If you’ve never tried Better Than Anything Cake, you’re in for a decadent surprise. This beloved dessert layers a rich devil’s food cake with silky caramel, sweetened condensed milk, whipped topping, and crushed toffee candy bars. It’s sweet, sticky, and outrageously indulgent. I remember the first time I had it—it was love at first bite. Whether you’re baking for a party, potluck, or a solo treat-yourself night, this recipe guarantees applause (and requests for seconds). Best part? It’s simple enough for even beginner bakers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t just a cake—it’s an experience. Here’s why it’s a must-bake:
- Irresistibly Moist: The combo of caramel and condensed milk seeps into every bite.
- Easy to Make: With a boxed cake mix and just a few extras, it’s beginner-friendly.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It vanishes quickly at any gathering—trust me.
- Customizable: Switch up the toppings or use different candy bars to suit your mood.
It’s no wonder this Better Than Anything Cake recipe keeps going viral!
The Story Behind Better Than Anything Cake
Where did this mouthwatering classic come from? Here’s a peek at its sweet history:
- It gained popularity in the 1980s, originally under a slightly more “grown-up” name.
- The recipe was designed for home cooks looking for an easy yet impressive dessert.
- It’s a staple in Southern kitchens and midwestern potlucks alike.
- Inspired by poke cakes, it uses holes in the cake to soak in caramel and milk for max flavor.
Key Ingredients
- Devil’s Food Cake Mix – A rich, chocolatey base that’s easy to whip up.
- Caramel Sauce – Sweet and buttery, it soaks into the cake to add moisture.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk – Adds creamy sweetness and depth.
- Cool Whip – A fluffy, light topping that balances the dense cake layers.
- Chocolate Toffee Bars – Crushed and sprinkled for crunch, richness, and a candy bar twist.
How to Make Better Than Anything Cake
1. Bake the Cake
Prepare the devil’s food cake mix according to the box instructions. Pour into a greased 9×13″ pan and bake until done. Remove from oven and let it rest for 10 minutes.
2. Poke the Cake
Using a fork, poke holes all over the surface of the warm cake. This allows all the delicious fillings to seep in.
3. Pour on the Good Stuff
Drizzle 1½ cups of caramel sauce evenly over the warm cake. Then pour 7 ounces (half a can) of sweetened condensed milk on top. Make sure it seeps into the holes.
4. Add Toffee Crumble
Chop one of the chocolate toffee candy bars and sprinkle it over the top. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours until completely cool.
5. Frost and Finish
Remove from the fridge and unwrap. Spread the thawed Cool Whip evenly over the top. Then chop the remaining two toffee bars and scatter them generously.
6. Serve and Savor
Slice, serve cold, and enjoy every gooey, crunchy, chocolaty bite.
Better Than Anything Cake Tips and Twists
Tips for Success
- Use a fork—not a skewer—for evenly spaced holes that hold more filling.
- Let the cake cool slightly before pouring sauces to avoid melting.
- Chill for at least 2 hours so the layers set properly.
- Don’t skimp on the toffee—it adds great texture.
- For extra chocolate, drizzle syrup over the whipped topping.
Fun Variations
- Mocha Madness: Add espresso powder to the cake mix.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Drizzle warmed peanut butter before the Cool Whip layer.
- Salted Caramel: Use salted caramel for a sweet-salty upgrade.
Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips
- Storage: Keep leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Not necessary—this cake is best served cold and gooey.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the night before, but wait to add the Cool Whip and final toffee topping until just before serving.
Serving Suggestions for Better Than Anything Cake
Elevate your dessert game with these pairings:
- Hot Coffee or Espresso: Balances the cake’s richness with a bold sip.
- Fresh Strawberries: Add brightness and color.
- Vanilla Ice Cream Scoop: For extra indulgence.
- Chocolate Drizzle or Ganache: Take the chocolate factor even further.
- Chilled Dessert Wine: If you’re feeling fancy, it’s a match made in heaven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade caramel?
Yes! Homemade caramel sauce will make this cake even more special.
Is it okay to freeze it?
You can freeze it (without the Cool Whip topping) for up to a month.
Can I use a different cake mix?
Absolutely. Chocolate fudge or German chocolate work great too.
What’s a good toffee bar substitute?
Chopped Heath, Skor, or even Butterfinger bars will do the trick.
Can I use real whipped cream?
Yes, but be sure to stabilize it if making in advance to avoid weeping.
Enjoy Your Better Than Anything Cake
It’s easy to see why Better Than Anything Cake lives up to its bold name. Every layer delivers something magical—moist chocolate cake, buttery caramel, creamy topping, and candy bar crunch. It’s the kind of dessert that disappears fast and gets requested again and again. Whether you’re making it for a birthday bash or just a Tuesday pick-me-up, you’ll love how simple and satisfying it is to make.
Explore More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed This recipe, don’t miss these other sweet ideas:
- For another rich dessert, our Chocolate Fudge Cake is a chocoholic’s dream.
- Keep the indulgence going with Strawberry Cream Cake—perfect for fruit lovers.
- Need a no-bake option? Our No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake is creamy and effortless.
- Add crunch to your treat table with Peach Cobbler Donut Hand Pies.
- Or go for nostalgia with this Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake.
Better Than Anything Cake Recipe (Rich & Easy)
Ingredients
- 1 box 18 oz Devil’s Food Cake Mix
- Ingredients called for on cake mix box eggs, oil, water
- 1 ½ cups caramel sauce
- 7 oz sweetened condensed milk half of 14 oz can
- 1 container 8 oz Cool Whip, thawed
- 3 chocolate-covered toffee candy bars like Heath or Skor, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare cake mix as directed. Pour into a greased 9×13 baking dish and bake. Let it cool for 10 minutes.
- Poke holes all over the cake with a fork while still warm.
- Pour caramel sauce evenly over the cake, then drizzle with sweetened condensed milk.
- Chop one toffee bar and sprinkle over the top. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours.
- Remove from fridge and plastic. Spread Cool Whip evenly on top.
- Chop remaining two candy bars and sprinkle over the whipped topping.
- Slice and serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
Variation: Swap Cool Whip for homemade whipped cream for a richer finish.
This Better Than Anything Cake is a foolproof favorite for any occasion.