Pumpkin Better Than Sex Cake Recipe
This Pumpkin Better Than Sex Cake is a rich, moist, and indulgent dessert featuring spiced pumpkin cake layers soaked in sweetened condensed milk, layered with fluffy Cool Whip, topped with crunchy Heath bits, and drizzled with luscious caramel sauce. Perfect for fall gatherings or anytime you crave a decadent treat.
- Author: Mia
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 to 16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Cake
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 can pumpkin puree (15 oz, not pumpkin pie mix)
Soak & Topping
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz, fat-free optional)
- 1 package Cool Whip (8 oz)
- 1/2 bag Heath bits (about 8 oz)
- Caramel sundae sauce (for drizzling, quantity to taste)
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix and pumpkin puree. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly and pour into two greased 9×13-inch baking dishes, or bake one cake and slice horizontally later. Place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 23-28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes to handle safely and prepare for the next steps.
- Poke Holes in the Cake: Using the handle end of a wooden spoon, poke holes evenly all over the top surface of both cake layers to allow the sweetened condensed milk to soak in deeply.
- Add Sweetened Condensed Milk: Pour half of the sweetened condensed milk over the first cake layer, ensuring the holes are filled and the surface is covered. Repeat with the second layer. This process adds moisture and enhances sweetness.
- Refrigerate the Cake: Place both cake layers in the refrigerator and chill for 30 minutes to allow the milk to fully absorb into the cake layers.
- Assemble the Layers: Place the first cake layer on your serving dish. Spread half of the Cool Whip evenly over the top. Gently place the second cake layer atop the first. Spread the remaining Cool Whip evenly over this top layer.
- Top the Cake: Generously sprinkle Heath bits over the Cool Whip topping to add a delicious crunchy texture and toffee flavor.
- Drizzle with Caramel: Drizzle caramel sundae sauce over the top of the cake as desired, enhancing sweetness and creating an appealing finish.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the assembled cake for 3-4 hours or preferably overnight to allow all flavors to meld beautifully and the dessert to set perfectly.
Notes
- You can substitute fat-free sweetened condensed milk to reduce fat content slightly.
- Be sure not to use pumpkin pie mix; pure pumpkin puree is essential for true flavor and texture.
- If two baking pans are unavailable, bake in one pan and slice cake horizontally after baking and cooling.
- This cake tastes even better the day after assembling as the flavors deepen with chilling.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/16 of cake)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: Pumpkin cake, Better Than Sex cake, pumpkin dessert, Halloween dessert, easy pumpkin recipes, fall cake, pumpkin puree cake