This Better Than Sex Cake earns its name because it solves the biggest dessert problem, you need something everyone will actually love. I keep this recipe in my regular rotation because it bakes consistently, slices clean, and disappears fast wherever it’s served. If you’re looking for a better than sex cake recipe that delivers rich flavor without complicated steps, this one checks every box.
Better Than Sex Cake is made with a chocolate cake mix. I do love Devils Food Cake but a good Chocolate Cake Mix is perfect. Make sure to follow the directions on the box with Eggs, Oil and Water. I also prefer to use either a hand mixer or a large stand mixer when mixing the cake mix too.
Ingredient Roll Call for Better than Sex Cake Ingredients
- Devil’s Food Cake Mix – Creates a rich, chocolate-forward base that holds up well to the condensed milk soak without getting mushy.
- Eggs – Provide structure and lift so the cake bakes fluffy instead of dense.
- Oil – Keeps the cake extra moist, which is essential for a poke-style dessert.
- Water – Brings the batter together smoothly and helps activate the cake mix.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk – The signature ingredient that seeps into the cake, creating that ultra-moist, indulgent texture Better Than Sex Cake is known for.
- Cool Whip – Adds a light, creamy topping that balances the richness of the chocolate cake underneath.
- Mini Chocolate Chips – Sprinkle in extra chocolate flavor without overpowering the cake.
- Heath Bits – Add buttery toffee crunch that contrasts perfectly with the soft cake and creamy topping.
- Caramel Sauce – Finishes each slice with a sweet drizzle that ties all the flavors together.
The Must Have Supplies
- Mixing Bowl
- 9x13 Pan
- Round Wooden Spoon (handle to poke holes)
- Hand Mixer
- Measuring Spoons
- Rubber Spatula
Let's Make It! Better Than Cake
I’ll be very candid with you. I prefer Betty Crocker Cake Mixes. I like the way they bake, the texture is always spot on. Devils Food Cake is a more dense cake. When making a Poke Cake you want a cake that is sturdy and will hold up with all the yummy ingredients you put on it. That is why I choose Devils Food Cake Mix for this recipe.
Step 1: For this classic better than sex cake, start by heating the oven to 350°F and prepping a 9×13 glass pan with cooking spray. Mix the devil’s food cake mix with the eggs, water, and oil until the batter is smooth and glossy—two minutes with a hand mixer is perfect. Pour into the prepared pan and bake 30–35 minutes, checking the center with a toothpick for doneness.
Step 2: While the cake is still warm, use the rounded end of a wooden spoon to poke holes across the surface, about 2 to 2½ inches apart. Slowly pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake and gently spread so it sinks into the holes and around the edges. Let the cake cool completely—about an hour—so the topping won’t melt.
Step 3: Once cool, spread a fluffy layer of Cool Whip from corner to corner. Finish with a generous shower of Heath toffee bits and mini chocolate chips. Slice into squares and, if you want that extra touch, add a ribbon of caramel to each serving. Cover and refrigerate any leftovers.
This is one of those better than sex desserts that tastes even better chilled.
Kitchen Secrets
- Poke the cake while it’s warm so the condensed milk can flow into the holes and soak the crumb evenly.
- Spacing the holes about 2 to 2½ inches apart gives you a moist, fudgy texture without making the cake collapse.
- Let the cake cool fully before adding Cool Whip—this keeps the topping light and prevents melt-off.
- Add caramel just before serving so your drizzle stays neat and glossy.
- Chilled slices cut cleaner. Wipe the knife between cuts for bakery-level edges.
Flavor Fixes / Swap it Out
Any chocolate cake boxed mix works for this recipe but Devil's food brings the deepest cocoa flavor.
Want a twist? Trade some Heath Bits for crushed chocolate covered toffee or try Peanut Butter Cups chopped up or even chopped nuts.
Family Memories are Priceless
The “Better Than” type recipes are abundant but I want to share with you one of my other very favorites. Better than Sex Chex Mix is Ah-Ma-ZING! The mini Peanut Butter Cups truly add to this recipe and I love the crunch of the Chex Mix. With so many textures and flavors, it’s a favorite for many reasons.
What is Poke Cake?
A Poke Cake is a generic term for a cake that you poke holes into so you can drizzle a sauce, cream, or even Jell-O. It’s a fun and easy dessert that can be made with endless flavor combinations.
Did you know back in the 1940’s the first Poke Cake Recipe was printed on a can of Nestle’s Sweetened Condensed Milk. It was a favorite from the beginning.
Poke Cake Recipes
So many flavor combinations come to mind when I think of a Poke Cake. Traditionally Better Than Sex Cake is a Poke Cake Recipe. But we also love to make these combinations too.
Fridge & Freezer Magic
The best way to store a Poke Cake is to cover with Plastic Wrap and keep in the refrigerator.
You can also Freeze Poke Cake. Make sure it’s covered and sealed and freeze for up to 3 months. Then add the whipped cream and additional toppings when ready to serve.
Kitchen Q&A's
Yes - assemble fully and chill. Add caramel at service so it stays nice and tidy
Poke holes about 2-21/2 inches apart as noted. Just enough for even soaking without compromising the structure of the cake
No. any chocolate cake mix will work. Devil's Food cake gives the most intense chocolate flavor, is more dense so it holds it's structure better too.
When I need a guarenteed crowd-pleaseer, I bring this Better than Sex Cake. It's simple, indulgent and the pan always comes home empty - proof that everyone loves this recipe.
Your Next Favorite Recipe
- Candy Corn Poke Cake
- Better than Sex Chex Mix
- Coconut Lime Zucchini Bread
- Lemon Pound Cake
- 3 Ingredient Lemon Bars
- Peanut Butter Brownies
- Snickerdoodle Bars
Better Than Sex Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Box Devil Food Cake Mix
- 3 Eggs
- ½ Cup Oil
- 1 ¼ Cup Water
- 1 Cool Whip
- 1 Can Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Mini Chocolate Chips
- Heath Bits
- Caramel Sauce - Optional
Instructions
- In a large mixing Bowl combine Cake Mix, Eggs, Water and Oil
- Beat for 2 minutes on Medium High
- Spray 9x13 Glass Pan with cooking spray and pour batter into pan. Spread evenly
- Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean
- Using the end of a round wooden spoon handle, poke holes in cake. I prefer to poke holes about 2 - 2 ½ inches apart in rows.
- Pour 1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk on top of cake allowing to drizzle into holes. Spread using a rubber spatula.
- Allow cake to fully cool. 1 Hour
- Spread Cool Whip on cooled cake and top with Heath Bits covered in Chocolate and Mini Chocolate Chips.
- Serve with a drizzle of Caramel on each piece.
- Store covered in refrigerator
Notes
Nutrition Disclaimer
All nutrition values are approximate and calculated by a plugin and are provided as a courtesy. Adding or subtracting ingredients will change the nutritional value.
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