Better Than Sex Trifle

Note: I did not name this dessert, you be the judge. This is a trifle I made for a Memorial Day BBQ - it's layers of chocolate cake soaked in a creamy caramel sauce, topped with chocolate toffee candy bits and whipped topping. By the way, for those who aren't sure what a trifle is here's the traditional definition: "a dessert typically consisting of plain or sponge cake often soaked with wine or spirits (as brandy or rum) and topped with layers of preserves, custard, and cream". These days a trifle usually applies to anything with layers of cake and filling, usually served in a glass pedestal container. For the cake portion I used the trusty ol' diet soda method but feel free to bake it according to package directions with eggs/oil/water if you prefer.

BETTER THAN SEX TRIFLE

INGREDIENTS:

1 (18.25 oz) box chocolate cake mix
12 oz Coke Zero soda
1/4 cup semi sweet mini chocolate chips
7 oz sweetened condensed milk
7 oz caramel ice cream topping (plus additional for garnish if desired)
4 Skor or Heath candy bars, chopped
2 (8 oz) tubs Cool Whip Lite whipped topping.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 9x13 baking pan with nonstick spray.

2. In a large mixing bowl combine cake mix and Coke Zero soda. Using a handheld mixer, mix on low speed until moistened. Scrape bowl and mix on medium speed for 2 minutes. Fold in semi sweet chocolate chips and transfer to baking pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes until sides pull away and a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Set aside to cool.

3. In a saucepan over low heat, combine sweetened condensed milk and caramel topping, stirring until smooth and blended. Using a skewer or the handle of a spoon poke holes across the top of the cake every 1-2 inches. Slowly pour the warm caramel topping mixture over the top of the cake, letting it sink into the holes. Cover and refrigerate until just before serving (I would recommend storing cake no more than a 6-8 hours if possible).

4. Just before serving assemble dessert in a large glass trifle or serving bowl. Cut cake into chunks and layer evenly across the bottom of bowl, top with a layer of Cool Whip and a small amount of chopped candy bars (reserve some for garnish) - repeat layers, ending with Cool Whip topping. Top with reserved chopped candy bars and drizzle with caramel topping if desired.