Introduction

This Ultimate Mississippi Mud Pie recipe delivers the perfect combination of rich chocolate, gooey filling, and a crumbly crust that’s surprisingly simple to make. If you love decadent desserts, you might also enjoy this Black Forest Cheesecake Recipe or these Ultimate Gooey Reese’s Cheesecake Cookies Ready in 30 Minutes for more easy, crowd-pleasing treats.

Ingredients

This decadent Mississippi Mud Pie recipe layers rich chocolate, creamy filling, and a buttery Oreo crust for an indulgent dessert experience that’s both fudgy and satisfying.

• 24 Oreo cookies, finely crushed
• 5 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup Cool Whip
• 1 (5.9-ounce) box instant chocolate pudding mix
• 2 1/2 cups cold milk
• Chocolate shavings for topping
• Crushed pecans or walnuts (optional)
• Chocolate syrup drizzle (optional)

Timing

Prep Time	30 minutes
Cook Time	45 minutes
Total Time	1 hour 15 minutes

Context: This Mississippi Mud Pie recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes, thanks to simplified steps and no-bake elements.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Crust

Combine 1½ cups of crushed chocolate wafer cookies with 6 tablespoons of melted butter and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.

Bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes until the crust is fragrant and set. Let it cool completely before filling to prevent a soggy bottom layer.

Step 2 — Make the Fudge Layer

In a saucepan, melt 4 ounces of chopped semisweet chocolate with ½ cup of heavy cream over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in ¼ cup of softened butter until fully incorporated.

Pour this rich fudge mixture into the cooled crust, spreading it evenly. Chill for 20–30 minutes until the surface is firm to the touch.

Step 3 — Prepare the Pudding Layer

Whisk together ⅔ cup of granulated sugar, ⅓ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 3 tablespoons of cornstarch, and ¼ teaspoon of salt in a medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in 2½ cups of whole milk until smooth.

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and bubbles—about 6–8 minutes. Continue cooking for 1 more minute to fully cook the cornstarch.

Step 4 — Temper the Eggs

Whisk 2 large egg yolks in a small bowl. Gradually whisk about ½ cup of the hot pudding mixture into the yolks to temper them, then pour everything back into the saucepan.

Cook for 2 more minutes over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of butter.

Step 5 — Assemble the Layers

Pour the warm pudding over the chilled fudge layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Press plastic wrap directly onto the pudding surface to prevent a skin from forming.

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until completely set. The pudding should not jiggle when you gently shake the pie dish.

Step 6 — Add the Whipped Cream Topping

Whip 1½ cups of heavy cream with 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread over the chilled pudding layer.

For best results, chill your bowl and beaters beforehand. The whipped cream should hold its shape when the beaters are lifted.

Step 7 — Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the top with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder. For traditional Mississippi Mud Pie, add a drizzle of chocolate syrup over the whipped cream.

Slice with a warm knife for clean cuts. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days—the flavors intensify when chilled overnight.

Nutritional Information

Calories	480
Protein	6g
Carbohydrates	58g
Fat	26g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	220mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Greek yogurt for sour cream — Boosts protein while maintaining tangy creaminess.
• Almond flour crust — Creates a gluten-free, lower-carb base with nutty flavor.
• Coconut milk for heavy cream — Provides a rich, dairy-free alternative with tropical notes.
• Monk fruit sweetener — Reduces sugar content without sacrificing sweetness in the filling.
• Dark chocolate chips — Lowers sugar and adds antioxidants compared to milk chocolate.
• Reduced-sodium cocoa powder — Cuts sodium while preserving deep chocolate flavor.
• Avocado in mousse layers — Adds healthy fats and creaminess without dairy.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with strong black coffee or a cold glass of milk to balance the rich chocolate flavor.
• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a classic hot-and-cold dessert experience.
• Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or holiday celebrations where a show-stopping dessert is needed.
• Garnish with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and a dusting of cocoa powder for elegant presentation.
• Cut into small squares for party finger food or larger slices for a sit-down dessert.
• Complement with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries to add a fruity contrast to the deep chocolate notes.

This decadent Mississippi Mud Pie is incredibly versatile—whether you’re hosting a casual barbecue or a formal dinner, its deep chocolate layers and gooey texture make it a crowd-pleaser every time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Overbaking the brownie base, making it dry and crumbly. Fix: Pull it from the oven when the center is just set with a slight wobble.
• Mistake: Using hot filling on a warm crust, causing a soggy bottom. Fix: Always cool your crust completely before adding the next layer.
• Mistake: Whipping the meringue topping too soon, leading to deflation. Fix: Whip egg whites only when you’re ready to assemble and torch the pie.
• Mistake: Skimping on the chilling time, so the layers don’t set properly. Fix: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, for clean slices.
• Mistake: Using low-quality chocolate, resulting in a weak flavor. Fix: Opt for high-cocoa chocolate bars over chocolate chips for a richer taste.
• Mistake: Spreading the pudding layer too thick, overwhelming other textures. Fix: Use a thin, even layer to maintain balance with the fudgy base.
• Mistake: Adding marshmallows directly, which can make the top chewy and tough. Fix: Briefly toast them first for a crisp, gooey finish.
• Mistake: Not tasting the coffee element, creating an unbalanced bitter note. Fix: Use freshly brewed, cooled coffee and adjust to your preference.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cover your Mississippi Mud Pie tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap the pie securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place it in a heavy-duty freezer container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: For a warm slice, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Always allow your Mississippi Mud Pie to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and a soggy crust.

Conclusion

This decadent Mississippi Mud Pie is the ultimate chocolate dessert for any occasion. If you enjoyed this recipe, try our Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe for another Southern classic. Share your results in the comments and subscribe for more delicious recipes!

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FAQs

Can I make Mississippi Mud Pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this Mississippi Mud Pie a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld and the texture set perfectly.

What is the best way to serve Mississippi Mud Pie?

Serve each slice chilled, optionally topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This complements the rich, chocolatey layers of the pie beautifully.

Can I use a different type of crust for this recipe?

While a traditional chocolate cookie crust is classic, you can use a graham cracker or Oreo crust. Any sturdy, sweet base will work well with the dense filling of Mississippi Mud Pie.