The Best Mississippi Mud Pie (Ultimate Recipe)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Best Mississippi Mud Pie is a decadent, multi-layered dessert that’s rich, gooey, and packed with chocolate. Featuring a buttery cookie crust, fudgy brownie layer, silky chocolate pudding, and fluffy whipped cream, this ultimate version is indulgent and irresistible. It’s the perfect crowd-pleasing treat for chocolate lovers and a showstopper for any celebration.

ingredients

this Recipe

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

For the crust:
chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos, crushed)unsalted butter (melted)

For the brownie layer:
unsalted buttersemisweet chocolate chipsgranulated sugarbrown sugareggsvanilla extractall-purpose flourunsweetened cocoa powdersalt

For the pudding layer:
whole milkcornstarchgranulated sugarsaltsemi-sweet chocolateegg yolksvanilla extractunsalted butter

For the topping:
heavy whipping creampowdered sugarvanilla extractchocolate shavings or curls (optional)

directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch pie dish or springform pan.

Mix crushed cookies with melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the pan to form the crust. Chill while preparing the brownie layer.

Melt butter and chocolate chips in a saucepan over low heat. Stir until smooth, then remove from heat.

Whisk in both sugars, then beat in the eggs and vanilla.

Add flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix until just combined.

Pour the brownie batter over the prepared crust and smooth the top.

Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the center is set but still fudgy. Let cool completely.

To make the pudding, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a saucepan. Gradually add milk, then stir in chocolate and egg yolks.

Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until thickened and smooth.

Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla. Let cool slightly, then pour over the brownie layer. Chill for at least 2 hours.

Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.

Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled pie.

Garnish with chocolate curls or shavings before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 10–12 slices.Preparation time: 30 minutesBaking time: 25–30 minutesCooling and chilling time: 2.5–3 hoursTotal time: approximately 3.5–4 hours

Variations

Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the brownie layer for crunch.

Spike the pudding with a splash of coffee liqueur or bourbon.

Use dark chocolate in the pudding for a richer flavor.

Top with mini marshmallows and broil briefly for a s’mores twist.

Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce before serving.

storage/reheating

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.For best texture, enjoy chilled or let sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.Not recommended for freezing as the texture may change.

FAQs

Why is it called “Mississippi Mud Pie”?

The name comes from the pie’s rich, dark layers resembling the muddy banks of the Mississippi River.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, it’s ideal to make a day ahead so it sets well and the layers develop flavor.

Can I use store-bought pudding?

For convenience, yes—but homemade pudding adds a richer taste and better texture.

Do I have to bake the crust?

No baking is required for the crust, but chilling helps it firm up before adding the brownie.

What if I don’t have sandwich cookies?

Use chocolate wafer cookies or graham crackers with cocoa powder added.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free cookies and a 1:1 GF flour blend in the brownie layer.

Is this pie very sweet?

It’s rich and chocolatey, but balanced by the whipped cream topping.

How do I get clean slices?

Use a sharp knife and wipe between slices. Chilling the pie helps it hold its shape.

Can I skip a layer?

Each layer adds texture and flavor, but you can simplify if needed—just keep the brownie and pudding base.

What’s the best chocolate to use?

Good-quality semisweet or dark chocolate gives the best flavor in both the brownie and pudding layers.

Conclusion

The Best Mississippi Mud Pie is the ultimate layered chocolate dessert—decadent, rich, and unforgettable. With its crunchy crust, fudgy brownie, silky pudding, and creamy topping, every bite is a chocolate lover’s dream. Whether for a special occasion or just because, this pie promises to impress and satisfy with every slice.

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