This decadent cake features chocolate, caramel, cool whip, and crushed Heath bars. Nothing can beat this easy-to-make, moist, sweet, and irresistibleBetter Than Sex Cake.

better than sex cake recipe baked and whole in the pan iced and garnished

Who doesn’t love a rich, moist chocolate cake? This “better than sex cake” recipe uses a box cake mix and a few other simple ingredients to bring you a cake that is perfect for any occasion.

The caramel and sweetened condensed milk mixture seeps into the chocolate cake as it cools to leave you with a moist, but not soggy cake.

Each time I bring this to an event people assume it took me hours to make and have nothing but praise for how it looks and tastes! If you are looking for a simple and sweet dish that will keep everyone coming back for more, you need to make this recipe. One bite and you will understand where this cake gets its name!

POV side view of a spatula of a square of better than sex cake

What is Better Than Sex Cake?

“Better than sex cake” traditionally uses a chocolate cake that has been poked with holes and then topped with a caramel sauce. The cake is usually topped with a light and airy frosting as well as chocolate toffee bits.

It is similar to aGerman chocolate cakewith a few differences, but it is just as delicious! The exact origins of this cake are not very clear, but it seems to have gained popularity during the 1980s and spread quickly due to the captivating taste. “Better than sex cake” is also commonly known as Holy Cow Cake, Better Than Anything Cake, or Heath Cake.

Recipe Ingredients

Labeled ingredients for Better than sex cake in bowls.

Chocolate Cake Mix—I usually use Betty Crocker, but any brand will work!
Vegetable Oil, Water, and Eggs—For the cake mix.
Sweetened Condensed Milk—Adds a creamy, moist texture to your cake.
Caramel Sauce—For a sweet, smooth flavor that will soak into the cake.
Crushed Heath Bar—Gives your cake a rich, crunchy topping.
Cool Whip—Thawed.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

How to Make Better Than Sex Cake

portion dishes of better than sex cake recipe ingredients

Step #1.Preheat your oven. Butter down a baking dish or use nonstick cooking spray. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cake mix, oil, water, and eggs.

better than sex cake recipe uncooked in a pan

Step #2.Once the cake batter is homogeneous, pour it into the dish and bake.

better than sex cake recipe baked and holes poked in it to allow a syrup inside all still in the pan whole

Step #3.Use a large skewer to poke holes throughout the cake. Stir together the condensed milk and caramel sauce then microwave the mixture. Pour the caramel mixture over the top of the cake and allow it to cool on the counter.

Step #4. Once the cake has cooled, spread the cool whip over the top of it and sprinkle on the Heath bar pieces. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Recipe FAQs

Do I have to use Heath bars for the topping?

Not at all! While crushed Heath bars are traditionally used you can also sprinkle chopped nuts or just pieces of chocolate on top for a nice look and taste.

How can I make sure my cake is moist?

This cake will be naturally moist once it is finished due to the caramel mixture that is poured into the small holes of the cake. If you are concerned that it will be too dry, you can substitute milk rather than water when making the cake.

Can I use homemade whipped cream?

Sure! If you want to make homemade whipped cream for the top of this cake go for it! You can make it by mixing heavy whipping cream, vanilla, and sugar with a hand mixer until it is thick enough to spread. For the sake of time and ease I usually buy a container of cool whip at the store, but either will work fine!

very close up of a corner of the pan of better than sex cake recipe baked and whole in the pan iced and garnished

Expert Tips

When making the cake,you can substitute the vegetable oil for either coconut or canola oil! You can also use ½ cup of butter (salted or unsalted) instead.
The more holes you poke in your cake, the more evenly the caramel mixture will seep into the cake!
To ensure the cool whip is full thawed, I like to transfer it to the fridge when I start making the cake batter!
Allowing the cake to coolhelps prevent the cool whip from sliding off and gives the caramel mixture time to soak into the cake.
You can usually find crushed Heath bars at most major grocery stores on thebaking aisle next to the chocolate chips. If you can’t find them, you can get regular Heath bars and chop them into small pieces!

POV spoonful side view of a piece of better than sex cake

How to Store Your Leftover Cake

“Better than sex cake” really speaks for itself and will be a big hit for dessert! If you happen to have leftover cake, you can store it in the fridge for up to 4 days! Simply cover the pan with plastic wrap or transfer the slices into a large rubbermaid container.