Name: Sex in a Pan
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Crust: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup chopped pecans; 1/4 cup sugar; 1/2 cup melted butter; Cream Cheese Layer: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 cup whipped topping; Pudding Layers 1 (3.4 ounce) box instant French vanilla pudding mix; 1 (3.4 ounce) box instant chocolate pudding mix; 3 cups milk; Topping: Remaining whipped topping; Optional: Chocolate shavings

Sex in a Pan

Sex in a Pan” is a classic layered dessert with a provocative name and a delicious, crowd-pleasing flavor profile. Believed to have originated in the 1970s or 80s, it features a buttery pecan crust, a creamy cheesecake-like layer, two layers of pudding, and a whipped topping. This specific recipe is known for its perfect balance of sweetness and tang, as well as its use of French vanilla pudding for an extra rich flavor.

Total Time: 45 minutes (plus at least 4 hours chilling time)
Yield: 12-16 servings

Ingredients

Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup melted butter
Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped topping
Pudding Layers
- 1 (3.4 ounce) box instant French vanilla pudding mix
- 1 (3.4 ounce) box instant chocolate pudding mix
- 3 cups milk
Topping:
- Remaining whipped topping
- Optional: Chocolate shavings

Instructions

Make the Crust: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix flour, pecans, sugar, and melted butter until crumbly. Press into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake 20-25 minutes, until golden. Cool completely.
Cream Cheese Layer: Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until fluffy. Fold in 1 cup whipped topping. Spread over the cooled crust.
Pudding Layers: Whisk both pudding mixes with milk (per package directions). Pour chocolate pudding over cream cheese, then vanilla pudding.
Top and Chill: Spread remaining whipped topping over the pudding. Garnish with chocolate shavings (optional). Refrigerate at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.

Notes

The recipe is incredibly adaptable. Experiment with different pudding flavors, toppings, or try a healthier version using sugar-free ingredients and lighter dairy options.
For a nut-free crust, try crushed graham crackers or pretzels.
To make a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cream cheese, non-dairy milk, and dairy-free whipped topping.

Author: Juana M. Benedict
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking, Layering
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 350
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 30mg