Julia Child once said, “A party without a cake is just a meeting.” The Better Than Sex Cake is a perfect example of this. It’s a rich, caramel-infused chocolate cake that’s loved by many. It combines moist chocolate cake, creamy caramel, and fluffy whipped topping.
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Key Takeaways
- Better Than Sex Cake is a decadent chocolate cake soaked in a caramel-sweetened condensed milk mixture and topped with whipped cream and toffee bits.
- The recipe transforms a simple devil’s food cake mix into a showstopping dessert that’s perfect for special occasions or simply indulging a sweet tooth.
- With a preparation time of just over 2 hours, this cake is worth the effort, delivering a rich, moist, and flavor-packed treat.
- Customization options abound, allowing you to tailor the cake to your personal preferences or seasonal themes.
- Following the step-by-step instructions and heeding expert tips will ensure your Better Than Sex Cake turns out moist, delicious, and worthy of its bold name.
The History and Origin of Better Than Sex Cake
The “Better Than Sex Cake” has been a favorite for decades. Its recipe first showed up in newspapers in the early 1980s. But, it’s believed home cooks shared it even before that.
Alternative Names for This Decadent Dessert
Over time, this cake has been called many things. Names like “Better Than Robert Redford Cake” and “Better Than Anything Cake” have been used. These names highlight the cake’s rich and delicious taste.
Why This Cake Earned Its Bold Name
The name “Better Than Sex Cake” suggests it’s incredibly tasty. Some might find the name too bold, but its fame shows it’s truly special. It’s loved by many for its decadent flavor.
The recipe was shared at a meeting in St. Louis in June 1981. It quickly became popular across the country. Today, it’s still featured in many places, showing its lasting appeal.
“Better Than Sex Cake became a popular food trend in the 1980s and was highly requested by readers of food columns throughout the 1990s, indicating its lasting popularity.”
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Better Than Sex Cake Recipe
Making the Better Than Sex Cake is easy thanks to its simple ingredients. The cake starts with a box of devil’s food cake mix. This mix makes the cake moist and fluffy.
Then, sweetened condensed milk, caramel sauce, and thawed frozen whipped topping are added. These ingredients turn the cake into a treat you can’t resist.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Devil’s food cake mix | 1 box |
| Sweetened condensed milk | 1 (14-ounce) can |
| Caramel sauce | 1 cup (320 g) |
| Frozen whipped topping, thawed | 12 ounces |
| Chocolate syrup | As needed |
| Toffee bits | 3 Heath bars, crushed |
This cake is quick to make with just six ingredients. The devil’s food cake is the base. The sweetened condensed milk, caramel sauce, and whipped topping make it moist and decadent.
It’s topped with chocolate syrup and toffee bits. This makes it perfect for satisfying any sweet craving.
“This cake is an absolute showstopper. The blend of flavors and textures is simply unbeatable.” – John Kanell, recipe author
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
Making the perfect Better Than Sex Cake is all about following the right steps. We’ll guide you through the process to make sure your cake is moist, rich, and irresistible.
Preparing the Devil’s Food Cake Base
Begin by mixing the devil’s food cake as the package directs. Bake it in a 9×13 inch pan until a toothpick comes out clean, about 30 minutes. After baking, poke holes all over the cake with a fork. This lets the toppings soak in.
Creating the Caramel-Milk Mixture
In a medium bowl, mix the sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce until smooth. Pour this mixture over the warm cake, spreading it evenly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors blend and the texture set.
Adding the Perfect Toppings
- Take the chilled cake out of the fridge and spread the frozen whipped topping evenly.
- Drizzle chocolate syrup and caramel sauce on top for a delicious look and taste.
- Sprinkle crushed Heath or Skor candy bar pieces over the whipped topping for a crunchy texture.
Your Better Than Sex Cake is now ready to be enjoyed! This dessert is sure to please any sweet tooth and have guests asking for more.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Devil’s Food Cake Mix | 1 box |
| Sweetened Condensed Milk | 14 oz |
| Caramel Sauce | 1 cup |
| Frozen Whipped Topping | 8 oz |
| Heath or Skor Candy Bars | 3 bars |
Tips for Making Your Cake Extra Moist and Delicious
Baking the perfect Better Than Sex Cake is all about achieving the optimal level of moisture and flavor. By incorporating a few simple tricks, you can elevate your cake to new heights of indulgence. Let’s dive into the secrets for making your cake extra moist and delicious.
First and foremost, for a moist and tender crumb, be sure to poke holes about 1 inch apart across the surface of the freshly baked cake. This will allow the caramel-milk mixture to seep into the cake, infusing it with rich, moist goodness. However, take care not to poke the holes too deep, as you don’t want the liquid to pool at the bottom.
To further enhance the flavor, opt for a devil’s food cake mix as your base. The deeper, richer chocolate notes will complement the sweet caramel topping perfectly, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
Another key tip is to allow the cake to cool slightly before drizzling the caramel-milk mixture over the top. This will prevent the liquid from being absorbed too quickly, ensuring an even distribution of the decadent topping.
Finally, be sure to chill the cake thoroughly before adding the whipped topping. This will help the topping hold its shape and prevent it from melting, resulting in a beautifully presented and delicious dessert.
“The secret to a moist and flavorful Better Than Sex Cake lies in the details. With a few simple tricks, you can transform a good cake into an extraordinary one.”
By following these moist cake tips and baking tricks, you’ll be well on your way to creating a Better Than Sex Cake that is both visually stunning and bursting with flavor enhancement. Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with this irresistible recipe.
Customization Options and Variations
The iconic Better Than Sex Cake is known for its versatility. You can make it your own by trying different cake bases, toppings, and seasonal twists. This way, you can create a unique version of this rich dessert.
Alternative Cake Base Options
Change up the classic Devil’s Food Cake with other moist options. Try a yellow cake for a pineapple twist or a German Chocolate Cake for a nutty flavor. The cake base is where you can really get creative.
Creative Topping Combinations
Take your Better Than Sex Cake to the next level with unique toppings. Add mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or crushed candy bars for a fun texture. These toppings can make your cake stand out.
Seasonal Adaptations
Make your Better Than Sex Cake fit the season. For fall, use a pumpkin or gingerbread cake with spiced caramel and whipped cream. In winter, try a white chocolate-peppermint topping or crushed candy canes for a festive touch.
Whichever way you choose to customize your Better Than Sex Cake, it will be a hit. It’s a chance to make this classic dessert your own. So, get creative and enjoy the process!
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
Proper storage and make-ahead preparation are crucial for the Better Than Sex Cake. This ensures the cake stays moist and flavorful. Follow these tips for cake storage, refrigeration, and freezing desserts.
To store the cake, cover it with plastic wrap or put it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. Wrap it in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
For convenience, prepare the Better Than Sex Cake a day ahead. Store it in the fridge until serving. This lets the flavors blend and the cake set, making it even more delicious.
Remember, cake storage, refrigeration, and freezing desserts are key. They help keep your Better Than Sex Cake fresh and tasty. By following these steps, you can enjoy this treat at its best, now or later.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making This Cake
Making the perfect Better Than Sex Cake needs careful steps. Even skilled bakers can run into problems. To make sure your cake is perfect, avoid these common mistakes.
Don’t poke holes all the way through the cake. It might seem like a good idea to let the caramel-milk mixture soak in. But, it can cause the sauce to leak out, ruining the cake’s shape. Instead, gently poke the surface to let the mixture soak in evenly.
Make sure your Cool Whip is thawed before you spread it on the cake. If it’s frozen or stiff, it will make the cake look uneven. Let the whipped topping soften so it spreads smoothly and looks professional.
- Avoid poking holes all the way through the cake to prevent sauce leakage.
- Ensure the Cool Whip is properly thawed before spreading.
- Don’t skip the chilling step, as it’s crucial for the cake’s texture.
- Avoid leaving the cake at room temperature for too long after adding toppings to prevent sogginess.
The chilling step is also very important. Skipping it can make the cake soggy. Also, don’t leave the cake out too long after adding toppings. It can become soggy. Refrigerate it quickly to keep it fresh.
By avoiding these baking errors, you’ll make a cake troubleshooting masterpiece. Your guests will love your dessert tips-worthy skills.
Serving Suggestions and Presentation Ideas
Serving this Better Than Sex Cake can be fun. Serve it chilled or just a bit warmer than room temperature. Enjoy each slice with cold milk or creamy vanilla ice cream. The mix of cold and warm is amazing.
Make the cake look great by adding more caramel or chocolate sauce. It makes the cake look and taste even better. You can also add fresh mint or cocoa powder for a fancy touch.
This cake is great for many events. It’s perfect for potlucks, office parties, birthdays, and holidays. Where chocolate fans meet, this cake will impress everyone. It’s a mix of moist cake, gooey caramel, and rich toppings.
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