This indulgent Slow Cooker Better Than Sex Cake is the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers. With its rich devil’s food base and luscious toppings of caramel, sweetened condensed milk, and Heath bars, this cake earned its provocative name for good reason. The slow cooker method creates an incredibly moist texture that simply can’t be achieved in a conventional oven.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless preparation with minimal hands-on time—your slow cooker does all the work!
• Incredible depth of flavor with layers of chocolate, caramel, and toffee
• Perfect make-ahead dessert for potlucks, family gatherings, or special occasions
• No need to heat up your kitchen with the oven
• Customizable with various toppings and mix-ins to suit your preference

Ingredients

• Devil’s Food Cake Mix: The foundation of this decadent dessert, providing rich chocolate flavor. Any brand works well, but choose one with high cocoa content for best results.
• Eggs: These provide structure to the cake, binding ingredients together while adding richness. Use large eggs at room temperature for optimal incorporation.
• Water: Thins the batter to the right consistency, allowing it to cook evenly in the slow cooker environment.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds moisture and a tender crumb to the cake. Using unsalted allows you to control the salt content.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creates a gooey, moist interior as it soaks into the warm cake. This ingredient is crucial for the cake’s signature texture.
• Caramel Topping: Adds a buttery sweetness that complements the chocolate perfectly. Use a high-quality caramel for the best flavor.
• Cool Whip: Provides a light, fluffy contrast to the dense cake below. Thaw completely before spreading for even coverage.
• Heath Bars: Add a delightful crunch and toffee flavor that elevates the whole dessert. The chocolate coating melts slightly into the Cool Whip for added richness.
• Chocolate Sauce: For drizzling over the top, enhancing the chocolate flavor and creating a beautiful presentation.

Variations

Triple Chocolate Version

Transform this cake into an even more intense chocolate experience by using chocolate chips in the batter, chocolate pudding instead of caramel, and chocolate Cool Whip for the topping. Finish with chocolate shavings instead of Heath bars for chocolate lovers who can’t get enough.

Turtle Cake Variation

Embrace the classic turtle flavor combination by adding chopped pecans along with the Heath bars. Increase the caramel drizzle and add a sprinkle of sea salt on top to enhance the sweet-salty balance that makes turtle desserts so irresistible.

Peanut Butter Lover’s Edition

Swirl peanut butter into the cake batter before cooking, then use chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups instead of Heath bars for the topping. The combination of chocolate and peanut butter creates a whole new dessert experience while maintaining the decadent spirit of the original.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Mix the devil’s food cake mix with eggs, water, and melted butter until you achieve a smooth, lump-free batter. Take your time mixing to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated, which will result in an even texture throughout the cake.

Step 2: Slow Cook the Cake

Thoroughly coat your slow cooker insert with cooking spray to prevent sticking, then pour in the batter and smooth it into an even layer. Cover and cook on high for exactly 2 hours without lifting the lid, which would release essential moisture and heat, potentially causing uneven cooking.

Step 3: Infuse with Sweetness

When the cake is fully cooked, use the handle end of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the surface. Immediately pour the sweetened condensed milk and caramel topping over the warm cake, allowing the liquids to soak in. Remove the insert from the heating element and let it cool to room temperature.

Step 4: Chill and Finish

Once the insert is cool enough to handle, refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours or overnight to set the fillings and develop flavors. Before serving, spread the thawed Cool Whip over the entire surface, sprinkle with chopped Heath bars, and artfully drizzle with additional caramel and chocolate sauces for the perfect finishing touch.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use a 6-quart oval slow cooker for the most even cooking results
• Line your slow cooker with parchment paper for easier cleanup and cake removal
• Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter
• Cool the cake completely before adding the Cool Whip to prevent melting
• Chop the Heath bars just before adding them to maintain their crunch
• For extra indulgence, warm the caramel sauce slightly before drizzling for easier application

How to Serve

This sumptuous dessert is best served in bowls rather than on plates due to its gooey texture. Use an ice cream scoop or large spoon to portion out servings, making sure each guest gets plenty of the toppings. For an extra-special presentation, add a small scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side to contrast with the warm, rich cake. This dessert pairs beautifully with coffee, especially a dark roast that complements the chocolate flavors.

Make Ahead

This cake is actually better when made ahead, as the flavors deepen over time. You can prepare the cake up to 3 days in advance, keeping it refrigerated in the slow cooker insert covered with plastic wrap. Add the Cool Whip, Heath bars, and sauce drizzles no more than 4 hours before serving for the best texture. If you need to prepare components even further in advance, you can bake the cake, add the condensed milk and caramel, then freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before completing with toppings.

FAQs

Can I make this cake in the oven instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, you can bake the cake in a 9×13 inch pan at 350°F for about 30-35 minutes. After baking, follow the same steps for adding toppings, but you won’t need to chill as long before adding the Cool Whip.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Absolutely! Whip 2 cups of heavy cream with 1/4 cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla until stiff peaks form. Homemade whipped cream won’t hold up as long as Cool Whip, so add it closer to serving time.

Why is my cake too moist in the middle?

Slow cookers vary in temperature. If your cake is too moist, it likely needs more cooking time. Next time, try extending the cooking time by 15-30 minutes, or use a paper towel under the lid to absorb excess moisture.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, use a dairy-free cake mix, replace butter with oil, use coconut condensed milk, dairy-free caramel sauce, and a non-dairy whipped topping. Skip the Heath bars and use dairy-free chocolate chunks instead.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Better Than Sex Cake lives up to its provocative name by delivering a truly unforgettable dessert experience. The combination of moist chocolate cake, gooey sweetened condensed milk, buttery caramel, and crunchy Heath bars creates layers of flavor and texture that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply treating your family, this effortless yet impressive dessert is sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation. Give it a try—your sweet tooth will thank you!

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