Arkansas Possum Pie

Sure! Here's a detailed, 600+ word recipe for **Arkansas Possum Pie**, a rich, multi-layered Southern dessert that blends buttery crust, cream cheese, chocolate pudding, and whipped cream into a sweet, dreamy slice of heaven.

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## 🍰 Arkansas Possum Pie

**A decadent Southern dessert layered with buttery pecan crust, creamy cheesecake filling, rich chocolate pudding, and fluffy whipped cream — no possums involved, just pure indulgence.**

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### 🧾 Ingredients

#### For the Pecan Shortbread Crust:

* 1 cup all-purpose flour

* 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

* 3/4 cup finely chopped pecans

* 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

* 1/4 teaspoon salt

#### For the Cream Cheese Layer:

* 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened

* 1 cup powdered sugar

* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

* 1 cup heavy cream or whipped topping (like Cool Whip)

#### For the Chocolate Pudding Layer:

* 1 (3.9-ounce) box instant chocolate pudding mix

* 1 (3.4-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix

* 2 3/4 cups cold milk

* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

#### For the Whipped Cream Topping:

* 1 cup heavy whipping cream

* 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

#### Optional Garnish:

* Grated chocolate or mini chocolate chips

* Chopped pecans

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### 👩‍🍳 Instructions

#### Step 1: Make the Crust

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

2. In a medium bowl, **mix together** the flour, melted butter, chopped pecans, sugar, and salt until it forms a coarse, crumbly dough.

3. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.

4. Bake for **15–20 minutes**, or until the crust is golden brown and set. Allow it to cool **completely** before adding the next layers.

> *Tip: Letting the crust cool is important to avoid melting the cream cheese layer.*

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#### Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Layer

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the **cream cheese** with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

2. Gently fold in the whipped topping (or use freshly whipped cream if you prefer) until fully incorporated.

3. Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled crust using a spatula or the back of a spoon.

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#### Step 3: Make the Chocolate Pudding Layer

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the **chocolate pudding mix**, **vanilla pudding mix**, and **milk** for about 2 minutes, or until it thickens.

2. Stir in the vanilla extract.

3. Spread the pudding mixture gently over the cream cheese layer. Use a spatula to smooth the surface.

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#### Step 4: Make the Whipped Cream Topping

1. In a chilled bowl, use a mixer to beat the **heavy whipping cream** with the powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.

2. Carefully spread the whipped cream over the chocolate pudding layer.

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#### Step 5: Garnish and Chill

1. Sprinkle the top with **grated chocolate**, **mini chocolate chips**, or **chopped pecans** as desired.

2. Cover and refrigerate the pie for at least **4 hours**, preferably overnight, to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld.

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### 📌 Notes & Tips

* **Why “Possum” Pie?** The name is playful — it “plays possum” by pretending to be a plain pie, but once sliced, reveals its luscious hidden layers.

* You can substitute Cool Whip in place of homemade whipped cream for convenience, especially in the cream cheese layer.

* Be gentle while spreading each layer to avoid mixing them together.

* Make it a day ahead for better texture and easy serving.

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### 🍽 Serving Suggestions

Cut into neat squares and serve chilled. It’s rich, so small portions go a long way — but no one will blame you for seconds.

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### 💬 Final Thoughts

Arkansas Possum Pie is a treasured Southern treat that’s both whimsical and luxurious. With a delightful blend of textures — from the crunchy pecan crust to the velvety cream cheese and chocolate pudding layers — this no-fuss dessert is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or when you're simply craving comfort food in a forkful.

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**Subtitle:**

*A Classic Southern Dessert with Layers of Pecan Crust, Creamy Cheesecake, Chocolate Pudding, and Whipped Cream Delight*

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