Gotta tell ya about this mississippi mud pie recipe thats been in my family for ages. Its rich chocolatey and has layers that’ll make your taste buds dance. When I make this dessert everyone at the table goes quiet cause theyre too busy enjoying every bite. This isn’t just any chocolate dessert its the ultimate chocolate experience with that perfect balance of textures from the cookie crust to the fudgy middle and that creamy topping. Keep reading to find out how to make this showstopper dessert that never disappoints.
Why You’ll Love This Mississippi Mud Pie
Making dessert shouldn’t be stressful and this mississippi mud pie recipe solves that problem. Its actually pretty simple to put together but looks super impressive when served. Last Thanksgiving I brought this instead of the usual pumpkin pie and my uncle who “doesn’t like dessert” had two slices!
What’s great is you can make it ahead of time which is perfect when youre busy with other stuff. And you can customize it too – add some nuts if you want crunch or spike the whipped cream with a bit of bourbon for the grown ups. The recipe is versatile enough to handle your creative touches while still staying true to that classic mississippi mud pie flavor.
Ingredients for the Ultimate Mississippi Mud Pie
For the Chocolate Cookie Crust
- 24 chocolate sandwich cookies (Oreos work great but store brand fine too)
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- Pinch of salt
The cookies are the foundation here so don’t skip em. The filling adds extra sweetness and moisture to the crust. Butter binds everything together and salt balances the sweetness.
For the Fudgy Chocolate Layer
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch processed gives deeper flavor)
- 4 large eggs at room temp
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
Room temp eggs incorporate better. The cocoa is essential for that deep chocolate flavor cant substitute that. If you need gluten-free just swap the flour with gluten-free blend.
For the Pudding Layer
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 egg yolks
- 2 3/4 cups whole milk
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter cut into pieces
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 oz semisweet chocolate chopped
Whole milk makes for richer pudding but 2% works in a pinch. Cornstarch is key for thickening can’t skip that. The egg yolks add richness and help thicken the pudding too.
For the Topping
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Chocolate shavings for garnish
Heavy cream must be cold to whip properly. Can swap in cool whip if youre in a hurry but homemade tastes way better.
How to Make Mississippi Mud Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Crush cookies in food processor till fine crumbs
- Mix with melted butter and salt
- Press firmly into 9-inch pie dish going up the sides
- Bake for 10 mins then cool completely
Press crust with bottom of measuring cup for even layer. If crust seems too dry add tiny bit more butter.
Step 2: Make the Fudgy Layer
- Melt butter in large saucepan over medium heat
- Remove from heat add sugar and cocoa stirring till smooth
- Let cool slightly about 5 mins
- Whisk in eggs one at a time mixing well after each
- Add vanilla then stir in flour and salt
- Pour into cooled crust
- Bake 25-30 mins till center is almost set but still slightly jiggly
- Cool completely on wire rack
Don’t overbake this layer or it’ll lose that gooey fudgy texture thats signature to mississippi mud pie. Center should wobble slightly when pan is gently shaken.
Step 3: Make the Pudding Layer
- In medium saucepan whisk together sugar cornstarch and salt
- Whisk in egg yolks till mixture is smooth
- Gradually whisk in milk
- Cook over medium heat whisking constantly till mixture thickens and bubbles about 5-7 mins
- Remove from heat stir in butter vanilla and chocolate till smooth
- Pour over cooled fudgy layer
- Press plastic wrap directly onto surface of pudding to prevent skin from forming
- Chill at least 4 hours or overnight
Keep whisking constantly during cooking or youll get lumps. If you do get lumps strain through fine mesh sieve.
Step 4: Add the Topping
- When ready to serve whip cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla till stiff peaks form
- Spread or pipe over chilled pie
- Garnish with chocolate shavings
- Serve immediately or return to fridge till ready to serve
Whip cream just before serving for best results. Don’t overwhip or youll get butter!
Tasty Mississippi Mud Pie Variations
Mocha Mississippi Mud Pie
Add 2 tbsp instant espresso powder to the fudgy layer for coffee lovers
Peanut Butter Mississippi Mud Pie
Swirl 1/2 cup peanut butter into the fudgy layer before baking. Check out our Peanut Butter Cup Pie for more peanut butter dessert inspo!
Marshmallow Mississippi Mud Pie
Fold 2 cups mini marshmallows into the pudding layer for that extra texture. Our Marshmallow Brownies use the same technique!
Boozy Mississippi Mud Pie
Add 2 tbsp bourbon or rum to the fudgy layer for grown-up version
Caramel Mississippi Mud Pie
Drizzle caramel sauce between the fudgy and pudding layers
Nutty Mississippi Mud Pie
Add 1 cup toasted chopped pecans or walnuts to the crust for extra crunch
Mississippi Mud Pie
Equipment
- 9-inch pie dish
- Food processor
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Wire rack
- Plastic wrap
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cookie Crust:
- 24 chocolate sandwich cookies Oreos work great
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- Pinch of salt
For the Fudgy Chocolate Layer:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder Dutch processed preferred
- 4 large eggs at room temp
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
For the Pudding Layer:
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 egg yolks
- 2 3/4 cups whole milk
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter cut into pieces
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 oz semisweet chocolate chopped
For the Topping:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Crush cookies in a food processor until fine crumbs.
- Mix with melted butter and salt.
- Press firmly into a 9-inch pie dish, going up the sides.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Fudgy Layer
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Remove from heat and stir in sugar and cocoa until smooth.
- Let cool slightly (about 5 minutes).
- Whisk in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Stir in vanilla, then mix in flour and salt.
- Pour into the cooled crust.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the center is slightly jiggly.
- Cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 3: Make the Pudding Layer
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
- Whisk in egg yolks until smooth.
- Gradually whisk in milk.
- Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until thickened (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in butter, vanilla, and chocolate until smooth.
- Pour over the cooled fudgy layer.
- Press plastic wrap directly onto the pudding’s surface to prevent skin from forming.
Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Step 4: Add the Topping
- When ready to serve, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Spread or pipe over the chilled pie.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings.
- Serve immediately or keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Mississippi Mud Pie FAQ
Why is it called Mississippi Mud Pie?
Mississippi mud pie gets its name from its appearance which resembles the dark muddy banks of the Mississippi River. The rich chocolate layers and sometimes cracked top looks just like mud especially when the whipped cream resembles the foam or “mud bubbles” on the river.
What is the Mississippi mud?
The “Mississippi mud” refers to the dark rich soil and sediment found along the banks of the Mississippi River. The dessert got this name because of its dark chocolatey appearance and sometimes crackly top that looks similar to dried mud.
When was Mississippi Mud Pie discontinued?
Mississippi mud pie hasn’t been discontinued! Its a classic American dessert thats still widely enjoyed. You might be thinking of a specific brand or restaurant version that stopped making their version but the recipe itself is still very popular in home kitchens and restaurants.
What is a Mississippi mud cake made of?
Mississippi mud cake typically consists of a chocolate cake base with marshmallows melted on top while still hot and covered with chocolate frosting. The mississippi mud pie is different with layers including a cookie crust fudgy chocolate layer chocolate pudding and whipped cream topping. Both desserts share that rich chocolate flavor thats characteristic of Mississippi mud desserts.
Is Mississippi mud cake supposed to be gooey?
Yes! Mississippi mud cake and pie should have a somewhat gooey fudgy texture especially in the middle layer. This gooey texture is part of what makes it so delicious and also contributes to its “muddy” appearance. If you prefer it less gooey you can bake the fudgy layer a few minutes longer but dont overbake or youll lose that signature texture thats similar to our Tiramisu Brownies.
Can I make Mississippi mud pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! Mississippi mud pie actually tastes better when made a day ahead. The flavors meld together and the layers set properly. Just add the whipped cream topping right before serving for best results.
How do I store leftover Mississippi mud pie?
Cover loosely with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The crust might soften slightly but the flavor stays amazing.
Final Thoughts on This Decadent Mississippi Mud Pie
Made this mississippi mud pie for my dads birthday last month and he said it took him back to the pies his grandma used to make in Alabama. Theres something about these old-school desserts that connect us to our roots while still feeling special today.
What I love is how this dessert walks the line between fancy and comfort food. Its impressive enough for special occasions but familiar enough to feel like home. Hope you make this recipe your own maybe add your familys twist to it. These are the desserts that become part of our stories and memories just like they have for generations along the Mississippi River.