• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest
YouTube
TikTok

Jo Cooks

Simple - Easy - Comfort

  • All Recipes
    • Course
      • Breakfast
      • Appetizers
      • Lunch
      • Dinner
      • Desserts
      • Side Dishes
      • Soups
      • Salads
      • Sandwiches
      • Drinks/Cocktails
      • Sauces & Dressings
    • Method
      • Crockpot
      • Instant Pot
      • One Pot
      • Air Fryer
      • Casseroles
    • Season
      • Spring
      • Summer
      • Fall
      • Winter
    • Cuisine
      • Asian
      • Italian
      • Mexican
      • European
      • Indian
      • Romanian
      • Mediterranean
      • Middle Eastern
      • American
    • Ingredient
      • Chicken
      • Pork
      • Beef
      • Seafood
      • Lamb
      • Vegetarian
      • Pasta
      • Spices
    • Holiday
      • Christmas
      • Easter
      • Thanksgiving
      • Game Day
      • Valentine's Day
      • St. Patrick's Day
      • Cinco de Mayo
      • Mother's Day
      • Memorial Day
      • Father's Day
      • 4th Of July
      • Labor Day
      • Halloween
    • Recipe Index
  • Cookbooks
    • The Big Book of Jo’s Quick and Easy Meals
    • 30-Minute One-Pot Meals
  • Shop
  • About Jo
FREE recipe eBook!
Search...
All Recipes
Instant Pot
30 Minute
One Pot Meals
Soups
Dips & Dressings
Baking
Pasta
Sandwiches
Sides
Chocolate Desserts Cakes
4.5 from 1672 votes

Sex in a Pan

Jump to RecipeVideoPrintRate
By: Joanna Cismaru •12/18/22 921 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

pin for sex in a pan.

This Sex in a Pan has a crazy name for a dessert, but it’s one of the best desserts you’ll ever have! It’s mostly a delicious pudding dessert with a crunchy pecan crust.

a slice of sex in a pan on a white plate.
Table of Contents Open
  • Why Is It Called Sex In A Pan?
  • Why You’ll Love Sex In A Pan
  • Ingredients You’ll Need
    • Crust
    • Cream Cheese Layer
    • Vanilla Pudding
    • Chocolate Pudding
    • Toppings
  • How To Make Sex In A Pan
    • Preheat The Oven And Prep The Pan
    • Make The Crust
    • Make The Pudding Layers
    • Make The Cream Cheese Layer
    • Assemble The Dessert
  • What Is Sex In A Pan?
  • Expert Tips
  • Storage
  • Other Delicious Dessert Recipes To Try
  • Sex in a Pan
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Equipment
    • Video
    • Notes
    • Nutrition Information
  • Did You Make This?

Over 10 years ago I shared this amazing dessert with you and you guys loved it! It’s one of my most popular recipes here on the blog, even after all this time, and there’s a reason for that. It’s incredible, it’s decadent and it’s luscious.

Why Is It Called Sex In A Pan?

The name itself is hilarious for a dessert, and hundreds of you have commented on here telling me all the other names that this pudding dessert goes by. I think it’s called sex in a pan because it’s six layers and from six layers in a pan it got to sex in a pan.

A long time ago, before I was married, my friend came over on a weekend and made this dessert for me. I had no idea what it was, but she promised me I was going to love it so we made it.

We did not come up with the name, that is the name that was known to her and her mom had been making it for her for as long as she could remember. I think this dessert has really been around for decades but it’s still popular, not because of its name but because it really is incredible.

sex in a pan with a slice cut out on a spatula.

Why You’ll Love Sex In A Pan

  • Easy Recipe: This simple but divine dessert is nearly effortless to make. By using a cheesecake-like crust, instant pudding, and whipped topping you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen.
  • Delicious Creamy Layers: With 5 yummy layers, sex in a pan does not disappoint! The pecan crust adds a nice crunch while the cream cheese filling, chocolate pudding, and vanilla pudding make the dessert a total show stopper.
  • Perfect for Parties: This is a versatile dessert that you can serve at any event from children’s parties to dinner parties. And it’s the perfect crowd pleaser at potlucks!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crust

ingredients needed to make sex in a pan.
  • Pecans – You will need some chopped pecans for the crust. You could also use walnuts if you don’t have any pecans on hand.
  • Sugar – A bit of white granulated sugar is used to sweeten the crust.
  • Butter – The butter needs to be melted. Always use unsalted butter in cooking to control the amount of added salt unless a recipe states otherwise. 
  • Flour – I just use basic all purpose flour to make the crust. 

Cream Cheese Layer

ingredients needed to make sex in a pan.
  • Cream Cheese –  I love using Philadelphia cream cheese. It needs to be at room temperature for this recipe.
  • Powdered Sugar – Also known as confectioner’s sugar or icing sugar. You need to sift out the lumps to ensure the cream cheese layer is super smooth.
  • Cool Whip – Any brand of frozen whipped topping or whipped cream will work.

Vanilla Pudding

ingredients needed to make sex in a pan.
  • Vanilla Pudding – I use instant vanilla pudding mix. You will need a couple of boxes.
  • Milk – I always use cold whole milk to make the pudding.

Chocolate Pudding

ingredients needed to make sex in a pan.
  • Chocolate Pudding – You will also need a box or two of your favorite instant chocolate pudding mix.
  • Milk – Cold milk is needed to make the pudding. As mentioned, I always use whole milk.

Toppings

ingredients needed to make sex in a pan.
  • Cool Whip – Your favorite brand of whipped topping or whipped cream will do just fine.
  • Shaved Chocolate – Used to garnish the whipped topping. You could also use a few mini chocolate chips if you like. 

How To Make Sex In A Pan

This amazing dessert may have a few steps, but it’s super easy to make! The instant pudding comes together in minutes and the crust is pretty effortless. Easy peasy!

Preheat The Oven And Prep The Pan

First, preheat your oven temperature to 350°F (177°C) so that it is hot once the crust is made. Next, spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or grease it with oil. 

Make The Crust

process shots showing how to make sex in a pan.

To start, the crust needs to be made! Add the chopped pecans, sugar, melted butter, and flour to the bowl of a stand mixer. Then mix everything together until it’s fully combined.

process shots showing how to make sex in a pan.

Then transfer the crust mixture to the prepared baking dish and press it firmly into the bottom of the pan. You can use a glass to help flatten the mixture out evenly. Then place the crust into the preheated oven to bake for about 20 minutes. Allow the crust to fully cool in the pan when it is done.

Make The Pudding Layers

process shots showing how to make sex in a pan.

While the crust is baking, make the vanilla and chocolate puddings according to the package instructions.

process shots showing how to make sex in a pan.

However, I only used 2 cups of milk instead of 3 so that my puddings came out firmer. So basically I only used ⅔ of the amount of milk that the directions called for. I did this because I find that thicker pudding helps the dessert to hold its shape better. 

Make The Cream Cheese Layer

process shots showing how to make sex in a pan.

Now let’s whip together the cream cheese layer. Add the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and one cup of the cool whip to your stand mixer. Then whip everything together until it’s light and fluffy. You can also use a hand mixer if you prefer.

Assemble The Dessert

process shots showing how to make sex in a pan.

With all the layers made you can build the sex in a pan! Yet, the crust must be completely cool before you begin. Then spread the cream cheese mixture over the crust evenly followed by the vanilla pudding and then the chocolate pudding.

process shots showing how to make sex in a pan.
process shots showing how to make sex in a pan.

Try your best to make all the layers nice and even.

process shots showing how to make sex in a pan.

Now, top the dessert with one final layer of the remaining cool whip and a sprinkle of some shaved chocolate for garnish. Then put the sex in a pan in the fridge to set for at least a few hours before serving. 

What Is Sex In A Pan?

Sex in a pan is a layered dessert. The bottom layer is the crust made with pecans, flour and butter. The next layer is a layer of cream cheese sweetened with powdered sugar and made fluffier with whipped cream. Then you have a layer of chocolate pudding, then another layer of vanilla pudding and top it off with whipping cream and then lastly you sprinkle it with chocolate. Does that not sound good?

sex in a pan in a glass dish.

And don’t worry about it looking perfect with perfect layers, this dessert is not about that. It will look sloppy with all the pudding and whipped cream layers. Nobody will care about how it looks like once they take a bite. It really is love at first bite.

I just had to share this wonderful dessert with you again because every single time I make it people fall in love with it and so many of them tell me it’s the best dessert they’ve ever had. Trust me, that’s the best compliment you can get for such a simple dessert. Have you guys had this before? Isn’t it to die for?

sex in a pan with a slice cut out on a spatula.

Expert Tips

  1. Sift the powdered sugar. No one wants to bite into a lump of powdered sugar. Sifting helps to ensure that the cream cheese layer is velvety smooth. 
  2. Use less milk. Reduce the amount of milk used to make the pudding to make it a bit thicker. This will help the dessert maintain its shape when cut. 
  3. Chill the dessert. You must chill the sex in a pan for at least a couple of hours to allow it time to set. If you don’t it will taste amazing but it will be a sloppy mess.

Storage

Leftover sex in a pan will keep for up to 4 days in the fridge or for up to 3 months in an airtight container in the freezer. Just let it thaw out in the fridge before serving, which should take about 6 to 8 hours.

a slice of sex in a pan on a white plate.

Other Delicious Dessert Recipes To Try

  • Better Than Sex Cake
  • Tres Leches Cake
  • Easy Tiramisu
  • Apple Pie Cake
  • Easy Pavlova
  • Luscious Lemon Pudding

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

a slice of sex in a pan on a white plate.
Print
4.51 from 1672 votes

Sex in a Pan

Prep 45 minutes minutes
Cook 20 minutes minutes
Total 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes
Rate Recipe
This Sex in a Pan has a crazy name for a dessert, but it’s one of the best desserts you’ll ever have, it's mostly a pudding dessert with a crunchy pecan bottom crust.
12

Ingredients

Crust

  • 1 cup pecans (chopped)
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

Cream cheese layer

  • 8 ounce cream cheese
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (also known as icing sugar or confectioner's sugar, use 1/2 cup for less sweetness)
  • 1 cup cool whip (or whipped cream)

Vanilla pudding

  • 5.1 ounce instant vanilla pudding
  • 2 cups milk

Chocolate Pudding

  • 5.1 ounce instant chocolate pudding
  • 2 cups milk

Toppings

  • 2 cups cool whip (or whipped cream)
  • shaved chocolate (optional)

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  • In a mixer mix all the crust ingredients together and press the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  • Bake it for about 20 minutes.
  • Prepare the vanilla pudding as per the instructions on the package. As noted I used 2 cups of milk instead of the 3 cups on the package instructions to get a firmer pudding. 
  • Prepare the chocolate pudding as per the instructions on the package. As noted I used 2 cups of milk instead of the 3 cups on the package instructions to get a firmer pudding.
  • In a mixer add the cream cheese, powdered sugar and the cup of whipped cream. Mix until light and fluffy.
  • Let the crust cool. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the crust evenly. Spread the vanilla pudding over the cream cheese layer, then the chocolate pudding. Spread the whipped cream as the last layer then top with shaved chocolate if preferred.
  • Refrigerate for a couple hours until it sets before serving.

Equipment

  • KitchenAid Hand Mixer

Video

Notes

  1. I used 2 cups of milk for my pudding, because I wanted a firmer pudding for the layers here, but feel free to use 3 cups of milk just as the instructions say.
  2. Sift the powdered sugar. No one wants to bite into a lump of powdered sugar. Sifting helps to ensure that the cream cheese layer is velvety smooth. 
  3. Use less milk. Reduce the amount of milk used to make the pudding to make it a bit thicker. This will help the dessert maintain its shape when cut. 
  4. Chill the dessert. You must chill the sex in a pan for at least a couple of hours to allow it time to set. If you don’t it will taste amazing but it will be a sloppy mess.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 438kcal (22%)Carbohydrates: 53g (18%)Protein: 7g (14%)Fat: 23g (35%)Saturated Fat: 11g (69%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 49mg (16%)Sodium: 360mg (16%)Potassium: 234mg (7%)Fiber: 2g (8%)Sugar: 39g (43%)Vitamin A: 608IU (12%)Vitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 145mg (15%)Iron: 1mg (6%)
© Author Joanna Cismaru

Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.

a slice of sex in a pan on a white plate.

Did You Make This?

We love seeing what you made! Tag us on Instagram at @jocooks or hashtag #jocooks so we can see your creations!

Rate Recipe
Add Your Photo!
  • 42090
  • 8
Home Recipes
Joanna Cismaru

Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Through Jo Cooks, I invite you to join me in my kitchen as we explore delicious recipes from around the globe, celebrate the joy of cooking, and make every meal a memorable one. Happy cooking!

Read More
iPad showing title of ebook 30 recipes from around the world
Subscribe

Get our FREE recipe eBook + weekly newsletter!

Loading

guest
Did you make this recipe? Rate it:




The comment form collects your name, email and content to allow us keep track of the comments placed on the website. Please read and accept our website Terms and Privacy Policy to post a comment.

guest
Did you make this recipe? Rate it:




The comment form collects your name, email and content to allow us keep track of the comments placed on the website. Please read and accept our website Terms and Privacy Policy to post a comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

921 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Jonathan Peyton [ Exec Chef Memphis National ]
Jonathan Peyton [ Exec Chef Memphis National ]
Posted: 27 days ago

5 stars
I enjoyed this creation way too much! My wife and I have now had it 3 times since I found it back in January! You’re right a lot of prep but Ohhh so worth it! Reminds me of Black Bottom Pie.
Thanks so much!
JP

0
Reply
Josh
Josh
Posted: 1 month ago

5 stars
Came out perfect! It was delicious. Definitely going to be added to some family get togethers.

20230405_102657.jpg
0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Josh
Posted: 1 month ago

Looks delicious, glad you liked it!

0
Reply
Irene
Irene
Posted: 1 month ago

Trying to figure out how to make this with a night shift the night before I want to serve this. If I was to freeze it for about 13-14 hours then place in fridge/transport in a cooler for 1 hour, until ready to serve would I be okay or maybe trying to do too much?? lol

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Irene
Posted: 1 month ago

You can certainly freeze it.

0
Reply
Cynthia wagner
Cynthia wagner
Posted: 1 month ago

5 stars
I made it very easy people eating on it even before I could let it set

0
Reply
Tammy Merryfield
Tammy Merryfield
Posted: 1 month ago

5 stars
Love this recipe it was a big, big hit. Thanks for sharing!

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Tammy Merryfield
Posted: 1 month ago

My pleasure, glad you enjoyed it!

0
Reply
Tonia Alexander
Tonia Alexander
Posted: 2 months ago

This recipe by far is the best I’ve ever made. My family and I loved it! I went light on the milk too just like you said, and it was perfect. Thanks for the recipe and will try more of them in the near future..have a blessed Day!

0
Reply
Hima
Hima
Posted: 2 months ago

Hello! Would I be able to use home made whipped cream on top instead of cool whip?

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Hima
Posted: 2 months ago

Yes.

1
Reply
Kathy B
Kathy B
Posted: 2 months ago

I have a question before I make. Traveling to Chicago Friday. A four hour drive. Can I make the recipe and then freeze before taking. I could put in cooler for traveling, then into their refrigerator when we arrive. Is that doable and still taste good? Thanks

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Kathy B
Posted: 2 months ago

Yes, I’ve frozen this before and it’s fine.

0
Reply
TJ Freeman
TJ Freeman
Posted: 2 months ago

I’ve been making this recipe for years and this post reminded me to make it again. It’s delicious and thanks for the recipe and reminder!

0
Reply
Diana Lopez
Diana Lopez
Posted: 2 months ago

5 stars
Okayyyyyy so I made this, and I wish I read the comments before hand. I used chopped pecans and didn’t grind them further. I hope this doesn’t ruin the crust. My boys loved how it smelled. Also, I made some variations and hopefully not too drastic. I used almond flour instead of all purpose flour, lactose free (full fat) milk, and monk fruit instead of granulated sugar, also I used coco whip instead of cool whip. We are lactose intolerant so that’s why I had to go with that. I prefer almond flour. But I can already tell this will be great. The pudding has to be super thick right? I used 2 cups vs. 3 like you suggested. Crossing fingers! Thank you!

1
Reply
TJ Freeman
TJ Freeman
Reply to  Diana Lopez
Posted: 2 months ago

Yes the pudding layers will be thick. Yours sounds amazing!!

0
Reply
Annette Cooper
Annette Cooper
Posted: 3 months ago

I made this dessert for Christmas. Everyone loved it. I added some caramel topping over the base before adding the pudding. It was delicious.

2
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Annette Cooper
Posted: 3 months ago

Glad you enjoyed it!

0
Reply
muhammadayyan
muhammadayyan
Posted: 3 months ago

The name of this recipe is so crazy. But no doubt it is so amazing dessert.

0
Reply
Michelle
Michelle
Posted: 3 months ago

5 stars
Made this for Christmas lunch and all my friends loved it

0
Reply
lolly
lolly
Posted: 4 months ago

why is your pudding in the photo so yellowy and not creamy looking?

1
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  lolly
Posted: 4 months ago

Well it’s vanilla pudding so it’s pretty yellow and I used less milk to make it a more firm pudding as mentioned in the post.

2
Reply
April
April
Posted: 4 months ago

My sister is allergic to nuts. Can I omit them?

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  April
Posted: 4 months ago

Sure, or you can make an oreo cookie crust.

1
Reply

sidebar

Headshot of Joanna Cismaru

Hey there!

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is the place where I share my passion for easy and delicious recipes. From comforting classics to global flavors, I believe that cooking should be fun, approachable, and most importantly, rewarding. Join me on this culinary journey and let’s get cooking!

Read More
Collage of recipe ebooks
Subscribe

Get our FREE recipe eBook + weekly newsletter!

Loading

Pasta Favorites

baked mac and cheese in a black cast iron skillet.
45 minutes mins

Baked Mac And Cheese

freshly made crack chicken penne with a wooden spoon in a skillet.
40 minutes mins

Crack Chicken Penne

chicken pot pie pasta in a white serving bowl with a wooden serving spoon.
50 minutes mins

Chicken Pot Pie Pasta

freshly made one pot pasta in a dutch oven.
20 minutes mins

One Pot Pasta

tomato spinach chicken pasta in a white bowl.
30 minutes mins

Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta

homemade hamburger helper lasagna from scratch in a skillet.
30 minutes mins

One Pot Hamburger Helper Lasagna

baked feta pasta in a white bowl garnished with fresh basil.
50 minutes mins

Baked Feta Pasta (Tik Tok Pasta)

sideview shot of chicken fajita pasta in a white bowl with a fork inside
45 minutes mins

Chicken Fajita Pasta

side close up shot of swedish meatball pasta in a beige braised garnished with parsley
30 minutes mins

Swedish Meatball Pasta

overhead shot of a bowl of haluski
40 minutes mins

Haluski (Cabbage and Noodles)

A stack of cookbooks
Grab a copy!

My Cookbooks

Order Now: Amazon | Indigo | Barnes & Noble | Indie Bound | Books-A-Million

Dinner Favorites

smothered pork chops in a skillet garnished with parsley.
1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Smothered Pork Chops

a wooden spoon lifting a salisbury steak out of the skillet
30 minutes mins

Salisbury Steak

beef lo mein in a black wok.
30 minutes mins

Beef Lo Mein

side shot of beef and broccoli in a skillet
15 minutes mins

Easy Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

skillet shepherd's pie in a cast iron skillet with a portion taken out.
1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Skillet Shepherd’s Pie

a serving spoon inside a skillet with chicken broccoli rice casserole.
30 minutes mins

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

side view shot of two italian stuffed peppers in a bowl
2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Italian Stuffed Peppers

side view shot of a bowl with a scoop of spaghetti bolognese in it
40 minutes mins

Spaghetti Bolognese

Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest
YouTube
TikTok
Visit our Other Site: Craving Home Cooked

Explore

Recipes
Cookbooks
About Jo
Contact

Legal

Privacy Policy
Accessibility
Disclaimers
No AI
© 2023 Jo Cooks
Site Credits
Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled
Back to Top
wpDiscuz