
By Becky Hardin
Updated May 20, 2025

If you’re a chocolate lover, this Better Than Sex Cake is the poke cake of your dreams! Rich chocolate cake is topped with condensed milk and luscious whipped cream, then finished off with caramel sauce and toffee bits for a chocolate dessert you won’t soon forget. It’s a super indulgent cake that’s wonderfully sinful!

5-Star Review
“This Better than Sex Cake was a smash hit! Was very easy to make and was so delicious and moist. I did add the Toffee and Caramel 😋 DELISH!” -Lisa
Better Than Sex Poke Cake
Store-bought chocolate cake mix has never been dressed up this deliciously! To make this cake super simple and easy, I started with a box of cake mix, though you can bake your Favorite Chocolate Cake if you prefer. I then poured sweetened condensed milk into the holes and topped the cake with whipped cream, Homemade Caramel Sauce , and toffee bits for the most decadent chocolate cake you can make from a mix. Though if you want to lighten things up, feel free to swap the toppings for fresh berries or chocolate-covered strawberries.
Ingredients1x2x3x
- ▢ 15.25 ounces chocolate cake mix 432 grams (1 box), Betty Crocker Super Moist™ Favorites Devil’s Food Cake Mix recommended
- ▢ 1¼ cups water 284 grams
- ▢ ½ cup vegetable oil 100 grams
- ▢ 3 large eggs 150 grams
- ▢ 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk 396 grams (1 can)
- ▢ 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 4 grams, divided
- ▢ ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ▢ ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ▢ ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ▢ 1½ cups heavy whipping cream 341 grams, cold, or store bought
- ▢ 2 tablespoons powdered sugar 14 grams
Optional Garnishes
- ▢ Caramel sauce
- ▢ Toffee bits
Video
Instructions
- Bake the chocolate cake mix as directed on the box. Once it is baked and out of the oven let it cool completely. 15.25 ounces chocolate cake mix, 1¼ cups water, ½ cup vegetable oil, 3 large eggs
- Once cooled, create small holes throughout the entire cake with the back of a narrow mixing spoon. Be sure to not poke all the way through the cake. Set aside.
- In a small bowl combine the sweetened and condensed milk, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until combined. 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Pour the sweetened and condensed milk mixture over the cake. The mixture should fill all the holes created previously.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes for best results.
- While the cake is chilling, make the whipped cream: In a large bowl combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered, sugar, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer, beat the mixture on high until it thickens and has the consistency of whipped cream, about 3-5 minutes. 1½ cups heavy whipping cream, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Using a spatula or other tool, spread the whipped cream over the entire cake in an even layer, then drizzle the caramel sauce and toffee bits evenly over the cake, optional. Caramel sauce, Toffee bits
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
- 9×13 Baking Pan
- Hand Mixer
Becky’s Tips
- The holes should be around 1 inch apart. Too close together and the cake will be too moist, too far apart and there may not be enough filling.
- Nutritional information does not include optional garnishes.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How to Make Better Than Sex Cake Step by Step
Prepare the cake mix: Bake a 15.25-ounce chocolate cake mix as directed on the box with 1 1/4 cups of water, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, and 3 large eggs. Once it is out of the oven let it cool completely.

Make the holes: Once cooled, create small holes throughout the entire cake with the back of a narrow mixing spoon. Be sure to not poke all the way through the cake. Set aside.

Combine the topping ingredients: In a small bowl, mix 14 ounces of sweetened condensed milk, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Stir until combined.

Pour the milk mixture over the cake : Pour the sweetened and condensed milk mixture over the cake. The mixture should fill all the holes.
Chill: Chill in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes for best results.

Prepare the garnishes: While the cake is chilling, whip 1 1/2 cups whipped cream and then combine with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer, beat the mixture on high until it thickens and has the consistency of whipped cream, about 3-5 minutes.

Top the cake: Using a spatula or other tool, spread the whipped cream over the entire cake in an even layer, then drizzle the caramel sauce and toffee bits evenly over the cake, optional.

How to Store
This cake will keep well in the fridge for two days. It will still be good to eat after that, but will start to get a little dry. Keep it covered to extend it’s life as long as possible.
To freeze, it’s best not to add the whipped cream. Pour the condensed milk on top, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight before adding the cream and serving.

Serving Suggestions
There’s never a bad time to enjoy this indulgent chocolate dessert! It’s always a huge hit on Valentine’s Day (mostly because of that daring name), along with this sexy Love Potion #9, and because it’s chilled, it’s ideal for the summer with a nice cool glass of Homemade Lemonade .
more easy cake recipes we love

Strawberry Pound Cake

Easy Peanut Butter Banana Bundt Cake

Cake Mix Coffee Cake

Italian Cream Cake

Better Than Sex Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
- 9x13 Baking Pan
- Hand Mixer
Ingredients
- 15.25 ounces chocolate cake mix 432 grams (1 box), Betty Crocker Super Moist™ Favorites Devil’s Food Cake Mix recommended
- 1¼ cups water 284 grams
- ½ cup vegetable oil 100 grams
- 3 large eggs 150 grams
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk 396 grams (1 can)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 4 grams, divided
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream 341 grams, cold, or store bought
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar 14 grams
Optional Garnishes
- Caramel sauce
- Toffee bits
Instructions
- Bake the chocolate cake mix as directed on the box. Once it is baked and out of the oven let it cool completely. 15.25 ounces chocolate cake mix, 1¼ cups water, ½ cup vegetable oil, 3 large eggs
- Once cooled, create small holes throughout the entire cake with the back of a narrow mixing spoon. Be sure to not poke all the way through the cake. Set aside.
- In a small bowl combine the sweetened and condensed milk, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until combined. 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Pour the sweetened and condensed milk mixture over the cake. The mixture should fill all the holes created previously.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes for best results.
- While the cake is chilling, make the whipped cream: In a large bowl combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered, sugar, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer, beat the mixture on high until it thickens and has the consistency of whipped cream, about 3-5 minutes. 1½ cups heavy whipping cream, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Using a spatula or other tool, spread the whipped cream over the entire cake in an even layer, then drizzle the caramel sauce and toffee bits evenly over the cake, optional. Caramel sauce, Toffee bits
Video
Notes
- The holes should be around 1 inch apart. Too close together and the cake will be too moist, too far apart and there may not be enough filling.
- Nutritional information does not include optional garnishes.
Nutrition

By Becky Hardin
Published Jul 12, 2017

This Essential Grocery List is an absolute life saver for my family on the busy weeks. When I started this journey to learn how to cook, I quickly realized that the first step in cooking is having staple ingredients on hand. I want to avoid having to run out to the grocery store every single time I prepare a new recipe. Having a well-stocked pantry has made my life in the kitchen so much simpler, because when it’s time to cook, I have what I need.

Essential Grocery List
It’s so helpful to have a basic grocery list to help me remember which foods to buy at the store. This food shopping list is my go-to!
It’s better to stock up on things like grains, seasonings and spices, baking essentials, oils, condiments, canned and frozen foods, etc. so I can just grab them when I need them. These things have a long shelf life , so I keep them in my kitchen for convenience.
However, I do have to go to the supermarket sometimes, and there’s a way to make that trip easy and hassle-free: I keep a grocery list! If I go in blindly, I’ll leave with things I don’t need, and nothing that actually helps me prepare a good meal.
In the list below, I’ve compiled everything I always have on my stock-up grocery list.
I’ve got you covered! I created an easy grocery list filled with all of the essentials. Plus there’s a free printable version that you can take with you to the grocery store. It has everything you need to stock your pantry, your freezer, and your refrigerator.

Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List
What to Buy at the Grocery Store
This is the perfect grocery list filled with all the basics and essentials. It should help get you going if you’re new to cooking, or if you’re just left staring helplessly at an empty pantry and don’t know how to fill it.
When I first started cooking, things could seem overwhelming. I quickly realized that they more prepared I could be, the more confident I felt. If you already have the basics in your kitchen, then you can shop stress-free.
So print out our easy grocery list, stock up your pantry and fridge, and you’ll be cooking in no time!
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Fresh Produce
- Apples
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Avocados
- Bell Peppers
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Garlic
- Lemons/Limes
- Onion
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
GRAINS
- Breadcrumbs
- Pasta
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Sandwich Bread
- Tortillas
MEAT/PROTEIN
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Ground Beef
- Sliced Turkey
- Lunch Meat
DAIRY
- Butter
- Sliced Cheese
- Shredded Cheese
- Milk
- Sour Cream
- Greek Yogurt
BAKING GOODS
- Baking powder
- Baking Soda
- Granulated Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Flour
- Honey
- Vanilla Extract
- Dry Yeast
- Chocolate Chips
- Cocoa Powder
- Powdered Sugar
FREEZER
- Fruit and Berries
- Frozen Veggies (Corn, Peas, Broccoli, etc)
- Juice Concentrate
- Pizza or Other Convenience Meals
- Pie Crust
- Cookie Dough
CANNED/DRIED GOODS
- Chicken stock/broth
- Salsa
- Diced Tomatoes
- Jam/Jelly
- Peanut Butter
- Pasta Sauce
- Beans (Black Beans, Chickpeas, Baked Beans, etc)
- Soups
- Tuna
- Green Chiles
- Canned Veggies
- Coffee or Tea
Get more details on the best non-perishable and pantry foods
CONDIMENTS/SPICES
- Black Pepper
- Chili Powder
- Cinnamon
- Crushed Red Pepper
- Cumin
- Garlic Powder
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayo
- Nutmeg
- Paprika
- Salt (Course Sea Salt and Kosher Salt)
- Soy Sauce
- Steak Sauce
- Hot Sauce/ Buffalo Sauce
- Salad Dressings
OILS/VINEGARS
- Apple cider vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Vegetable/Canola Oil
- Red Wine Vinegar
- White Vinegar
- Cooking Wine
- White Wine Vinegar
SNACKS
- Crackers
- Nuts
- Quick Oats
- Popcorn
- Tortilla Chips
- Cereal
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!

Click ☝🏻 for my FREE Grocery List Printable!
I hope this essential grocery list can help you buy what you need and make your home cooking so much easier!
Stock Your Kitchen
Find more ideas for your grocery list, stock up your kitchen, and print more cooking guides and charts to keep handy!

Non-Perishable Foods to Stock Up On

Frozen Vegetables to Stock Up On (and Recipes to Make)

Ultimate List of Cooking Herbs for Your Kitchen

Ultimate List of Cooking Spices for Your Kitchen

Cooking Oil 101: Types of Cooking Oils to Use

26 Types of Pasta and When to Use Them

What Fruits and Vegetables are in Season?

Meat Temperature Chart (Free Printable)

How to Meal Prep (Guide for Beginners)

Basic Cooking Measurements & Kitchen Conversion Chart
