Decadent Red Velvet “Better Than Anything” Poke Cake

Luscious and decadent red velvet better than anything poke cake soaked with sweetened condensed milk, caramel, chocolate ganache, and topped with homemade whipped cream and toffee – this cake is sure to be the star of your Valentine’s or Galentine’s gatherings!

What is a “better than anything” cake?

It’s actually normally called a “better than sex” cake, but we wanna keep my website PG so here we are, haha. A BTS cake is traditionally made with chocolate cake soaked in sweetened condensed milk and caramel, but this time we’re letting red velvet be the star of the show. I’ve topped it with fresh homemade whipped cream, toffee bits, and valentine’s day sprinkles. I’ve also added a ganache soak, but you don’t have to do that part if you don’t want to. But trust me, it’s quite delicious.

How to make a red velvet better than anything cake

This cake comes together super easy, and only needs a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Sour Cream
2. Buttermilk
3. Eggs
4. Vegetable Oil (or melted butter)
5. Vanilla
6. Red Velvet Cake Mix (I used Duncan Hines)

The full list of ingredients quantities and directions are below with the recipe. But for the most part, you’ll just whisk up all the ingredients in a bowl (no mixer needed) and sift in the cake mix. Spread into a 9×13 baking pan and bake for 20-22 minutes. Let cool, then poke holes in the cake with a straw. Next comes the fun part!

What is the “soak?”

After baking the cake, and poking the holes, you’ll add the soak to the cake. This gives it the classic BTS flavor we all know and love! You’ll drizzle on the sweetened condensed milk, caramel, and chocolate ganache. The liquids should seep into the cake and add a layer of moistness that’s truly next level – kind of like a tres leches cake.

How to make the best and easiest homemade whipped cream

For the whipped cream, all you’ll need is heavy whipping cream, a little vanilla, and a little powdered sugar. Here’s some tips to make it happen:

1. Place your metal whisk and metal stand mixer bowl in the freezer for 5 minutes, then back onto the stand mixer.
2. Starting on slow speed and working up to a higher speed over 3-4 minutes, whip up the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
3. Add in the vanilla and powdered sugar and whip up on medium for 30 seconds or so.

Slather the homemade whipped cream onto the soaked cake.

Sprinkle on the toffee bits and sprinkles and that’s it! Look how soft and moist this cake is! It’s truly incredible and decadent. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or any day you need an easy special treat.

Here’s a quick video of the process:

And the recipe is below! Happy baking!

xo, Mandy