Name: Sex in a Pan Recipe: The Best Pudding Dessert Ever
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup chopped pecans; 3 tablespoons granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar (or ½ cup for less sweetness); 1 cup Cool Whip or freshly whipped cream; 5.1 oz instant vanilla pudding mix; 2 cups cold milk; 5.1 oz instant chocolate pudding mix; 2 cups cold milk; 2 cups Cool Whip or freshly whipped cream for topping; Shaved chocolate for garnish (optional)

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I make Sex in a Pan Recipe: The Best Pudding Dessert Ever when I need a quick crowd pleaser. I first made it for a small potluck. I had little time and a need for a sweet that many people like. This dish fit the need. It uses simple items I keep at home. It also comes together fast. I can make it the night before and bring it chilled. The name is bold, but the dessert is simple to make.

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I keep this Sex in a Pan Recipe: The Best Pudding Dessert Ever for easy dinners and holiday sides. It works for a big family meal or for a party tray. It holds well in the fridge and stays fresh for a few days. I often make it when I want a layered pudding dessert that looks nice but is not hard to do. It has a nut crust, a cream cheese layer, vanilla and chocolate pudding, and a whipped top. People like the mix of textures and sweet tastes.

Sex in a Pan Recipe: The Best Pudding Dessert Ever is a layered pudding square. It has a pecan crust on the bottom. It has a cream cheese layer next. Then a vanilla pudding layer and a chocolate pudding layer. The top is whipped cream or Cool Whip. The dessert tastes sweet and creamy. It has crunch from the crust. It is smooth from the puddings. People often make it for potlucks, holidays, and family dinners. It is a good choice when you need a dessert that feeds many. It does not need baking beyond the crust. It is simple to cut into squares and serve. If you like quick sweet treats, you might also like a warm breakfast idea like pancake poppers you’ll crave every morning, which is another easy recipe I often make.

why make this recipe

Make this recipe when you want fast prep and big flavor. The crust takes one step in the oven. The rest needs no baking. The layers come together in about 30 minutes of active work. Then you chill the dish. You can make it the night before. The taste mixes nutty, creamy, and chocolate notes. The dessert is rich but still light in texture. It feels like a treat but it is easy to make. You can use Cool Whip to save time. Or use whipped cream for a fresher taste. This recipe uses simple buys from the grocery. It works with pantry staples like instant pudding and nuts. It is a good daily dessert or party dish. The recipe fits many needs because it cooks once and serves many.

how to make Sex in a Pan Recipe: The Best Pudding Dessert Ever

You will build this dessert in layers. First you make and bake the pecan crust. Then let it cool fully so the other layers do not melt. Next you mix the cream cheese layer until it is smooth and light. You spread that on the cooled crust. After that you make the vanilla and chocolate puddings in separate bowls. Use less milk than the box says to keep the pudding firm. Spoon the vanilla pudding on top of the cream cheese. Smooth it with a spatula. Then add the chocolate pudding on top of the vanilla. Smooth again. Finish by spreading whipped cream on top. Put the dish in the fridge for at least two hours. The cold lets the layers set and the flavors blend. When you cut the squares, the layers should hold their shape and look neat.

Ingredients

For the Pecan Crust:
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar (or ½ cup for less sweetness)
- 1 cup Cool Whip or freshly whipped cream
For the Vanilla Pudding Layer:
- 5.1 oz instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk (less than package directions for structure)
For the Chocolate Pudding Layer:
- 5.1 oz instant chocolate pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk (creates firmer pudding layer)
For the Topping:
- 2 cups Cool Whip or freshly whipped cream
- Shaved chocolate for garnish (optional but recommended)

These items are easy to find in stores. Use softened cream cheese for a smooth mix. The pecans add crunch and flavor to the crust. The instant puddings save time and form firm layers with less milk. Cool Whip is an easy option for the cream layers, but fresh whipped cream works too and tastes fresher. If you want a less sweet finish, lower the powdered sugar. If you want more chocolate, add shavings on top. For another simple dinner idea that keeps prep low, see this creamy smothered chicken and rice one pan dinner.

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish. Combine chopped pecans, sugar, melted butter, and flour until evenly mixed. Press firmly into prepared dish to create an even layer. Bake 20 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant.
Allow crust to cool completely before adding other layers. Speed this up by refrigerating for 15-20 minutes to prevent cream cheese layer from melting.
Beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth (ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps). Gently fold in 1 cup Cool Whip until light and fluffy.
In separate bowls, prepare both pudding mixes using only 2 cups milk each (instead of usual 3 cups). Whisk vigorously for 2 minutes until completely dissolved and beginning to thicken.
Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over cooled crust, taking care not to pull up crust. Gently spread vanilla pudding layer, followed by chocolate pudding layer. Use offset spatula for smoothest application.
Top with remaining 2 cups Cool Whip, spreading evenly to edges. Garnish with chocolate shavings if desired for elegant presentation.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving (overnight is ideal). This allows flavors to meld and layers to set properly.

Notes on each step: Pressing the crust firm helps it hold when you cut the squares. Cooling the crust is key. Warm crust will make the cream cheese mix slide. Softened cream cheese blends smooth, so take it out from the fridge early. Folding Cool Whip keeps the cream layer light. Use less milk than the pudding box says to make firmer pudding. Whisk well to avoid lumps. Spread each pudding gently to keep the layer lines neat. Chill time is not just to cool. It lets the puddings thicken and the cream set. Overnight chill gives the best texture and flavor blend.

how to serve Sex in a Pan Recipe: The Best Pudding Dessert Ever

Cut the dessert into squares. Use a sharp knife for clean slices. Wipe the knife between cuts for neat edges. Serve chilled on dessert plates. Add extra shaved chocolate on each piece if you want a small garnish. You can also add a few chopped pecans on top for extra crunch. This dessert works well as a potluck dish. It is easy to pick up and eat without plates if you use napkins. For a lighter plate, serve small squares with fresh berries on the side. Leftovers can be scooped into small bowls as a quick treat. If you want a single-serve option, spoon into individual cups before chilling. For a lighter pudding-style treat, you can try recipes like vanilla chia seed pudding every morning as a low-sugar alternative.

how to store Sex in a Pan Recipe: The Best Pudding Dessert Ever

Store this dessert in the fridge. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days in the fridge. If you plan to keep it longer, you can freeze portions. Wrap single squares tightly in plastic and then in foil. Frozen squares last up to 1 month. Thaw frozen pieces in the fridge before serving. Do not refreeze after thawing. If you use fresh whipped cream, the texture may change after a few days. Cool Whip keeps firmer longer. To keep the crust from getting soggy, store the pan flat and do not stack other dishes on top. If you transfer squares to containers, use shallow airtight boxes to keep the layers from sliding.

tips to make Sex in a Pan Recipe: The Best Pudding Dessert Ever

Use room temperature cream cheese. Cold cream cheese makes lumps. Beat it well before you add the powdered sugar. Press the pecan crust firmly and evenly so it does not crumble when you cut. Use less milk than the pudding package calls for. This gives a firmer layer that holds shape. Fold the Cool Whip gently. Stirring too hard will make the mix runny. Chill the pan long enough. Two hours is the minimum. Overnight is best. When you cut the squares, run the knife under hot water and dry it for clean cuts. If the crust is too hard, bake a little less time next round. If the pudding seems thin, whisk longer or add a touch less milk. These simple checks help the dessert look and taste better.

variation

You can swap the pecans for walnuts or almonds. You can use graham cracker crumbs with melted butter for a different crust. Swap vanilla pudding for banana or butterscotch pudding for a new taste. Use dark chocolate pudding for a deeper flavor. For a lighter sugar option, cut the powdered sugar to ½ cup and use sugar-free pudding mixes. You can add a layer of sliced bananas between the puddings for a banana cream touch. If you avoid dairy, try a dairy-free pudding and whipped topping, though texture will change. These swaps keep the idea of layered pudding while changing the flavor. The recipe works well as written, but small swaps let you match the dish to your pantry.

FAQs

Q: Can I make Sex in a Pan Recipe: The Best Pudding Dessert Ever ahead of time?
A: Yes. Make it the night before. Chill it overnight for best texture. It will taste better after time in the fridge.

Q: Can I use fresh whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
A: Yes. Fresh whipped cream tastes fresher. It may soften faster than Cool Whip. Serve sooner if you use fresh cream.

Q: How long will this dessert last in the fridge?
A: It will keep for 3 to 4 days in the fridge if covered well. Use within that time for best texture.

Q: Can I change the nuts in the crust?
A: Yes. Use walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Toast them lightly for more flavor.

Q: Can I skip the chocolate layer?
A: Yes, you can. Use two layers of vanilla pudding or add another flavor. The dish works with swaps.

Conclusion

For a classic take on this dish, you can read a popular version at Sex in a Pan – Kim’s Cravings. For another clear recipe and tips, see Sex in a Pan – Jo Cooks. For a home-cook view and notes, this post is helpful: Sex in a Pan – Noshing With The Nolands.

Sex in a Pan Recipe: The Best Pudding Dessert Ever