Possum Pie

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Possum Pie: Creamy, Chocolatey Southern Classic

Ever wondered about a dessert so good it makes you say “Oh my pie!”? Meet Possum Pie, the Arkansas-born layered dessert that’s secretly chocolatey, creamy, and downright irresistible. Despite its playful name, there’s nothing tricky about this treat—it’s all about dreamy layers of buttery crust, sweet cream cheese, rich chocolate pudding, and fluffy whipped topping.

This is the kind of no-fuss dessert that wins every potluck, makes family gatherings extra special, and has everyone asking for seconds.

 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Layered perfection — buttery pecan crust, cream cheese, pudding, and whipped topping.
• Surprisingly easy — simple ingredients and no complicated steps.
• Make-ahead dessert — gets even better after chilling overnight.
• Crowd-pleaser — one slice and it’s always the first dessert gone.

 Ingredients

For the Crust

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup chopped pecans
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cream Cheese Layer

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Pudding Layer

• 1 (3.9 oz) box instant chocolate fudge pudding mix
• 2 cups cold milk

For the Whipped Topping

• 1 (8 oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
• ¼ cup chopped pecans (optional, garnish)
• Chocolate shavings (optional, garnish)

 Equipment Needed

• 9x13-inch baking dish or 9-inch pie plate
• Mixing bowls (medium & large)
• Hand or stand mixer
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Wire cooling rack
• Plastic wrap for chilling

 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Crust

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix flour, pecans, and melted butter in a bowl until crumbly. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9x13 dish or pie plate. Bake 15–20 minutes until lightly golden. Cool completely.

2. Cream Cheese Layer

Beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, softened butter, and vanilla until smooth. Spread evenly over cooled crust.

3. Chocolate Pudding Layer

In a medium bowl, whisk pudding mix with cold milk for 2 minutes until thickened. Spread over cream cheese layer.

4. Whipped Topping

Spread thawed whipped topping evenly over pudding.

5. Chill

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.

6. Garnish & Serve

Top with pecans and chocolate shavings before slicing.

 Pro Tips for Perfect Possum Pie

• Cool the crust fully before adding layers to prevent melting.
• Chill overnight for best flavor and clean slices.
• Homemade whipped cream swap — use 1 ½ cups heavy cream + 3 tbsp powdered sugar instead of whipped topping.
• Pudding twist — try half chocolate, half vanilla pudding for a layered effect.

 Serving, Pairing & Storing

Serving: Slice into squares or wedges and serve cold.

Pairing: Coffee, sweet tea, or a glass of cold milk make it extra Southern.

Storing: Keep covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Not freezer-friendly (layers separate).

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Possum Pie

Possum Pie: Creamy, Chocolatey Southern Classic

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Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• Crust
• 1 cup flour
• ½ cup chopped pecans
• ½ cup unsalted butter melted
• Cream Cheese Layer
• 8 oz cream cheese softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ cup butter softened
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pudding Layer
• 1 3.9 oz instant chocolate fudge pudding mix
• 2 cups cold milk
• Topping
• 1 8 oz container whipped topping, thawed
• Optional: ¼ cup pecans chocolate shavings

Equipment

• 9x13 baking dish or pie plate
• Mixer & whisk
• mixing bowls
• Rubber spatula

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine crust ingredients and press into dish. Bake 15–20 min, cool.
2. Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over crust.
3. Whisk pudding mix with milk until thick. Spread over cream cheese layer.
4. Spread whipped topping over pudding.
5. Chill at least 4 hours or overnight.
6. Garnish with pecans and chocolate shavings before serving.

Notes

Cool the crust fully before adding layers to prevent melting.

Chill overnight for best flavor and clean slices.

Homemade whipped cream swap — use 1 ½ cups heavy cream + 3 tbsp powdered sugar instead of whipped topping.

Pudding twist — try half chocolate, half vanilla pudding for a layered effect.