Pumpkin Better Than Sex Cake is a fall-inspired twist on the classic “Better Than Sex Cake,” a rich, indulgent dessert that’s layered with flavor and packed with a delicious combination of moist cake, creamy fillings, and a sweet glaze. The pumpkin version takes full advantage of the flavors of autumn with its moist pumpkin cake base and spiced filling.
Here’s how to make Pumpkin Better Than Sex Cake!
Pumpkin Better Than Sex Cake Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (or spice cake mix for extra flavor)
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg (optional, for extra spice)
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves (optional)
- 1/2 cup water (or milk)
For the Topping and Filling:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (8 oz) tub of whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 can caramel sauce (about 12 oz, or homemade caramel sauce if you prefer)
- 1 cup toffee bits (or chopped Heath bars)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional, for crunch)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pumpkin Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves (if using).
- Add water or milk to help loosen the batter.
- Mix everything until smooth and well combined. The batter will be a little thicker than a typical cake batter due to the pumpkin.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
2. Poke the Cake:
- While the cake is still warm, use a fork or a skewer to poke holes all over the cake. Make sure to cover the entire surface, creating several deep holes for the caramel and filling to soak into.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer or a whisk to beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold in the whipped topping (Cool Whip) until fully incorporated. This will create a light, creamy filling for the cake.
4. Add the Toppings:
- Once the cake has cooled slightly, pour caramel sauce generously over the top, allowing it to seep into the holes of the cake.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake, covering the entire surface.
- Sprinkle the cake with toffee bits and chopped pecans (if using) for crunch and extra flavor.
5. Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to set. This will also make it easier to cut into slices.
- Before serving, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top and add extra toffee bits or pecans for garnish if desired.
6. Enjoy!
- Cut into squares and serve chilled. The result is a rich, moist, and indulgent dessert that’s sure to impress!
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Better Than Sex Cake:
- Cake Mix Variations: You can use spice cake mix for an extra layer of flavor, or even a carrot cake mix for a slightly different twist.
- Caramel Sauce: If you prefer homemade caramel sauce, you can easily make it by melting sugar and butter together with cream. Store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly here, though!
- Toffee Bits: If you can’t find toffee bits, chopped Heath bars or Skor bars are a great alternative.
- Pumpkin Puree: Make sure you’re using pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling), which is just the cooked and pureed pumpkin without added sugar and spices.
- Make-Ahead: This cake is perfect for making ahead, as it actually gets better the longer it sits, allowing the flavors to meld and the caramel to soak in.
This Pumpkin Better Than Sex Cake is a crowd-pleasing fall dessert that’s rich, indulgent, and absolutely irresistible. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Halloween, or any fall gathering, it’s a must-try for pumpkin lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike!
