Sex in a Pan. Also known as Chocolate Dream Dessert, Robert Redford Dessert or even Better Than Anything Dessert. You’ve heard of it, right? It’s basically one of those delicious desserts that makes you moan in delight. Too much? Regardless, it’s delicious, almost impossible to resist and always goes over big. Don’t worry about finding room in the fridge for leftovers, because there won’t be any!
Chocolate lover? Be sure to print off the recipe for our popular Chocolate Lasagna as well!
Sex in a Pan
There are a few different ways to make Sex in a Pan, but most recipes out there have very similar ingredients. A tender crust, cream cheese, chocolate pudding, whipped topping. As desserts go, what’s not to love?
Ingredients for Sex In a Pan
Crust:
- 2 cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs or cookie crumbs
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Layers:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 8 oz Cool Whip, divided
- 3 oz instant french vanilla pudding (4-serving package)
- 3 oz instant chocolate pudding (4-serving package)
- 2 cups milk, divided
- Sifted cocoa powder for garnish
Helpful Kitchen Tools
How to Make Sex in a Pan
So if you’re looking for something sweet, and easy, and irresistible… this is it. But if you’re hoping for leftovers for tomorrow, I suggest cutting a piece now and hiding it in the fridge. Because chances are there won’t be any Sex in a Pan left once you put it out! If easy desserts are your thing, this one is in my top five of all time!
- Preheat oven to 350 F degrees. Spray a 9×9 baking pan with cooking spray.
- Melt butter in the microwave and allow to cool. Combine the crumbs and butter and toss together until incorporated.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into an 9×9 square pan and bake for 8-10 minutes. Place on wire rack to cool.
- Prepare each of the pudding mixes in separate bowls using 1 cup of the milk for each one. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Meanwhile, in a large mixer bowl, combine cream cheese and sifted powdered sugar until creamy.
- Add one cup of the Cool Whip to the cream cheese mixture and fold in with a rubber spatula to combine well. Set aside until ready to use.
- When crust is cooled, spread the cream cheese mixture over the crust evenly.
- Spread the chocolate pudding over cream cheese layer.
- Spread the vanilla pudding over the chocolate pudding layer.
- Spread remaining Cool Whip over the vanilla pudding.
- Chill for at least two hours to set.
- Right before serving, sift cocoa over the top as garnish.
Other amazing desserts
The most popular recipe on this blog, without question, is my Pineapple Dream Dessert. Just about everyone in the United States has made a version of this, or their mom, grandma, aunt or sister did. Everyone loves it, everyone raves about it. And I have to admit, I agree! Perfect for potlucks, barbecues and parties.
Another really popular dessert recipe is this decadent Cream Puff Chocolate Eclair Cake. Oh man! It’s truly creamy, dreamy delicious and absolutely irresistible. Another dessert that’s great for potlucks or any other type of take-along event.
It’s funny how a dessert can invoke an argument. When you have a Facebook following as large as mine, you tend to hear from more and more people. Whenever I post a link to this Traditional English Trifle I am met with comments telling me it’s not traditional. I was born in England and I still have plenty of relatives there. I’ve spoken with them and they say this version IS a traditional English trifle from their area. Regardless of what people think, it’s the trifle my family always made and it’s what I grew up eating at every holiday. Delicious!
And if you’re a trifle fan AND a tiramisu fan, I have a treat for you! These Tiramisu Trifles, which have conveniently been assembled in mason jars for easy transport, are a decadent treat for any get together. And if you can’t finish this rich dessert? No problem! Put the lid on and save it for the next day.
I hope you found something to enjoy today!
Sex in a Pan
IMPORTANT - There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Rate ItIngredients
Crust:
- 2 cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs or cookie crumbs
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Layers:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar sifted
- 8 oz Cool Whip divided
- 3 oz instant french vanilla pudding 4-serving package
- 3 oz instant chocolate pudding 4-serving package
- 2 cups milk divided
- Sifted cocoa powder for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F degrees. Spray a 9x9 baking pan with cooking spray.
- Melt butter in the microwave and allow to cool. Combine the crumbs and butter and toss together until incorporated. Press the crumb mixture firmly into an 9×9 square pan and bake for 8-10 minutes. Place on wire rack to cool.
- Prepare each of the pudding mixes in separate bowls using 1 cup of the milk for each one. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Meanwhile, in a large mixer bowl, combine cream cheese and sifted powdered sugar until creamy. Add one cup of the Cool Whip to the cream cheese mixture and fold in with a rubber spatula to combine well. Set aside until ready to use.
- When crust is cooled, spread the cream cheese mixture over the crust evenly. Spread the chocolate pudding over cream cheese layer. Spread the vanilla pudding over the chocolate pudding layer. Spread remaining Cool Whip over the vanilla pudding. Chill for at least two hours to set.
- Right before serving, sift cocoa over the top as garnish.
Video
Nutrition
This post originally appeared here on Nov 21, 2014.
Amanda Formaro
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Vegas 2023 says
I made this with chocolate and vanilla mousse instead of pudding…(used half of the milk called for in the mousse recipe to make it firm enough. It was a huge hit at Thanksgiving! I didn’t have any leftovers, so I made a fresh batch and froze individual slices. It tastes just as good frozen as thawed.
This recipe is a keeper!!
Glykeria says
I made the sex on the pan is amazing delicious and very easy
Tanya says
How early can I make this dessert and keep it in the fridge before it is served?
Amanda Formaro says
Up to 3 days
Judy Wilson says
Looks yummy can’t wait to try it!!!
Karin Hack says
We have made this in our family for over 30 years….we call it ‘Cool Whip Pie” what ever you want to call it it’s great. I usually simplify by using remade /store bought crumb crusts, chocolate/Oreo with chocolate pudding, add chocolate curls. sugar cookie with vanilla…and fresh fruit on top., graham cracker with lemon pudding, usually a cherry on top! Love your recipes!
Erin Cammie Spangler says
Sounds great for my mom! Can’t wait!
Jessica says
Absolutely delicious!
Kirsten M Dent says
I don’t have a good processor, can I still make this?
Amanda Formaro says
Yes, you can mix the crust ingredients with a mixer or by hand.
HOSEA CHUMBA says
yummy
Kate Hession says
The French vanilla and chocolate pudding packs are not available in the U.K.. Whate could I use as substitutions because I would love to try this recipe.
Pat L. says
I’ve made this for many years as “Mississippi Mud”! Is nice to see this is for a smaller 9×9 pan, as my “MM” was for a 9×13 pan. For those amused or not liking the name, I was told “sex” was a mis-quote for “Six in a Pan” over the years – for the 6 layers! Whatever you want to call it – it’s the yummiest dessert ever!
Renae says
At the diner I worked at we called it whoopie cake.
Cheryl Smith says
Hi Amanda, I have made this recipe for over 20 yrs, everyone at the family’s yearly picnic requests it, so now I have to triple the recipe and use large jello packages. I just do one thing different, I combine the pudding mixes and milk together and skip the extra steps, just a suggestion. Take care
Kurt Sims says
I might have to try this but I’ll use cooked pudding instead, I really don’t care for the instant. Cool Whip will hold up but I wonder if you could just stabilize some actual whipped cream with cornstarch or arrowroot.
In any case I’m sure it’ll taste good.
Marlene says
Ohhh this looks yummy!!! Too bad about the dairy products, wonder if they could be subsituted?
Amanda Formaro says
If you try it, would love to hear how it turns out for you :)
Mary Jane says
In the “olden” days it was known as “Better than Robert Redford” pie if anyone feels better at an in-law party….either way its scrumptious!
Tipsy says
This would be easier and in my tummy faster if I bought some ready made products, like ready made cookie crust, and Kozy Shack puddings. But the real challenge would be to upgrade the recipe to organic super food ingredients, like a date pecan crust, cashew cream cheese sub, chia seed puddings, raw cacao, coconut cream, etc. Yes… I have put a lot of thought into this recipe, and I WILL be experimenting. Mmm.
Tamara says
Awesome!!
Did you make this the “real food” way?
If so, how did it turn out, and could I get your recipe?
I’m starting a whole foods diet, but I’d love to make this for my husband’s birthday.
I’ll supply you with my contact info once I get your answer.
Thank you in advance!
My mouth is watering already
Rachel says
Did you ever experiment with real food choices? I don’t buy any of that stuff, either and would love a real food alternative to this delicious (I’ve had it before at a potluck) dessert.
Richard Bourgeau says
The pudding packages call for 2 cups of milk. Am I only supposed to use 1 cup of milk to make them thicker? Or follow the pudding package instructions?
Amanda Formaro says
Please follow the directions in our recipe rather than on the box. You want the pudding to be thicker so it holds up as a layer in this dessert.
Kelly says
Stupidest name and description I’ve ever seen, but looks good if you’re interested in a dessert for your family/friends. Thanks.
Donna Martin says
I think I need some of that sex!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love ya girl!!