you're making mealtime meaningful.
The name ‘Arkansas Possum Pie’ might strike fear into your heart, but rest assured it doesn’t contain any actual possum. Rather, some people surmise that the name comes from the fact that the pie is pretending to be something its not – playing possum, if you will – by hiding a delicious layer of chocolate under plenty of whipped cream. (There’s also a deliciously crunchy shortbread pecan crust to look forward to under those two layers!)
As forementioned, this starts with a pecan shortbread crust. It basically tastes like cookies, and it’s very easy to make. You just press it into your pie dish and give it a little bake while you start on the other layers. First up is a velvety cream cheese layer…
… followed by a rich chocolate pudding layer…
… and finally a generous layer of whipped cream. A topping of pecans and chocolate shavings doesn’t hurt matters.
There’s no more baking to do – you just need to chill it until it sets and then you get to dig into three creamy and luscious layers of sweetness. (And don’t forget about that crunchy pecan cookie crust!) It’s a combo that’s not to be missed.
Arkansas Possum Pie
Yield(s): Yield 1 pie
10m prep time
15m cook time
4h inactive
you're making mealtime meaningful.
For the crust:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
For the cream cheese layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
For the chocolate layer:
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant chocolate pudding
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant chocolate fudge pudding
- 1 3/4 cup milk
For the topping:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup pecan halves
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a medium bowl, stir together the melted butter, flour, pecans, and brown sugar.
- Press mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan and bake until crust begins to brown around the edges, 15-20 minutes. Let cool completely.
- In a clean bowl, beat the cream cheese, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and heavy cream with an electric mixer until smooth. Spread into cooled crust.
- In a separate bowl, combine the pudding mixes and milk and allow to set for 5 minutes. Spread thickened pudding over cream cheese mixture and place in refrigerator to chill until set, at least 4 hours.
- When ready to serve, make the topping by beating the heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Spread over chocolate pudding layer and top with pecans. Enjoy!
Recipe adapted from Wide Open Eats.