WW 3 Points – Better Than Sex Cake
The first time I tasted this cake was at a potluck years ago. A friend, bless her heart, brought it with a sheepish grin, proclaiming it was “sinfully delicious” but “surprisingly diet-friendly.” One bite, and I understood. The moist, decadent cake, the gooey caramel, the crunchy toffee – it was an explosion of textures and flavors, and incredibly, didn’t leave me feeling guilty. It was a revelation, proving that you can have your cake and eat it too, especially when it comes with such a clever calorie-conscious twist.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 24
- Yield: 1 (9×13 inch) cake
- Dietary Type: Reduced Fat
Ingredients
- 1 (8 ounce) box devil’s food cake mix
- 10 ounces diet cola
- 1 egg white
- 6 ounces fat-free caramel topping
- 7 ounces low fat sweetened condensed milk (or fat free)
- 1 cup Heath English toffee bits
- 1 (8 ounce) container fat-free Cool Whip
Equipment Needed
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer (optional)
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Toothpick or skewer
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on the devil’s food cake mix box. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan well to prevent sticking. A light coating of cooking spray works perfectly.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the devil’s food cake mix, egg white, and diet cola. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. An electric mixer can be used for faster results, but hand mixing is also perfectly acceptable.
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Pour the batter into the prepared 9×13 inch baking pan and spread evenly.
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Bake according to the directions on the cake mix box, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This typically takes around 25-30 minutes, but oven temperatures can vary. Keep a close eye on the cake, and start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time is up. If the top of the cake starts to brown too quickly, tent it loosely with foil.
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While the cake is baking, prepare the caramel topping. In a medium saucepan, combine the fat-free caramel topping and low fat sweetened condensed milk.
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Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and stir constantly with a whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn the caramel. The mixture is ready when it is completely melted and has a smooth, even consistency.
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Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately poke holes all over the top using a fork, skewer, or toothpick. The more holes, the better the caramel mixture will soak in.
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Pour the warm caramel mixture evenly over the warm cake, making sure to fill in all the holes. The heat from the cake will help the caramel absorb.
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Sprinkle most of the Heath English toffee bits evenly over the top of the caramel-covered cake, reserving some for the final topping. Gently press the toffee bits into the caramel.
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Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature. This is crucial for the flavors to meld and for the cake to set properly. This usually takes about 1-2 hours.
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Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the fat-free Cool Whip evenly over the top.
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Sprinkle the remaining Heath English toffee bits over the Cool Whip.
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Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the Cool Whip to set and the flavors to fully develop. Chilling for a longer period, even overnight, is perfectly fine.
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Cut into 24 equal pieces and serve cold.
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Don’t overbake the cake: A slightly underbaked cake is better than a dry cake. Start checking for doneness a few minutes early.
- Poke enough holes: The more holes you poke, the more caramel goodness seeps into the cake.
- Warm caramel is key: Pouring warm caramel over a warm cake helps it absorb more efficiently.
- Customize the cake mix: While devil’s food is classic, feel free to experiment with other flavors like chocolate, vanilla, or even spice cake.
- Elevate with extracts: Adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract to the caramel mixture can enhance the flavor.
- Make it ahead: This cake is perfect for making ahead. Prepare it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will only get better over time.
Serving & Storage Suggestions
Serve this WW 3 Points – Better Than Sex Cake chilled, straight from the refrigerator. It’s a delightful dessert on its own, or you can pair it with a scoop of sugar-free vanilla ice cream or a dollop of extra Cool Whip for an even more indulgent experience.
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 3-4 days. While technically you could freeze this cake, the texture of the Cool Whip may change slightly upon thawing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 41.4 kcal | N/A |
| Calories from Fat | 13 g | 32% |
| Total Fat | 1.5 g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.3 g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 81.2 mg | 3% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 6.9 g | 2% |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.2 g | 0% |
| Sugars | 3.6 g | 14% |
| Protein | 0.7 g | 1% |
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Variations & Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free devil’s food cake mix.
- Different Toppings: Experiment with different toppings, such as chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or sugar-free chocolate shavings.
- Flavor Variations: Add a tablespoon of instant coffee granules to the cake batter for a mocha flavor.
- Caramel Swirls: Before adding the Cool Whip, drizzle additional fat-free caramel topping over the cake for a swirled effect.
- Diet Soda Swap: While diet cola is traditional, you could try other diet sodas like diet root beer or diet cherry cola for a different flavor profile.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: What makes this cake “3 Points” on Weight Watchers?
A: By using diet soda, fat-free Cool Whip, low-fat sweetened condensed milk, and a reduced-fat cake mix, the overall calorie and fat content is significantly reduced, making it a more points-friendly dessert option.
Q: Can I use regular cake mix instead of devil’s food?
A: Yes, you can use other cake mixes like chocolate or yellow cake, but the nutritional information will change, and the Weight Watchers points may increase.
Q: Is it essential to poke holes in the cake?
A: Yes, poking holes is crucial. It allows the caramel mixture to soak into the cake, creating that signature moist and flavorful texture.
Q: Can I use homemade caramel sauce instead of store-bought fat-free caramel?
A: You can, but keep in mind that homemade caramel sauce will likely be higher in fat and calories, which will affect the nutritional profile of the cake.
Q: How long does this cake last in the refrigerator?
A: When stored properly in an airtight container, this cake will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Final Thoughts
This WW 3 Points – Better Than Sex Cake is a testament to the fact that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for a lighter dessert. It’s a fun, easy, and incredibly satisfying treat that’s perfect for potlucks, parties, or any time you’re craving something sweet without the guilt. So go ahead, give this recipe a try and experience the magic for yourself. And don’t forget to share your creations and feedback – I’d love to see your delicious takes on this classic!