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The Best Aphrodisiacs for Baking

If you love baking and you want to use your skills to light someone’s loins on fire, this chapter has everything you need to know. Here, we’ve highlighted some of the very best aphrodisiacs you can possibly use in baking, ingredients that will bring your lover to their knees. They’re the ingredients we’ve used throughout this book to seduce, delight and evoke that primal urge to tear off your clothes and eat cake naked.

Almonds—The almond is the world’s most popular nut. Even the blossoms of almond trees have served as a symbol of new love all around the world. Now, the blossoms may represent true love, but the fruit? Well, that’s pure sex! In fact, almonds have been used to put lead in a man’s pencil around the world. An ancient Chinese recipe recommended an elaborate process to transform almonds, walnuts and honey into virility pills. The Perfumed Garden, a fifteenth-century Arabic sex manual, makes a similar recommendation with honey and almonds. Today we understand that almonds are one of the finest natural sources of vitamin E, known as “the sex vitamin.” They also give the body protein for sustained energy in the bedroom, or wherever you like to eat your desserts naked. In this book, we use ground almonds as flour. But almond paste was also used historically as one of Europe’s most favored after-dinner morsels of seduction.

Apples—The apple is the original fruit of temptation. And although most biblical historians now believe that the fruit in the Garden of Eden was likely an apricot, pomegranate or possibly fig, it is the apple that remains the “forbidden fruit.” Not only is the apple still the symbol of sexual desire, it’s also the food world’s ultimate symbol of love and adoration. In Greek mythology it was the prize given to Aphrodite when Paris chose her as the most beautiful goddess. Today it is used as a term of affection for our greatest love, or “the apple of my eye.” Modern science has revealed a new reason for apples to rate among the world’s greatest aphrodisiacs, at least for women. A compound in apples, phloridzin, was found to be similar to the sexual hormone Estradiol, which plays a large role in arousal. In a formal study on female sexual satisfaction, researchers at Santa Chiara Regional Hospital in Trento, Italy found that women who ate an apple a day had greater sexual satisfaction. How ‘bout them apples?

Apricots—Like the flowers of almonds, delicate apricot blossoms are regarded as with aphrodisiac symbolism. In fact, in ancient Chinese poetry, they represented a “seducing nature.” In the court of King James I, these small stone fruits were called “apricocks.” Ladies and gentlemen of the court were known to pass out on the floor from the sexual enticement of the tiny stone fruits. At one time, Australian aboriginals were known to steep the seeds of apricots as an aphrodisiac tea and crush the flesh of the fruit on a suitor’s erogenous zones for the stimulating effect. Although it isn’t clear what originally elevated the fruit to this aphrodisiac status, today we know that apricots are loaded with the antioxidants that keep us feeling young and our blood pumping. They also contain several nutrients linked with sexual health, including iron, which is essential for women’s fertility. We use dried, Turkish apricots in our Warm Champagne-Soaked Apricot Muffins for their intensity of flavor and fleshy texture. But fresh apricots are also perfect for creating forbidden desserts. Use them in pies, crumbles and crisps. Or lightly grill and sprinkle with fresh goat cheese and almonds for the perfect ending to an early summer barbeque. 

Avocado—The Aztecs, the world’s first known avocado eaters, dubbed this fruit “ahuacatl,” or “testicle tree.” We find the link between the rough-skinned fruit and this particular part of the male anatomy hilarious but it draws a clear line to where the connection between avocados and sex began. France’s King Louis XIV swore by it, insisting avocados rejuvenated his aging libido. But avocado’s aphrodisiac repute is not trapped in ancient history. Actress Mae West was reportedly an avid avocado eater, not because she appreciated a good guacamole but because she claimed the fruit helped her maintain her sexual appetite and good looks. This could be because of the high-fat fruit’s vitamin E content. Or perhaps it’s the fact that they’re rich in beta-carotene, a nutrient known for its anti-aging effects. We use the creamy texture and high-fat content of avocados to bring a unique richness to two of our desserts, the Chocolate Avocado Snack Cake and Avocado-Vanilla Bean Pot de Crème. Avocados also work well in chocolate pudding and mousse and, believe it or not, are terrific in popsicles.

Champagne—One of our favorite aphrodisiacs, Champagne has one very obvious libido-enhancing effect: it lowers inhibition. However, as Shakespeare famously warned, “drinking stimulates desire but hinders performance.” All too true if one is not conscious of how much is consumed. Fortunately, Champagne tends to be lower in alcohol than many spirits, making it the perfect drink for a celebratory encounter. And researchers at Britain’s University of Reading released findings that two glasses of Champagne per day can have the same positive effects on the heart as red wine. And if it can improve blood flow to the heart, it can improve blood flow to the erogenous zones.

Cherries—The cherry is an aphrodisiac that comes with controversy. There are those who believe it to be anaphrodisiac, a turn-off. The problem is that, in a controlled study, the scent of fresh cherries was found to decrease blood flow to women’s vaginas. (What kind of study discovers this information, right?) Although we find cherries to have very little scent, we chose only to used cherries in their cooked form in our recipes to help celebrate what we believe to be the fruit’s aphrodisiac side. Cherries have been used throughout history as a simile in love poetry. Their color has been used to describe the beauty of a woman’s plump, kissable mouth. The cherry’s name is synonymous with a woman’s virginity. And what would be a sundae without that cherry on top? In addition to topping ice cream and sweet drinks, we’ve used cherries to bring a pop of sexy scarlet to our Cherry Vanilla Chia Pudding Parfait. We’ve also flavored our Cherry Bomb Cupcakes; with sweet cherry juice and created an irresistible cherry sauce, perfect for licking off your lover’s lips or anywhere else it might happen to be drizzled.

Chile—One of our favorite aphrodisiac ingredients, chile is believed to be one of the most powerful aphrodisiac agents known to man…or woman. But it is one that must be used carefully. Just the right amount of chile will make the eater’s tongue tingle, lips plump up with kissable softness, cheeks flush and heart begin to pound. It will warm your skin to the point that tearing off your clothing seems the only proper outcome. But too much chile and the tongue burns, the eyes water and the evening ends before it has even begun. We recommend using chile carefully and its powers will bring you endless pleasure. If you can find just that perfect dose, chile will bring about a release of endorphins, a feel-good charge as good as a runner’s high and (almost) as good as an orgasm. Most often found in savory foods, chile can be tricky to use in sweets. It partners well flavor-wise with chocolate when used in modest amounts. We use it in our Chipotle-Spiked Strawberry Cream Pie because dairy is well known for taking away any unpleasant burn from spice without diminishing its more aphrodisiac effects.    

Chocolate—An incredibly complicated ingredient, chocolate may be the ultimate food of desire. It is historically and symbolically aphrodisiac. (Whose heart isn’t melted by the romantic gift of a box of chocolates?) And while to some it may seem little more than a cliché, chocolate’s reputation as an aphrodisiac may very well have some merit. Chocolate contains a stimulant called “theobromine,” as well as a natural amphetamine called “phenylethylamine.” Whether or not there’s enough of either of these ingredients in a serving of chocolate to truly produce an aphrodisiac effect, no one can say. But what we do know is that in a scientific study, both women and men got more turned on from eating chocolate than from making out. We think the odds are in chocolate’s favor!

Cinnamon—The Queen of Sheba used cinnamon to charm King Solomon. What could be a better recommendation? Perhaps the legend helps explain why cinnamon was once worth more than gold. Cinnamon belongs to a category known as the “warming aphrodisiacs,” along with ginger and clove. They are all believed to produce heat within the body and improve appetites, both physical and sexual. Cinnamon has been touted for its healing properties for centuries and has been used aromatically to create feelings of relaxation, improve mood and even eliminate impotence. It’s also loaded with antioxidants and manganese, a nutrient essential for male virility. Try making a batch of our Ginger Lover Bars or some extra sticky cinnamon rolls whenever the chill of winter starts to seep into your bones. The extra spice will steam things right back up.

Cloves—Cloves initially earned a reputation as an aphrodisiac because their shape resembles tiny penises. And although no man wants a tiny penis, seventeenth-century Swedish herbalist Anders Mansson convinced many patients to try curing a limp libido by drinking clove-spiked milk. The reputation probably stuck because, like cinnamon, cloves have the ability to bring “heat” to the body. They make the tongue tingle in anticipation and they also sweeten breath. In studies on clove’s ability to increase sex drive and performance, there have been promising results linking it with testosterone production. Cloves are perfect when paired with fall and winter fruits like quince, apples and pears. We use them in our Five-Spice Apples in Syrup, but they also work well with poached quince, roasted pears and spice breads.  

Coconut—There is little historical evidence of coconut as an aphrodisiac. It’s surprising, considering all the virile cultures that have incorporated coconut into their cuisine. However, there are modern rumblings about the powers of coconut to improve male virility. One rumor recently spreading like a virus across the African nation of nation of Ghana suggested that coconut juice could cure impotence. We’ve found no formal studies to substantiate any claims on coconut’s abilities to improve the performance of the stronger sex, but we do know that coconut contains magnesium, selenium, iron and vitamin E, all of which support sexual health. It’s also high in zinc, which is essential for blood flow, making erections possible. While we can’t say that topping all your desserts with our Whipped Coconut “Cream” will transform you into a puma in the bedroom, we can say that eating coconut is a pleasure that certainly has its benefits.

Coffee—Ah, the aphrodisiac of adrenalin, it’s a beautiful thing! Studies say that coffee drinkers have sex more frequently than non-coffee drinkers (and they enjoy it more). Coffee not only stimulates the mind and raises heart rate but it can improve blood flow. (And without good blood flow there can never be sexual satisfaction.) Coffee is also noted for improving mood and you really can’t get in the mood if you’re not in a good mood. Coffee is one of the easiest aphrodisiacs to incorporate into a post-dinner, aphrodisiac ritual. A steaming cup of coffee will warm the body and bathe you in its stimulating effects. Our Coffee Toffee Fudge Fix incorporates it into dessert in a more creative manner. Or for an easy coffee-based dessert, try affogato, which is basically hot espresso poured over a scoop of gelato.

Ginger—This exotic beauty is the perfect aphrodisiac for anyone looking for immediate gratification. A mere nibble will make the tongue tingle, and lips begin to plump to a kissable pout. Add a little more and it will raise body temperature, even bring a flush. Ginger has been used for centuries as one of the most popular aphrodisiacs throughout Asia and the Middle East. One Indian remedy for a lagging libido was ginger juice mixed with honey and half-boiled eggs. While we agree that it would make a serious breakfast pick-me-up, we prefer slightly more seductive uses for ginger like our Ginger Lover Bars and our Bacon Streusel Pumpkin Cake. But ginger doesn’t have to be served first thing in the morning. It can be used to add a spark of aphrodisiac goodness to fruit pies, quick breads and sauces. (Think salted caramel sauce spiked with ginger.)

Honey—This may be the single most used ingredient in ancient remedies for inferior sexual performance. To some, honey is the ultimate food of seduction. It is viscous, comes in a romantic, golden hue and delights the sense of taste with pure sweetness. It’s no surprise that the word “honeymoon” stems from the sweetness of this liquid pleasure. Some nutritionists believe it’s the boron in honey that gives this syrup of seduction its aphrodisiac reputation, since boron helps regulate hormone levels. Others believe it is the fact that honey increases nitric oxide, (a key compound involved with arousal), that makes it a powerful aid in achieving true satisfaction. Honey is one of the easiest aphrodisiacs to incorporate into sweet treats. We use it to sweeten our Warm Apricot Champagne Muffins, Mango Honey Breakfast Frozen Yogurt and Chipotle-Spiked Strawberry Cream Pie. Of course, you can always take the easy way out and simply lick it from your lover’s naked flesh.  

Key lime—We could joke that the appeal is obvious, one lick of a key lime would have anyone puckering up. But in truth, the acidity of most citrus fruits kept them off medicine men’s lists of high-potency aphrodisiacs. Lewd Food, a guide to “aphrodisiac edibles” written in 1974, suggested that limes and other citrus made perfect ingredients…for rubbing on your skin, then bathing in the sun to achieve a seductive glow. We actually recommend limes, and other citrus, as among our Top 10 Foods for a woman’s libido, because we now know what the ancient healer could not understand, that limes are packed with B vitamins, vitamin C and folic acid, all nutrients essential to a woman’s sexual health and fertility. The most famous use for them is key lime pie, but key limes are also perfect for flavoring popsicles, cakes and frozen yogurt.

Macadamia nuts—Nuts are among the foods best-known for stimulating sexual desires. In researching the specific aphrodisiac attributes of macadamias, we found one fascinating research study in which a woman’s sexual phobia was treated with macadamia nuts. (She ate them during intercourse to reduce anxiety.) We hope that you will never encounter such a problem, but should anything unusual arise, we would prescribe hand-feeding your lover any of the desserts in this book during intercourse. We believe that the results will be spectacular for all parties involved.

Mangoes—Since the inspiration for this book centered around eating mangoes naked, there was no question that we would incorporate them. It wasn’t hard to do so, since mango is a fruit with one of the oldest reputations as an aphrodisiac. At one time, Indian men ate mangoes in great quantities to improve their length of performance. In the ancient city of Angkor, beneath a beloved figure of a woman is found the quote, “Drawn by the flower of its glory to the fruit of the beauty of the mango tree of her body…the eye of men could nevermore tear itself away.” If aphrodisiac metaphor is not enough to inspire you, know that mangoes are loaded with nutrients important to sexual vigor, including vitamins A, C, E and folate. We think mangoes generally work best fresh. Their juicy flesh and vibrant flavor are unmatched. They do, however, work surprisingly well in pies—think mango tart tatin with a little Whipped Coconut “Cream.”  

Oats—Ever heard the term “sowing your wild oats?” After experiencing our Ginger Lover Bars, you just might have a new appreciation for the saying. Modern research backs things up with the discovery that oats can raise testosterone levels. In fact, we added them to our list of the 10 Best Foods for Men. But don’t think oats are just for men. At one time they were considered one of the five culinary treatments for female infertility. (Although they won’t magically treat infertility, oats contain B vitamins and magnesium, both essential for women looking to be “in the family way.”) We find oats to be among the most useful ingredients in the baker’s pantry. They can be ground to a flour with slightly more weight and a more rich flavor than virginal all-purpose flour. Used whole, they add chewy texture to cookies and bars.

Peaches—The cleft of a peach has been said to resemble the plunge of cleavage on a well-dressed woman. Others viewed the fruit’s fur-edged cleft as resembling a different part of the female anatomy. We find it hard to imagine staring deeply at the cleft of a peach could ever replace a dirty magazine, but whatever works! For those of us who like to get our aphrodisiac kicks by actually ingesting a food, peaches’ attributes could be hard to beat! The juicy, soft flesh of a peach was considered “magical” in ancient China. Today we know it’s nutrition, not magic that makes the peach a powerful aphrodisiac. Beyond the tactile sensations of their skin’s prickle and the flavor burst of their voluptuous flesh on the tongue, peaches are loaded with nutrients that will get you in the mood and keep you going. They’re a great source of antioxidant-rich vitamin C. They also contain potassium for cardiovascular health, niacin for energy and vitamin E, which is vital to your sex life. Peaches are perfect for flavoring pies, crisps, danishes and strudel, as well as ice cream and other frozen treats like our Breakfast Frozen Yogurt.

Peanuts —These protein-packed little legumes are among our Top 10 Foods For Women. Beyond protein, they’re rich in folate, vitamin E and fiber, all nutrients important for looking good, feeling sexy and being fertile. (They are, incidentally, also loaded with manganese and zinc, two nutrients essential for men’s sexual health.) Peanut butter is found in something like four out of every five American homes. It’s hard to imagine something so common being linked with the hush-hush side of procreation. Yet in 1971, a girls’ high school in Johannesburg, South Africa was said to have banned peanut butter because of a concern that it was a sexual stimulant! Incidentally, “peanut” is used in many languages for sexual slang. (Just Google “Mr. Peanut”… )

Pumpkin—The word “pumpkin” derives from the Greek “pepon,” which means “large melon” (every straight man’s dream, right?) In Hopi culture, pumpkin blossoms are considered symbols of fertility. Throughout history, pumpkin was used as an aphrodisiac in many other Native American cultures. And it’s no wonder when you consider that pumpkin is packed with vitamins C, E, B-6, potassium, folate and manganese. When you think about it, it’s really like nature’s version of Ecstacy. The best-known use for pumpkin in dessert is, of course, pumpkin pie. We use it in our Bacon Streusel Pumpkin Cake. But pumpkin is also a wonderful addition to cheesecakes, bread pudding and crème brûlée.

Raspberries—These beautiful rubies of the fruit world are sought as aphrodisiac in part because of their rarity and fragility. The tiny, fragile fruits, held together around a hollow core, make for a sensual experience when pressed between the teeth. As the individual pods pop, the fruit bursts with flavor and the remaining skins acquire an almost melt-in-your-mouth flavor. Beyond their sensuality, raspberries offer the body a ton of nutrients linked with sexual desire and performance including manganese, potassium, magnesium and 50% more antioxidants than strawberries. Raspberries are classic in summer desserts. In addition to our Stress-Free Summer Pudding, they’re perfect for pie, sorbet and shortcake. Try making a raspberry version of our Cherry Coulis to pour over chocolate cake or your lover’s fingers and toes.

Rosewater—Rosewater is a flavoring made by steeping rose petals in water. It’s been used throughout the ages both in aromatherapy and as a flavoring for food to light flames of passion and enhance reproductive health. Because rosewater is made from petals of the rose flower, it is affiliated both symbolically and aromatically with many romantic associations. To the ancient Greeks, it was tied to Aphrodite, goddess of love. Cleopatra steeped rose petals in her bath (as well as sprinkled them across her bed). In modern times, the aroma is most commonly affiliated with weddings and the celebration of love. Although we use rosewater to flavor our Stress-Free Summer Pudding, it is most commonly used in Middle Eastern desserts. Try it in rice pudding or use it to flavor cocktails. It’s also perfect for tossing in fruit salad to give it a little aphrodisiac kiss.

Sesame—In traditional Chinese medicine, black sesame seeds, used in our Black Sesame Wedding Cookies, are said to be the antidote to a low libido. And ancient China was not the only part of the world where sesame has been used to give things a lift. In the African nation of Mozambique, the juice of the sesame plant was an aphrodisiac of great repute. It was also used as an aphrodisiac in ancient Egypt. We are particularly fascinated by a Hindu prescription for a lagging libido that involved sesame mixed with sparrow’s eggs, among other ingredients. It turns out sesame seeds are loaded with nutrients essential for revving your sexual engine, including calcium, selenium, zinc and manganese. Sesame seeds are most commonly used in candies, brittles and cookies, like our Black Sesame Wedding Cookies. But they also work well in quick breads and in pie crust. 

Strawberries—Strawberry was once known as “the symbol of Venus.” In ancient Greece, there was mystery associated with the fruit. At the time, all red foods were banned, so those brave enough to sample these plump berries were rewarded with the taste of forbidden temptation. Although strawberries are no longer shrouded in mystery or associated with love goddesses, the fruits still grace lists of the worlds’ greatest aphrodisiacs. Strawberries are loaded with nutrients to support healthy blood flow to the body’s most sensitive zones. They also help promote fertility and estrogen production. Strawberry is the centerpiece in two classic, American desserts, strawberry pie and strawberry shortcake. We’ve taken the pie idea to the next level with our Chipotle-Spiked Strawberry Cream Pie. But strawberries can also star in ice creams, cakes and sauces.

Vanilla—For some, vanilla’s origin ranks it among the most romantic aphrodisiacs. (It is the pod of an orchid.) For others, vanilla represents pure sex. The word vanilla comes from the Spanish for “little vagina,” because the pod is thought to resemble that particular part of the female anatomy. In 1762, German physician Bezaar Zimmermann documented over 300 cases of male impotence cured with vanilla. In 1856, an authoritative book on herbs and other substances as medicine described vanilla as “…aphrodisiac, powerfully exciting the generative system.” Today vanilla is steeped in tequila and other spirits in parts of Latin America to make an aphrodisiac drink. Vanilla is a key ingredient in so many desserts. We use it to add complexity to our Avocado-Vanilla Bean Pot de Crème recipe. It also flavors our Love Slave Balsamic Cherry Chocolate Chunk Brownies and Chocolate Avocado Snack Cake. Vanilla is essential to so many classic desserts but in order to allow it to shine, it should be a showpiece, as it is in our Cherry Vanilla Chia Pudding Parfait and in vanilla ice cream, vanilla donuts and a perfect vanilla buttercream frosting.

Walnuts—Ancient Romans traditionally ate walnuts at weddings as a fertility rite. Traditional Chinese medicine embraced walnuts, not for fertility, but for virility. (They were once combined with almonds to make a sort of virility pill.) One Greek food authority claims that walnuts with honey were, in ancient times and apparently still are, Greece’s answer to Viagra. From a nutritional standpoint, all nuts really are fuel for great sex. They contain antioxidants that support cardiovascular health, as well as feed the body the protein needed for staying power. They also contain zinc, magnesium, manganese, vitamin E, fiber and folate. The Greeks are right! Who needs a pill when you can pop walnuts? We use them for their texture and slightly bitter flavor in our Love Slave Balsamic Cherry Chocolate Chunk Brownies. They also work well in a topping for spice cake or pie and as the main flavoring for cookies and fudge.