Top with Cool Whip and Heath bars
- When the cake is completely cool and well-chilled, spread the thawed Cool Whip evenly over the top, all the way to the edges.
- Chop the Heath bars into small pieces and sprinkle them generously over the Cool Whip layer, distributing them so each slice gets some crunchy toffee and chocolate.
Refrigerate again until you’re ready to serve. The topping sets better when it’s cold, and the flavors continue to meld as it rests.
Tips, tricks, and variations
- Poke while warm: Make the holes while the cake is still slightly warm so the top doesn’t crumble and the condensed milk and caramel can soak in more easily.
- Tap the pan: After pouring on the condensed milk and caramel, lightly tap the pan on the counter to release air bubbles and help the liquids sink into the holes.
- Use enough holes: Don’t be shy with the poking. More holes mean better distribution of the soak and fewer dry spots.
- Warm thick caramel: If your caramel sauce is very thick, warm it gently so it pours and spreads more easily.
Fun variations
- Nutty version: Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts on top along with the Heath bars for extra crunch, similar to some caramel poke cake variations.
- Extra chocolatey: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the Cool Whip with the Heath bars or mix chocolate chips into the cake batter as some Better Than Sex cake versions do.
- Different candy: Swap Heath bars for Snickers, Butterfinger, or other chocolate-toffee bars to create new flavor profiles while keeping the same method.
- Name tweak: For G-rated audiences, many bloggers use names like “Better Than Anything Cake,” “Better Than You-Know-What Cake,” or “Heath Bar Poke Cake.”
Storage and make-ahead
Because this cake is soaked with sweetened condensed milk and topped with Cool Whip, it should be refrigerated. Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and keep it in the fridge when not serving.
Most Better Than Sex cake recipes recommend enjoying it within about 3–4 days for best texture and flavor. Over time, the cake will continue to soften from the moisture; many people note that it tastes even better on the second day as everything has more time to meld.
Freezing is also possible, although whipped topping and candy bars can change texture slightly when thawed. Some guides suggest freezing the cake base (with the condensed milk and caramel) and adding the Cool Whip and Heath bars after thawing for best results. If freezing fully assembled, wrap the pan well, freeze for up to a couple of months, and thaw in the fridge before serving.
FAQs
Why is it called “Better Than Sex” Cake?
The name is part of its retro charm. Food writers trace the popularity of “Better Than Sex” cake (and similarly named desserts) to home cooks and newspaper food columns in the late 1970s and early 1980s, when bold, cheeky recipe titles became a way to signal just how indulgent a dessert was. It’s also often referred to as “Better Than Anything Cake,” “Better Than You-Know-What Cake,” or simply “chocolate caramel poke cake.”
Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of a mix?
Yes. Many versions stick with a boxed Devil’s Food mix for ease and nostalgia, but you can use your favorite from-scratch 9×13 chocolate cake as long as it’s sturdy enough to handle poking and soaking.
Does the cake have to be refrigerated?
Yes. Because the recipe uses sweetened condensed milk that’s poured onto the baked cake and a Cool Whip topping, sources recommend refrigerating the cake both to help it set and for food safety. Serve it chilled and return any leftovers to the fridge.
Can I make this a day ahead?
Absolutely. In fact, many bakers prefer making it at least a day ahead so the condensed milk and caramel fully soak into the cake and the flavors develop. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until serving time.
How do I get clean slices?
Chill the cake thoroughly—at least a couple of hours, preferably longer—before cutting. Use a sharp knife, wipe it between cuts, and slice straight down rather than sawing; this helps you cut through the sticky caramel and toffee without dragging.
Vintage Better Than Sex Cake is the ultimate nostalgic chocolate poke cake: rich, ridiculously easy, and guaranteed to disappear from any dessert table. Add it to your lineup for holidays, birthdays, and potlucks, invite your readers to pin or save it, and encourage them to share their own candy-bar twists and family-friendly name versions.