love to help you with this part!

What pan is best?

Use a 9x13 baking dish, either glass or metal is fine!

Does it need to be refrigerated?

With all of the amazing chocolate and caramel pudding mixture, this cake needs to be refrigerated and is best served cold.

How long does it last?

We had it in the refrigerator for 5 days before slicing it into squares and freezing it. Wrap the slices individually and freeze. They will store for at

Can you freeze it?

Absolutely! It will be best if you slice it first prior to freezing. W

A slice of Better Than Sex Chocolate Cake Recipe dished up with a spatula.
Amazing chocolate poke cake recipe!

Deb’s tips for the best poke cake

Take an ordinary cake mix to the next level by substituting butter for oil, milk for water and add an extra egg! This makes the cake more moist, decadent and delicious. Like a fancy bakery made it - but you baked it at home!

  • Best shortcut? Cool Whip.... yes, you can certainly whip your own cream, but honestly cool whip is perfect and it tastes great!
Chocolate Sheet Pan Cake being sliced with knife.
You're going to love this decadent chocolate cake!

More easy dessert recipes

  • Boston Cream Pie Poke Cake - Just like the fancy eclair, but in poke cake form. Topped with a ganache chocolate glaze this cake is dreamy!
  • Strawberry Jello Cake - an old fashioned favorite is a real crowd pleaser!
  • Coconut Pudding Poke Cake - yellow cake with coconut pudding, whipped cream and topped with toasted coconut, wow!!!
  • If you're looking for an easy dessert, this recipe for Mountain Dew Apple Dumplings is super easy and just so good!

What I've learned

Poke cakes are easy desserts! They were popular cakes in the sixties and seventies for a reason. They are super easy to make and the best cake to feed a crowd. They are absolutely delicious! There is very little effort for a serious WOW factor!

I hope you give this recipe a try soon!

Heath Bar Cake in a glass pan being served with a spatula
5 from 5 votes

Better Than Sex Cake

Heath Bar Cake Recipe - this over-the-top box mix cake is rich chocolate perfection!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe SaveSaved!
Prevent your screen from going dark
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time30 minutes mins
chill the cake2 hours hrs
Total Time2 hours hrs 40 minutes mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 16
Calories: 277kcal
Author: Deb Clark

Equipment

  • Kitchen Aid Mixer
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons

Ingredients

  • 1 Devils Food Cake Mix ***I used Pillsbury however you can use any box mix, see note below.
  • 1 cup milk or half 'n half
  • ½ cup butter melted
  • 1 cup caramel sauce divided
  • 14 ounce sweetened condensed milk
  • ½ cup chocolate sauce
  • 3 Heath candy bars use anywhere from 2-4
  • 8 ounce whipped topping I used cool whip - don't even ask why it's sugar free, LOL!

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  • Spray the pan with non-stick cooking spray, set aside.
  • Start with the box mix, add the butter and milk, mix to combine.
  • Add the eggs, one in a time - mixing between each addition.
  • Bake as directed according to the package directions.
  • Remove from the oven and while it's warm, using the end of a wooden spoon poke holes all over the cake.
  • Remove the cake from the oven, immediately poke holes over the entire cake. I used the handle of a wooden spoon.
  • Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the top of the cake.
  • Next drizzle three fourths of the caramel sauce over the cake.
  • Allow to cool on the counter for an hour to room temperature. Refrigerate for two hours.
  • While it's chilling, chop the candy bars into small bits.
  • Remove the cake from the refrigerator, top with Cool Whip, drizzle with chocolate and remaining caramel.
  • Sprinkle with candy bits!
  • Serve and seriously enjoy! Cover with plastic wrap, refrigerate leftovers.

Notes

***I used a Pillsbury cake mix. If you use another mix - say Duncan Hines, just switch out water and butter for milk and butter. Make it a direct swap, in other words if that box mix calls for ¾ cup water, use ¾ cup milk. Add an additional egg.
This is a great make-ahead dessert. Make it the day before and keep it refrigerated. It's perfect for a potluck or party. It is the mostly chocolatey of all chocolate treats!
 

Love this recipe? Join the free membership group!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 277kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 373mg | Potassium: 162mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 225IU | Calcium: 82mg | Iron: 1mg

    More Cake Recipes

    • Slice of Guinness chocolate cake on a plate, showcasing its fudgy center and decadent frosting.
      Guinness Chocolate Sheet Cake
    • Close-up of a thick slice of carrot bundt cake topped with creamy frosting and chopped pecans on a serving spatula.
      Cake Mix Carrot Bundt Cake
    • Close-up of a slice of confetti bundt cake with colorful sprinkles throughout, topped with thick white frosting and extra rainbow sprinkles.
      Nothing Bundt Cake Confetti Cake
    • A slice of graham cracker icebox cake on a spatula.
      Snickerdoodle Graham Cracker Icebox Cake
    2.7K shares

    About Debra Clark

    Hey I'm Deb Clark, and I'm the owner of Bowl Me Over! We live in the sleepy little town of Scappoose, Oregon. And I admit it... I love food! Join me in this foodie journey (even if you've never cooked before!) I will help you learn to be confident in the kitchen! Want to learn more? Let's stay connected, you can email me at debra@bowl-me-over.com and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

    Comments

      5 from 5 votes (3 ratings without comment)

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Shellie says

      October 08, 2022 at 6:00 pm

      5 stars
      I've been making this desert for years, but I haven't put chocolate sauce on it. I will try that next time I make this incredible crowd pleasing desert. I cheat a little by using Heath chips instead of chopping the bars myself. I haven't tried using melted butter and milk either, thank you for the great idea, I'm sure it makes the cake even more moist!

      Reply
    2. Kimberly Morris says

      January 08, 2022 at 2:28 am

      I'm making these a week early and freezing them. Can the caramel and sweetend milk be frozen?

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        January 08, 2022 at 3:05 pm

        It freezes well Kimberly, I've done that a couple of times. Enjoy the cake and thanks for stopping by.

        Reply
    3. Brookie says

      May 17, 2021 at 2:08 pm

      I cannot wait to try this, however the list of ingredients doesnt list the sweetened condensed milk. I read it in the instructions but its not listed above.

      Reply
      • Bowl Me Over says

        May 17, 2021 at 6:19 pm

        Sorry about that Brookie - I just corrected the recipe. I appreciate you bringing it to my attention, I appreciate it!

        Reply
    4. Lois says

      June 28, 2020 at 8:55 pm

      5 stars
      This looks like a wonderful special treat. Very tasty. Give it a try. I will be doing it.

      Reply
    Blogger Deb Clark smiling at camera holding a plate filled with a casserole.
    Welcome to Bowl Me Over!

    Hey I'm Deb Clark! I'm the owner of Bowl Me Over. We live in a sleepy little town just north of Portland in the beautiful Pacific Northwest... (read more)

    Everyone's Favorites

    • Spoon filled with chicken spaghetti over casserole dish.
      Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel

    • Ground Beef Casserole in a cast iron skillet with a spoon taking out a big scoop.
      Hobo Casserole

    • Sauce in bowl with spoon.
      Smashburger Sauce Recipe

    • Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole in white dish.
      Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole

    • Quarter Pounder Hamburger with bite taken out. Burger is loaded with cheese, lettuce and tomato.
      How to Cook Frozen Hamburger Patties in the Oven

    • Close-up view of crispy smashed fingerling potatoes with caramelized garlic, herbs, and seasoning for a crunchy golden finish.
      Smashed Fingerling Potatoes

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • Twitter

    Footer

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • About Me
    as featured in

    Contact

    • Contact

    Copyright © 2013 - 2025 Bowl Me Over, LLC

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.