Better Than Sex Cake (Toffee Bar Cake)

I can still picture it: my mom standing at the kitchen counter, a mischievous glint in her eye as she assembled this outrageous dessert. The air, thick with the scent of chocolate and caramel, promised pure indulgence. We kids knew exactly what was coming – her famous “Better Than Sex Cake,” a name that always made us giggle. It was the ultimate comfort food, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at every family gathering, and a sugary testament to my mom’s love language.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: According to cake mix instructions
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (includes freezer time)
• Servings: 12-16
• Yield: 1 cake
• Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

• 1 box chocolate cake mix, plus ingredients to prepare according to box instructions for two 8-inch round cakes
• 1 container (8 ounces) Cool Whip, thawed
• ½ cup chocolate syrup
• 6 Skor candy bars, crushed

Equipment Needed

• Two 8-inch round cake pans
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Spatula
• Freezer

Instructions

1. Prepare the chocolate cake according to the instructions on the box. This will typically involve mixing the cake mix with wet ingredients like eggs, oil, and water.
2. Divide the batter evenly between the two 8-inch round cake pans.
3. Bake the cakes according to the box instructions, usually around 30-35 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of each cake; if it comes out clean, the cakes are done.
4. Let the cakes cool completely in the pans before removing them. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the pans on a wire rack.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the Cool Whip, chocolate syrup, and the equivalent of 5 crushed Skor candy bars. Mix until well combined. Reserve the remaining crushed Skor bar pieces for topping.
6. Place one of the cooled chocolate cakes on a serving plate or cake stand.
7. Spread a generous layer of the Cool Whip mixture evenly over the top of the first cake.
8. Carefully place the second chocolate cake directly on top of the Cool Whip layer, creating a cake sandwich.
9. Spread the remaining Cool Whip mixture over the top and sides of the cake, creating a smooth, even frosting.
10. Sprinkle the reserved crushed Skor bar pieces generously over the top of the cake, ensuring an even coating.
11. Place the cake in the freezer for about an hour, or until the Cool Whip frosting is firm but not rock solid. This step is crucial for allowing the flavors to meld and the frosting to set properly.
12. Before serving, remove the cake from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes to soften slightly. This will make it easier to slice and serve.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Cake Mix Choice: While any chocolate cake mix will work, a devil’s food or dark chocolate mix will enhance the richness of the dessert.
• Even Layers: For perfectly even cake layers, use a kitchen scale to weigh the batter before dividing it between the pans. This ensures that both layers bake at the same rate and are the same thickness.
• Cool Whip Consistency: Make sure your Cool Whip is fully thawed before mixing it with the chocolate syrup and Skor bars. This will ensure a smooth and creamy frosting.
• Skor Bar Prep: To easily crush the Skor bars, place them in a resealable plastic bag and use a rolling pin or meat mallet to crush them into small pieces. Avoid crushing them into a powder; you want some texture in the frosting and topping.
• Freezing Time: The freezing time can be adjusted to your preference. For a softer, more mousse-like frosting, freeze for a shorter period. For a firmer frosting, freeze for longer. However, avoid freezing for more than 2 hours, as the cake can become too hard.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Better Than Sex Cake chilled, straight from the freezer. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side will elevate the experience even further.

Leftover cake should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days. The cake can also be stored in the freezer for longer storage, up to 2 weeks. However, the texture of the frosting may change slightly after freezing and thawing. To thaw, place the cake in the refrigerator overnight.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	450 kcal	23%
Total Fat	25g	38%
Saturated Fat	15g	75%
Cholesterol	40mg	13%
Sodium	300mg	13%
Total Carbohydrate	55g	18%
Dietary Fiber	2g	8%
Sugars	40g
Protein	5g	10%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Variations & Substitutions

• Cake Mix Flavor: Experiment with different cake mix flavors, such as yellow cake, spice cake, or even red velvet.
• Candy Bar Variation: Substitute other toffee candy bars or even chopped nuts for the Skor bars. Heath bars, Butterfingers, or even a mix of several different candies would work well.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free whipped topping like coconut whipped cream and a dairy-free chocolate syrup for a dairy-free version. Ensure your cake mix is also dairy-free.
• Caramel Variation: Drizzle caramel sauce instead of, or in addition to, chocolate syrup for an even richer flavor.
• Coffee Infusion: Add a tablespoon of instant coffee granules to the cake batter for a mocha flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, this cake is perfect for making ahead of time. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Just remember to thaw it slightly before serving.

Q: Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of a cake mix?
A: Absolutely! A homemade chocolate cake will add an even more personal touch. Just make sure the cake is fully cooled before assembling the dessert.

Q: What if I don’t have Skor bars?
A: You can substitute with any other toffee bar, such as Heath bars or even Butterfingers for a peanut butter twist.

Q: Can I skip the freezing step?
A: While you can skip the freezing step, it is highly recommended. Freezing the cake allows the flavors to meld together and the frosting to set properly, resulting in a better texture.

Q: Is this cake too sweet?
A: This cake is definitely on the sweeter side! If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the amount of chocolate syrup or use a sugar-free whipped topping.

Final Thoughts

Now, armed with this treasured recipe, it’s your turn to create your own memories with this show-stopping Better Than Sex Cake. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a conversation starter, a mood booster, and a delicious way to show your love. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the variations, and most importantly, enjoy the process! Share your creations and feedback – I’d love to hear about your adventures in baking this irresistible treat. Perhaps pair it with a rich cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk to complete the indulgence. Happy baking!