Possum Pie

Possum Pie is a beloved Southern dessert featuring delicious layers of crunchy pecan crust, fluffy cream cheese, rich chocolate pudding, and whipped cream. Despite the quirky name, there’s no possum involved—just layers of sweet, creamy goodness that make this pie a family favorite for holidays and potlucks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Possum Pie is the perfect combination of textures and flavors: nutty, creamy, chocolaty, and light all at once. It’s easy to make ahead, feeds a crowd, and always gets rave reviews. Plus, it looks beautiful when sliced, showing off its distinct layers.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flourunsalted butterchopped pecanscream cheesepowdered sugarmilkinstant chocolate pudding mixvanilla extractwhipped topping or homemade whipped cream

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a bowl, mix together flour, melted butter, and chopped pecans until crumbly. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, until lightly golden. Remove and let cool completely.

In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold in half of the whipped topping. Spread this layer evenly over the cooled crust.

In another bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk until thickened. Pour and spread over the cream cheese layer.

Top with the remaining whipped topping, spreading it all the way to the edges.

Sprinkle with additional chopped pecans or chocolate shavings if desired.

Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 servings.Preparation time: 20 minutesBaking time: 15-20 minutesChilling time: 4 hoursTotal time: about 4 hours 45 minutes

Variations

Add a drizzle of chocolate syrup on top before serving.

Use chocolate cookie crumbs instead of pecans for the crust.

Swap in homemade chocolate pudding for extra richness.

Add mini chocolate chips to the cream cheese layer for a fun crunch.

storage/reheating

Store Possum Pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Best served chilled—no reheating needed!

FAQs

Why is it called Possum Pie?

It’s a Southern joke—this pie “plays possum” by hiding its delicious chocolate layer under whipped cream!

Can I make it ahead?

Yes! Possum Pie is perfect for making a day in advance.

Do I have to use instant pudding?

Instant pudding keeps it quick, but you can make your own from scratch if you prefer.

Can I freeze Possum Pie?

It’s best fresh, but you can freeze leftovers tightly wrapped for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Can I use homemade whipped cream?

Absolutely! Homemade whipped cream makes it even better.

Conclusion

Possum Pie is a delightful Southern classic with layers of crunchy pecan crust, fluffy cream cheese, and rich chocolate pudding all topped with sweet whipped cream. Easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser, it’s a must-try dessert for any gathering!

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