Last Sunday after church, Emma asked the sweetest old question: "Mom, why would anyone eat a possum?" I had to laugh because we weren't talking about the backyard critter we were making possum pie, one of Arkansas's most beloved desserts! This layered chocolate cream pie has nothing to do with actual possums, but everything to do with Southern comfort and family traditions.I first encountered this classic Southern pie recipe at a potluck in Hot Springs about eight years ago, long before Emma was born. One bite of those creamy layers crunchy pecan crust, tangy cream cheese, rich chocolate pudding, and fluffy whipped cream and I knew I had to master it.
Why You'll Love This Possum Pie
This dessert has become our go-to for every single gathering, and for good reason. It feeds a crowd without breaking the bank one pan serves 12-15 people easily, and the ingredients are simple pantry staples. I love that it's actually a no-bake layered pie after that quick crust baking, which means I can make it during hot Arkansas summers without heating up the kitchen. Emma loves that he can help with every single layer even a seven-year-old can spread pudding and whipped cream! The flavor combination is absolutely irresistible.
That buttery, crunchy pecan crust gives way to tangy cream cheese, rich chocolate, and light whipped cream every bite is different depending on how you scoop it. It's not too sweet, not too rich, perfectly balanced. People who say they don't like cream cheese desserts always change their minds after trying this. I've converted at least a dozen cream cheese skeptics at church potlucks! What really makes me love this recipe is its reliability. Unlike temperamental layer cakes or finicky custards, this possum pie works every single time if you follow the steps.
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Ingredients For Possum Pie
Ingredients You'll NeedFor the Pecan Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup butter, melted
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons sugar
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped topping
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Layer:
- 2 packages (3.9 oz each) instant chocolate pudding
- 3 cups cold milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 2 cups whipped topping
- Chocolate shavings or chopped pecans
See recipe card for quantities.
How To Make Possum Pie Step By Step
Prepare and Bake the Pecan Crust:
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Mix together the flour, melted butter, pecans, and sugar until the mixture forms coarse crumbs, then press it firmly and evenly into the pan. Bake for 15–18 minutes until the crust turns lightly golden, and let it cool completely before adding any layers. Cooling fully about 45 minutes at room temperature or 20 minutes in the fridge prevents the cream cheese layer from melting or turning runny.
Create the Cream Cheese Layer:
While the crust cools, let the cream cheese soften to room temperature so it mixes smoothly. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese for about a minute until completely creamy, then add the powdered sugar and mix again until fluffy. Gently fold in one cup of whipped topping and the vanilla extract until the mixture becomes light and airy. Spread this creamy layer evenly over the fully cooled crust, using a spatula to smooth it all the way to the edges. This tangy cream cheese layer is essential to classic possum pie, giving it a flavor that sets it apart from other chocolate cream pies.
Mix the Chocolate Pudding Layer:
In a large bowl, whisk the instant chocolate pudding mixes with cold milk, making sure the milk is very cold so the pudding thickens correctly. Whisk for about two minutes until the mixture becomes noticeably thicker and all the powder is dissolved. Add the vanilla extract and whisk briefly to blend it in, then let the pudding rest for about five minutes so it can firm up slightly. It should be thick enough to spread but not fully set. Gently spoon the pudding over the cream cheese layer and spread it carefully with a spatula, working from the center outward to keep the layers smooth and undisturbed.
Add the Whipped Topping and Chill:
Spread the remaining two cups of whipped topping over the chocolate pudding layer, creating soft swoops and peaks for a pretty finish Emma always loves making designs on top. If you’re adding chocolate shavings or chopped pecans, sprinkle them on now while the topping is still soft so they adhere. Loosely cover the dish with plastic wrap, making sure it doesn’t touch the whipped layer, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This chilling time allows every layer to fully set and the flavors to meld, giving the cream cheese layer time to firm up and ensuring the whole dessert reaches its perfect texture.
Slice and Serve:
When you're ready to serve this layered chocolate pie, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts this creates clean slices that show off all those beautiful layers. Cut into squares and use a spatula to carefully lift each piece onto dessert plates. This Arkansas possum pie serves 12-15 people generously, making it perfect for potlucks and family gatherings where you need to feed a crowd.
Smart Swaps For Different Tastes
Crust Alternatives:
- Oreo cookie crust → Pecan crust
- Graham cracker crust → Pecan crust
- Walnut crust → Pecan crust
- Almond crust → Pecan crust
Pudding Options:
- Vanilla pudding → Chocolate pudding
- Butterscotch pudding → Chocolate pudding
- Banana pudding → Chocolate pudding
- Chocolate-peanut butter pudding → Chocolate pudding
Cream Cheese Swaps:
- Mascarpone → Cream cheese
- Neufchâtel → Cream cheese
- Light cream cheese → Regular cream cheese
- Greek cream cheese → Regular cream cheese
Topping Choices:
- Homemade whipped cream → Cool Whip
- Stabilized whipped cream → Cool Whip
- Coconut whipped cream → Cool Whip
- Marshmallow fluff → Cool Whip
Nut Variations:
- Walnuts → Pecans
- Almonds → Pecans
- Cashews → Pecans
- Macadamia nuts → Pecans
Possum Pie Recipe Variations
Peanut Butter Lover's:
- Add peanut butter to cream cheese layer
- Use chocolate-peanut butter pudding
- Top with Reese's pieces
- Drizzle with melted peanut butter
Cookies and Cream:
- Use Oreo crust instead of pecan
- Add crushed Oreos to cream cheese layer
- Use white chocolate pudding
- Top with more crushed Oreos
Mint Chocolate:
- Add peppermint extract to cream cheese
- Use chocolate mint pudding
- Top with Andes mints
- Garnish with crushed candy canes
Turtle Style:
- Keep pecan crust
- Drizzle caramel over cream cheese layer
- Use chocolate pudding as usual
- Top with caramel sauce and pecans
Coffee Mocha:
- Add instant espresso to pudding
- Use coffee liqueur in cream cheese layer
- Top with chocolate covered espresso beans
- Dust with cocoa powder
Equipment For Possum Pie
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls (3 sizes)
- Electric hand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Offset spatula
- Wire whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storing Your Southern Treasure
Refrigerator (Up to 5 days):
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap
- Keep away from strong-smelling foods
- Best served within 3 days
- Don't let it freeze accidentally
Make-Ahead Method:
- Prepare completely up to 2 days ahead
- Store covered in refrigerator
- Add fresh whipped cream just before serving
- Garnish right before presenting
Serving Temperature:
- Serve chilled directly from fridge
- Let sit 5 minutes for easier slicing
- Don't leave at room temperature over 2 hours
- Return leftovers to fridge immediately
Freezing (Not Recommended):
- Pudding layers don't freeze well
- Whipped topping becomes watery when thawed
- Cream cheese layer separates
- Best enjoyed fresh from refrigerator
Top Tip
- After making this possum pie Hot Springs style countless times, we've learned some tricks that guarantee success every time. The most important lesson is patience with the cooling and chilling times I know it's tempting to rush, but each layer needs proper time to set. If you spread the cream cheese layer on a warm crust, it melts into a soupy mess. If you add the whipped topping before the pudding firms up, everything slides around.
- Another crucial tip is the order of mixing your cream cheese layer. Always beat the cream cheese until it's completely smooth before adding anything else. Those little lumps won't disappear once you add the other ingredients they'll just stay there, creating an uneven texture. I beat mine for a full minute longer than seems necessary, and it makes all the difference. Emma's job is being the "lump inspector," and he takes it very seriously, declaring each batch "lump-free approved" before we continue.
- Finally, use cold milk straight from the refrigerator when making the instant pudding layer. Room temperature or warm milk won't let the pudding set properly, and you'll end up with a runny chocolate layer that seeps into the cream cheese below. I learned this from my grandmother, who made this possum pie wiki famous at her church socials. She'd always say, "Cold milk, cold dish, happy family!" She was absolutely right the colder everything is, the better the layers set and the cleaner your slices will be. Emma adds, "And it tastes way better cold anyway!"
Why This Possum Pie Works
The genius of possum pie lies in its perfectly balanced layers that each serve a specific purpose. The baked pecan crust provides a sturdy, crunchy foundation that doesn't get soggy even after days in the refrigerator those toasted pecans and butter create a waterproof barrier that keeps everything intact. The cream cheese layer acts as a tangy buffer between the sweet crust and rich pudding, cutting through the richness and preventing the dessert from becoming too heavy. Without this layer, you'd just have chocolate pudding on a crust, which is fine but nowhere near as interesting or delicious.
The chocolate pudding layer brings that smooth, creamy sweetness everyone loves, while the instant pudding mix means zero cooking and foolproof results every time. Using cold milk helps it set quickly and firmly, creating clean layers instead of a muddy mess. The whipped topping isn't just decoration—it lightens the entire dessert and provides a cloud-like contrast to the denser layers below. Each component works together like a well-rehearsed orchestra, with no single element overpowering the others.
FAQ
What is Possum Pie made of?
Possum pie is made of four distinct layers: a baked pecan crust on the bottom, a sweet cream cheese layer, a chocolate pudding layer, and a whipped cream topping. Despite the name, there's absolutely no possum meat in it! The ingredients are simple flour, butter, pecans, cream cheese, powdered sugar, instant chocolate pudding, milk, and whipped topping. Some variations use different nuts or pudding flavors, but the layered structure stays the same.
Why do they call it Possum Pie?
The possum pie origin story has a few theories, but the most popular one relates to how possums "play dead" when threatened. This dessert "plays possum" by looking like a simple chocolate pudding pie on top, but surprises you with hidden layers underneath just like a possum surprises you by popping back up! Another theory suggests it got its name in Arkansas because it was a clever, resourceful dessert made with simple ingredients, much like possums are clever, resourceful creatures.
What is another name for Possum Pie?
In some Southern regions, possum pie is called "Mud Pie" or "Chocolate Layered Delight," though these names are less common. Some Arkansas families call it "Four-Layer Chocolate Pie" or simply "Layered Cream Pie." The butterscotch possum pie variation is sometimes called "Blonde Possum Pie" to distinguish it from the chocolate version. However, most people across the South recognize it by its traditional name possum pie which has stuck around because it's memorable and sparks conversation at every potluck and church social!
What is the state dessert of Arkansas?
Arkansas doesn't have an official state dessert, but possum pie is certainly one of the most famous Arkansas dessert recipes and could easily claim that title! It's particularly associated with Hot Springs, Arkansas, where it's been served in restaurants and homes for decades. Other contenders for Arkansas's unofficial favorite dessert include fried pies and stack cake, but this popular Arkansas dessert holds a special place in the hearts of many Southerners.
Perfect Possum Pie Every Time!
Perfect possum pie is all about Southern comfort, and now you have everything you need to make this legendary Arkansas dessert from the crunchy, buttery pecan crust to the silky chocolate layer hiding beneath its fluffy whipped topping. What truly makes possum pie unforgettable isn’t just the irresistible combination of textures and flavors, but the playful story behind its name: the pie appears simple and unassuming on the surface, “playing possum,” while secretly concealing a rich chocolate filling underneath.
Craving more Southern classics? Try our Delicious Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Recipe that's even more decadent and chocolatey. For another no-bake wonder, our Healthy Pistachio Mousse Recipe delivers creamy perfection in every bite. Need a fruit option? Our Healthy Whipped Shortbread Cookies Recipe brings sweet and salty together beautifully!
Share your possum pie creations! We love seeing those beautiful layers!
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Pairing
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Possum Pie
Equipment
- 1 9x13 inch baking dish (Greased for crust)
- 1 Mixing bowls (small, medium, large) (For crust, cream cheese layer, and pudding layer)
- 1 Electric hand mixer (For cream cheese layer)
- 1 Rubber spatula (For spreading layers)
- 1 Offset spatula (Optional, for smoother layers)
- 1 Wire whisk (For pudding mix)
- 1 Measuring cups & spoons (Standard)
Ingredients
Pecan Crust
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- ½ cup Butter - Melted
- ½ cup Chopped pecans - Toast optional
- 2 tablespoon Sugar
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz Cream cheese - Softened to room temp
- 1 cup Powdered sugar
- 1 cup Whipped topping - Fold in gently
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Chocolate Layer
- 2 pkgs 3.9 oz each - Instant chocolate pudding
- 3 cups Cold milk - Straight from fridge
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla extract
Topping
- 2 cups Whipped topping - For top layer
- As desired — Chocolate shavings or chopped pecans Optional garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the buttery, crunchy pecan crust for the base of the pie
- Make the smooth, tangy cream cheese layer and spread evenly
- Whisk the chocolate pudding until thick and layer over cream
- Spread whipped topping and add optional chocolate or pecan garnish
- Slice carefully and serve chilled for best texture and flavor
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