Arkansas Possum Pie (Chocolate-Pecan Layered Dessert)

I absolutely love Arkansas Possum Pie, that iconic Southern no-bake delight with layers of creamy cheese, chocolate pudding, and pecans on a simple crust. It’s rooted in mid-20th century traditions, perfect for casual gatherings or holidays. I whip it up using basic ingredients like graham crumbs and butter, then chill for easy indulgence. Stick around and you’ll uncover more tips to make your own version even better.

History

Arkansas Possum Pie, a no-bake dessert with layers of cream cheese, chocolate pudding, and whipped topping, originated in the Southern United States, particularly Arkansas, during the mid-20th century as a simple, resourceful treat reflecting the region’s home cooking traditions.

Regional variations, such as using different pudding flavors or nut-based crusts, highlight local ingredients and preferences, underscoring the adaptability of Southern cuisine.

Traditionally, it’s served at family gatherings, holidays like Thanksgiving, and community potlucks, symbolizing comfort and hospitality in everyday and celebratory contexts.

Ingredients

– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs: Oh, these are the unsung heroes of any pie crust, aren’t they?

Think of them as the cozy base that holds everything together, like a reliable friend who’s always there.

Grab a pack, crush them up fine, and imagine the buttery goodness waiting to happen.

– 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Just a touch of this sweet stuff to amp up the flavor, because who says a pie crust has to be plain?

It’s that little extra spark, you know, like sneaking a candy into your pocket for later.

Simple, but oh so effective in balancing out the richness.

– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Here’s where things get buttery and forgiving.

Melt it down to a golden liquid, and picture it as the glue that makes your crust dream come true.

After all, what would pie be without a bit of that creamy melt that ties it all in?

– 8 oz cream cheese, softened: This creamy superstar is the heart of the filling, soft and spreadable like a cloud you can eat.

Let it warm up a tad, and you’ll see why it’s everyone’s go-to for that smooth layer that whispers, “Comfort in a bowl,” even if I’m still figuring out how to keep mine lump-free.

– 1 cup powdered sugar: Dust off that fine powder, my friend, because it’s the sweet whisper that makes everything velvety.

Sprinkle it in and watch it dissolve, like magic dust for your taste buds.

Though I often wonder if I add too much just to play it safe.

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A single spoonful of this fragrant elixir, and suddenly your pie feels fancy.

It’s that warm, inviting note that says, “Welcome home,” without overwhelming the crowd.

As if it’s sharing a secret only good bakers know.

– 2 cups whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed: This fluffy wonder is the light-as-air finish we all crave, ready to top things off with a playful fluff.

Thaw it just right, and it’s like giving your pie a soft blanket.

Though I’ve to admit, measuring it out can feel like a tiny adventure in portion control.

– 1 package (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix: The chocolate magic in a box, turning milk into a dreamy layer faster than you can say “pie time.”

Mix it up for that rich, chocolatey punch that makes hearts sing.

Even if I’m the type to double-check the instructions every single time.

– 2 cups cold milk: Straight from the fridge, this is the simple backbone that transforms pudding mix into something spectacular.

Cold and fresh, it’s like the quiet partner in crime that keeps everything cool and creamy.

Without any fuss.

– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, about 2 tablespoons): Wait, parsley on a pie?

It’s that unexpected twist for a pop of color and a nod to freshness, chopped up fine to sprinkle on top like a cheeky surprise.

Sure, it might raise an eyebrow, but hey, who says desserts can’t have a little green flair to keep things interesting?

Cooking Steps

Let’s jump into making this Arkansas Possum Pie, where simple layers turn into a crowd-pleasing treat that feels like a hug in pie form.

First, start with the crust because it’s the solid base everyone counts on—grab your 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted.

Mix them together in a bowl until it looks like damp sand, then press that mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie pan, wondering if your pressing technique is just right or if it’s secretly lumpy like mine always threatens to be.

Next, up goes the creamy layer, which adds that smooth, irresistible comfort you didn’t know you needed.

Take your 8 oz cream cheese, softened, and beat it with 1 cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until it’s fluffy and lump-free—think of it as giving your pie a spa day.

Fold in 2 cups whipped topping, thawed, to make it light and airy, then spread this mixture evenly over the cooled crust, pausing to imagine how that vanilla scent might just make your kitchen feel a bit more welcoming than usual.

Finally, for the chocolate magic that ties it all together, whisk up 1 package (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix** with 2 cups cold milk** until it thickens into a rich, dreamy layer—it’s like watching instant alchemy happen right in your bowl.

Pour this over the cream cheese layer, top with more whipped topping if you like extra fluff, and pop the whole pie in the fridge for at least 2 hours to set.

Once chilled, garnish with about 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley**** for a fresh twist, and slice it up, chuckling at how something so straightforward can feel like a little baking win.

Tips and Variations

If you’re tweaking this Arkansas Possum Pie for your own twist, consider swapping out the graham cracker crumbs for crushed vanilla wafers to add a subtle sweetness that plays off the chocolate layer, or use a gluten-free option if you’re watching ingredients like I sometimes do when things get complicated.

For a lighter vibe, opt for reduced-fat cream cheese and whipped topping, wondering if that might make the pie feel a tad less indulgent but still oh-so-satisfying, or experiment with flavored extracts like almond in the cream cheese mix to surprise your taste buds.

And about that fresh parsley garnish, if you’re not feeling the herb route—maybe it’s too fancy for a casual night—try sprinkling on some chopped nuts for extra crunch, because who says a pie can’t get a playful upgrade without turning into a total kitchen adventure.

Tools

Tool	Purpose
Mixing bowls	For combining ingredients like cream cheese mixture and pudding.
Measuring cups	To measure liquid and dry ingredients accurately.
Measuring spoons	For precise measurement of smaller quantities like vanilla extract or sugar.
Electric mixer or whisk	To whip cream cheese and pudding layers until smooth.
Spatula	For spreading layers evenly in the pie dish.
Pie dish or pan	To assemble and chill the pie.
Knife or chopper	For chopping nuts or parsley for garnish.
Refrigerator	To chill the pie layers and set the dessert.