Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mississippi Mud Pie is a rich and indulgent dessert that layers chocolate in its most decadent forms: a crunchy cookie crust, fudgy brownie or pudding base, creamy chocolate filling, and fluffy whipped topping. Named after the muddy banks of the Mississippi River, this pie is pure chocolate heaven, perfect for holidays, special occasions, or satisfying deep chocolate cravings.

The Best Mississippi Mud Pie (Ultimate Recipe)

ingredients

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

chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos)unsalted buttersemisweet chocolatebittersweet chocolategranulated sugarsaltall-purpose floureggsheavy creamvanilla extractcocoa powderinstant espresso powdercornstarchwhole milkpowdered sugar

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Crush the chocolate sandwich cookies into fine crumbs and mix with melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom and sides of a pie dish to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool.

For the fudgy layer, melt semisweet chocolate and butter together, then stir in sugar, eggs, vanilla, and a bit of flour. Pour over the crust and bake for 20–25 minutes until set. Cool completely.

To make the chocolate pudding layer, whisk together sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, espresso powder, and salt in a saucepan. Slowly whisk in milk and cook over medium heat until thickened. Remove from heat, add chopped bittersweet chocolate and vanilla extract, and stir until smooth. Cool slightly, then pour over the brownie layer and chill until set.

Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread over the chilled pie.

Garnish with chocolate shavings, curls, or a drizzle of chocolate syrup if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 10–12 slices.Preparation time: 25 minutesBaking time: 30–35 minutesChilling time: 3–4 hoursTotal time: about 4.5 hours

Variations

Use a graham cracker or pretzel crust for a twist on the classic.

Add chopped pecans to the fudgy layer for a nutty crunch.

Swap the pudding layer for chocolate mousse for a lighter texture.

Top with toasted marshmallows for a s’mores-inspired version.

Use peppermint extract for a holiday variation.

storage/reheating

Store Mississippi Mud Pie in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days.It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil.Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.No reheating is needed—this pie is best served chilled.

FAQs

What is Mississippi Mud Pie made of?

It typically includes a cookie crust, a brownie or fudge layer, a creamy chocolate filling, and whipped topping.

Can I use boxed brownie mix?

Yes, you can use a boxed mix to save time, though homemade gives a richer taste.

Is it served warm or cold?

It’s best served cold or at room temperature to allow all layers to set properly.

Do I need a springform pan?

A standard pie dish works fine, but a springform pan makes for easier slicing and presentation.

What makes it “mud pie”?

The name refers to the dark, gooey, rich layers that resemble the muddy banks of the Mississippi River.

Can I skip the espresso powder?

Yes, but it enhances the chocolate flavor subtly without tasting like coffee.

How long does it take to set?

Allow at least 3–4 hours in the fridge before serving for the best results.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, it’s an excellent make-ahead dessert and holds up well in the fridge.

Is it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free cookies and flour to make a GF version.

Can I use whipped topping instead of whipped cream?

Yes, store-bought whipped topping can be used in place of homemade whipped cream.

Conclusion

The Best Mississippi Mud Pie lives up to its name with layers of pure chocolate bliss, from a crunchy cookie base to a luscious whipped topping. This dessert is a showstopper and a chocolate lover’s dream. Whether you’re entertaining or indulging in a treat-yourself moment, it’s guaranteed to impress and satisfy.