Possum Pie: a delicious recipe for a classic Southern layered dessert pie

If you've never had Arkansas possum pie, you've seriously been missing out. Possum pie is a phenomenal Southern dessert made from layers of sweet cream cheese, chocolate pudding, and whipped cream in a delicious pecan shortbread crust.

Despite its name, there are no possums in this pie. Possum pie, also known as chocolate layer pie and four-layer delight, is wonderfully creamy, with a sweet, nutty pecan crust, luscious cream cheese, and rich, decadent chocolate pudding topped with fluffy whipped cream.

Possum pie is one dessert that will seriously impress your friends and family, especially if you have any chocolate lovers in your midst. Serve it at picnics, potlucks, and barbecues, and watch it disappear.

Why is it Called Possum Pie?

Possum pie comes from Arkansas, where it's one of the state's most famous dishes. There are a few theories as to how possum pie got its name. One theory suggests that possum pie got its name because it has similar colors to the possum. Another theory is that like the possum, the pie looks like something other than what it is.

Whatever the reason for the name, possum pie is one dessert everyone is sure to love.

Arkansas Possum Pie Ingredients

Possum pie has four layers, so there are a bunch of different ingredients you'll need to assemble this pie. Fortunately, you probably already have most of them in your kitchen!

To make the delicious nutty crust, you'll need pecans, butter, sugar, and flour.

Powdered sugar and cream cheese are a must for the cream cheese layer.

To make the pudding (if you're making it from scratch), some high-quality cocoa powder, egg yolks, milk, butter (which all add richness and will make your chocolate pudding ultra-decadent), vanilla, flour, and sugar, plus a little cornstarch to help thicken it.

For the whipped cream topping, powdered sugar and heavy whipping cream will give you the fluffiest, most delicious topping for your pie.

Finally, don't forget the chopped nuts and chocolate shavings to decorate your possum pie!

How to Make Possum Pie

Apart from baking the crust, Arkansas possum pie is a no-bake dessert. It's super easy to make and is absolutely delicious. Ready to get started? Here's how to make the best possum pie!

Combine the melted butter, sugar, pecans, and flour in a bowl, then press the mixture into your pie dish, making sure to go up the sides. Bake the crust for 15 to 20 minutes at 350F, until lightly browned along the edges. Take the crust out of the oven and let it cool completely. To make the cream cheese layer, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and heavy cream until totally smooth. Layer the cream cheese over the crust.

For the chocolate pudding, put the cocoa powder, sugar, cornstarch, flour, and salt into a pot. Whisk to combine. Beat the egg yolks and milk in a bowl, then whisk the yolk mixture into the cocoa powder mixture. Heat over medium flame for 7 to 10 minutes, whisking constantly until it thickens. Take the pot off the heat and mix in the butter and vanilla. Put the pudding into a bowl and cover it with cling film. You don't want a skin to form over the pudding, so make sure the cling film touches the top of it. Pop it in the fridge for about half an hour.

Once cooled, layer the chocolate pudding over the cream cheese. Wrap in cling film and place in the fridge for at least 4 hours to set. Beat the powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream until soft peaks form. Spoon the whipped cream over the chocolate. Garnish with chocolate shavings and nuts, slice, and serve.

Tips for the Best Arkansas Possum Pie

While pecan shortbread crust is the classic choice for Arkansas possum pie, you can use a graham cracker crust, cookie crust or you can even try ritz crackers, if you prefer.

Use room temperature ingredients to make your Arkansas possum pie.

Make sure the cling film touches the chocolate pudding when it's chilling. This will prevent a skin from forming over the top.

You can use store-bought chocolate pudding or boxed pudding mix to cut down on your time in the kitchen.

Cool Whip or store-bought whipped cream will also simplify your baking.

How to Store Possum Pie

Cover and keep your Arkansas possum pie in the fridge for up to 3 days – if it lasts that long!

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350F. Add the melted butter, sugar, pecans in a bowl.

Sift in the flour.

Mix.

Place the mixture in your pie dish.

Press it into the dish, making sure to go up the sides. Bake the crust for 15 to 20 minutes, until lightly browned along the edges. Take the crust out of the oven and let it cool completely.

Using a handheld electric mixer, beat cream cheese, sugar, and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth.

Layer the cream cheese over the crust.

Spread the cream cheese evenly.

Place the cocoa powder, sugar, cornstarch, flour, and salt into a pot. Whisk to combine.

In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks and milk.

Whisk the yolk mixture into the cocoa powder mixture.

Heat over medium flame for 7 to 10 minutes, whisking constantly. Take the pot off the heat.

Add in butter and vanilla.

Stir.

Pour the pudding into a bowl.

Cover with cling film, making sure it touches the surface of the pudding. Place in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Layer the chocolate pudding over the cream cheese.

Spread the chocolate pudding evenly.

Wrap in cling film and place in the fridge for at least 4 hours.

In a bowl, beat powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy cream until soft peaks form. Spoon the whipped cream over the chocolate.

Garnish with chocolate shavings and nuts.

Slice, and serve.

Notes

Use a 9-inch pie pan to make your possum pie.