No, I didn’t come up with the name.
The popular dessert has been around since at least the 1970s, and it goes by many titles: Sex in a Pan, Six Layer Dessert, Chocolate Yummy, Better than Sex Dessert, Better than Robert Redford… It makes for a great conversation piece or icebreaker at a party.
That is… if you are brave enough to tell people what it’s called!
I first heard of the dessert when someone asked on facebook if I could come up with a healthier version. Obviously, the name intrigued me (How could you not wonder?), and it went straight onto my list of things to try. But finding a good time to serve the dish was tricky… It might not be the best idea to show up with something called Sex in a Pan at a neighborhood gathering, a christening, or an Easter brunch.
However, a Super Bowl party sounded perfect. So this is what I made yesterday, and it went over very well with everyone. To make it healthier, my version is a little different from the original (which calls for a butter-shortbread crust, chocolate and vanilla pudding, cool whip, heavy cream, etc.). This version is also much easier to make—with no baking required!
Sex in a Pan
- 1/2 cup almonds or pecans (70g)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup quick oats (or sub shredded coconut)
- 1/2 cup raisins (For all substitution notes, see nutrition info link below) (80g)
- 8 oz cream cheese-style spread, such as Tofutti
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar or sugar-free powdered sugar (33g)
- 2/3 cup coconut cream (just the cream, not any water that might be in the can) (160g)
- 1 1/2 cups any thick chocolate pudding (such as this one) (360g)
Line an 8-in square pan with parchment or wax paper. In a food processor, combine first four ingredients, then press into the bottom of the prepared pan. Cream the next three ingredients together until smooth, then spread over the crust. Spread the chocolate pudding on top. If desired, you can top with another cream layer and shaved chocolate. Best to fridge at least 5 hours—uncovered—so the dessert firms up.
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Beth says
Katie,
This recipe looks delicious! Thanks for sharing 🙂 My question is what is the ‘caramel’ looking layer (top layer) on top of the chocolate layer? I’d like to add this to my concoction I’m making tomorrow for my Valentine for V-day. Also any substitute ideas for the vegan cream cheese? (Not a huge tofutti fan.)
Thanks 🙂 Beth
Chocolate Covered Katie says
That is the chocolate pudding :). You can use another cream cheese such as Daiya (it’s soy-free).
katie says
You really don’t need to call this Sex in a Pan to let people know how delicous it is.
Jasmyne Teoma @ SpiceItUpFitness says
How sad is it that I don’t like pecans or coconut but because of the name of this recipe I HAVE to try it? Haha! I love all your treats Katie!!! 😀
Charlotte says
I was just wondering, once you’ve made the cake can you keep it in the freezer to serve at a later date?
Marisa says
I made this for a party and it turned out great! I used the graham cracker crust because it seemed easier to make. It doesn’t taste too coconut-y and it definitely doesn’t taste like tofu. Everyone was shocked when I told them what was in it!
Lynda Tracy says
I see I am a late comer to this list of comments! I am so happy to discover an alternative to this dessert that does not use so much instant pudding! And I think I may try some chopped dried apricots instead of the raisins..
I first met the traditional “sex in a pan” in a Baptist church kitchen some 40+ years ago, where it generated lots of laughter over the idea that anything based on INSTANT pudding could be related to sex! Nobody was offended whatsoever.
Soma says
What about the raisin substitute??
There’s no mention in Nutrition facts.
Thx