Arkansas Possum Pie

Certainly! Here's a detailed recipe for **Arkansas Possum Pie**—a classic Southern dessert with irresistible layers of flavor and texture. This recipe includes a rich pecan crust, sweetened cream cheese, a silky chocolate pudding layer, and fluffy whipped topping. Despite its playful name, there's no possum involved—just pure indulgence.

---

# Arkansas Possum Pie

**A Southern Classic with Layers of Chocolate, Cream Cheese, and Whipped Topping on a Buttery Pecan Crust**

Arkansas Possum Pie is a dessert that surprises and delights. The name alone sparks curiosity, but one bite reveals why this pie has earned a cherished place on Southern dessert tables. With a decadent combination of buttery pecans, tangy cream cheese, rich chocolate pudding, and airy whipped topping, Possum Pie offers multiple textures and layers of flavor in each forkful. This recipe walks you through each step, yielding a showstopping dessert perfect for holidays, potlucks, or whenever you need a taste of Southern comfort.

---

## Why Is It Called Possum Pie?

The name “Possum Pie” is a bit of Southern humor. Much like a possum playing dead, the pie pretends to be something it’s not. On first glance, you might think it’s just a whipped topping dessert, but hiding underneath is a luscious chocolate surprise. It’s also been known as “Four-Layer Delight” or “Chocolate Layer Pie,” but “Possum Pie” is the name that sticks.

---

## Ingredients

### For the Pecan Crust:

- 1 cup all-purpose flour

- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

- 1 cup finely chopped pecans

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

### For the Cream Cheese Layer:

- 8 oz (1 package) cream cheese, softened

- 1 cup powdered sugar

- 1 cup heavy whipping cream or 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)

### For the Chocolate Layer:

- 1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix

- 1 box (3.9 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix

- 2 ½ cups cold milk

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- Optional: 2 tablespoons cocoa powder for richer flavor

### For the Topping:

- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream

- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- Optional garnish: chocolate shavings, pecan halves, or a dusting of cocoa powder

---

## Instructions

### Step 1: Make the Pecan Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, melted butter, chopped pecans, and salt. Mix until the dough forms a crumbly mixture.

3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish or a deep 9-inch pie dish, forming an even layer.

4. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely before adding other layers.

---

### Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Layer

1. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.

2. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form (or skip this step if using prepared whipped topping).

3. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined.

4. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust. Chill in the refrigerator while you prepare the next layer.

---

### Step 3: Make the Chocolate Layer

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the chocolate pudding mix, vanilla pudding mix, cocoa powder (if using), milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously for 2–3 minutes until the mixture thickens.

2. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to fully set.

3. Once thickened, gently spread the chocolate layer over the cream cheese layer, using a spatula to smooth it evenly.

4. Chill again for 15–20 minutes to allow the layers to set.

---

### Step 4: Make the Whipped Topping

1. In a clean mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.

2. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the pie. For a shortcut, you can also use a container of store-bought whipped topping.

---

### Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Decorate the top with chocolate curls, pecan halves, or a dusting of cocoa powder for presentation.

2. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving, or preferably overnight for best texture and flavor.

3. Slice with a sharp knife and serve cold. Each bite delivers that signature combination of crunchy crust, creamy layers, and sweet, chocolatey goodness.

---

## Tips and Variations

- **Make it ahead**: Possum Pie actually gets better with time. Prepare it the night before for a perfectly chilled dessert.

- **Use real whipped cream** for a lighter, fresher topping, though Cool Whip works well too.

- **Chocolate lovers** can double the chocolate pudding and omit the vanilla pudding for a richer chocolate layer.

- **Add a bourbon twist** by adding a splash of bourbon to the whipped cream or chocolate pudding.

---

## Final Thoughts

Arkansas Possum Pie is more than a quirky name—it’s a delightful Southern tradition. Each slice offers a satisfying contrast of flavors and textures: nutty crunch, creamy tang, silky pudding, and fluffy topping. It’s easy to make, impressive to serve, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Once you’ve had a taste, you’ll understand why this dessert has earned its place in the heart of Southern baking.

---

Would you like a printable version or a no-bake variation of this recipe?