Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Mississippi Mud Pie is a decadent Southern dessert made with layers of rich chocolate, creamy pudding, and a crunchy cookie crust. It’s the ultimate indulgence for chocolate lovers, combining different textures—from crisp to gooey—in every bite. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or when you’re craving something over-the-top delicious.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos)unsalted buttersemisweet chocolateunsweetened cocoa powdersugarheavy creameggsvanilla extractcornstarchwhole milkcream cheesepowdered sugarinstant coffee (optional for depth of flavor)whipped cream (for topping)chocolate shavings or sauce (for garnish)
directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch pie dish.
Crush the chocolate sandwich cookies into fine crumbs and mix with melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the pie dish to form the crust.
Bake the crust for 8–10 minutes, then allow it to cool completely.
In a saucepan, melt semisweet chocolate with butter over low heat, stirring until smooth. Whisk in cocoa powder, sugar, and instant coffee if using. Let it cool slightly.
In a mixing bowl, beat eggs and vanilla extract, then slowly whisk into the chocolate mixture.
Pour the chocolate filling into the cooled crust and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the center is set. Cool to room temperature, then chill.
For the pudding layer, whisk cornstarch, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt in a saucepan. Gradually whisk in milk and cook over medium heat until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in chopped chocolate and vanilla extract.
Let the pudding cool slightly, then spread over the chocolate layer. Chill for at least 2 hours.
In another bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in whipped cream until fluffy, then spread over the pudding layer.
Top with additional whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 8–10 servings.Preparation time: 30 minutesBaking time: 30–35 minutesChilling time: 2–4 hoursTotal time: 3–5 hours
Variations
Use a graham cracker crust for a lighter base.
Add chopped pecans or walnuts between layers for crunch.
Substitute dark chocolate for an even richer flavor.
Layer in mini marshmallows or marshmallow fluff for extra gooeyness.
Spike the pudding layer with a splash of bourbon or coffee liqueur for an adult twist.
storage/reheating
Store Mississippi Mud Pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.For longer storage, freeze individual slices for up to 2 months.Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Best served chilled—no reheating needed.
FAQs
What is Mississippi Mud Pie made of?
It typically consists of a cookie crust, a rich chocolate filling, chocolate pudding, and whipped cream topping.
Why is it called Mississippi Mud Pie?
The name comes from its dense, muddy appearance, resembling the banks of the Mississippi River.
Can I use boxed pudding mix?
Yes, but homemade pudding gives a richer flavor and better texture.
Is this pie served warm or cold?
It’s best served cold or at room temperature.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely, it’s ideal for making a day in advance.
How do I prevent a soggy crust?
Bake the crust before adding fillings and let it cool fully.
Can I skip the cream cheese layer?
Yes, just use plain whipped cream for a lighter topping.
Is it very sweet?
It’s rich and sweet, but you can balance it with dark chocolate or less sugar.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free sandwich cookies for the crust and ensure other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I make it without eggs?
You can use egg replacers or focus on a pudding-only version.
Conclusion
The Best Mississippi Mud Pie is a show-stopping dessert that’s as rich in flavor as it is in Southern charm. With its luscious layers and deep chocolatey taste, it’s the kind of pie that satisfies every sweet tooth. Whether you’re bringing it to a gathering or enjoying it solo, this pie guarantees a slice of pure chocolate heaven.
PrintThe Best Mississippi Mud Pie
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich, decadent dessert featuring layers of chocolate crust, gooey chocolate filling, and whipped cream – the ultimate indulgence for chocolate lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for topping)
- Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix chocolate cookie crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into a 9-inch pie dish to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes and set aside to cool.
- In a saucepan, melt chocolate and butter over low heat. Stir until smooth and remove from heat.
- Whisk in sugar and cocoa powder until well combined. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing thoroughly.
- Stir in flour, salt, and pecans (if using). Pour mixture into the cooled crust.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is just set. Let cool completely.
- In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Spread whipped cream over the cooled chocolate layer. Garnish with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder if desired.
- Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- For a crunchier texture, lightly toast pecans before adding.
- You can substitute graham cracker crumbs for chocolate cookie crumbs if needed.
- Ensure pie is fully cooled before topping with whipped cream to prevent melting.