Easy Arkansas Possum Pie

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Possum Pie – What an unusual name for such a delicious dessert.  This Arkansas Possum Pie Recipe starts with a crunchy pecan shortbread crust. Then we add a layer of rich cheesecake and a layer of chocolate pudding, topped with light, fluffy whipped cream.  Add choclate curls or shavings for the final touch of luscious. For more amazing chocolate desserts, try Instant Pot Hot Chocolate Cheesecake With Marshmallow Topping, Festive Chocolate Peppermint Cake Roll or Chocolate Cinnamon Rolls With Chocolate Chips.

Why You Will Love Arkansas Possum Pie

• Easy to make, yet looks fancy
• Tastes amazing!
• Can make ahead

Equipment Needed

• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
• Deep Dish Pie Pan
• Whisk
• Saucepan

Variations and Additions

• Add some chocolate chips, butterscotch chips or Heath Bits into the chocolate layer.
• Sprinkle toasted coconut across the whipped cream layer.
• If you prefer, use a premade graham cracker crust or make your own.
• Add 1/2 teaspoon of rum extract into the cream cheese layer.
• Substitute either instant or cook and serve chocolate pudding for the homemade chocolate layer.

Ingredients for Arkansas Possum Pie

Pecan Shortbread Crust

• Pecan Shortbread Cookies – Keebler Pecan Sandies is a good one to use, though generic works fine.
• Butter – real butter is best
• Brown Sugar – use the light brown variety
• Chopped Pecans – finely chop

Cream Cheese Layer

• Cream Cheese – use the bloack full-fat style
• Powdered Sugar
• Cream – heavy cream or half and half

Chocolate Layer

• Granulated Sugar
• Cocoa – unsweetened, like Hershey’s Cocoa Powder
• All-Purpose Flour
• Cornstarch
• Egg Yolks
• Salt
• Half and Half
• Butter
• Vanilla Extract – real vanilla extract is better

Creamy Whipped Topping

• Heavy Whipping Cream
• Powdered Sugar
• Vanilla Extract
• Chocolate Curls or Shavings
• Chopped Pecans – reserved from the crust layer

How to Make Possum Pie

Shortbread Cookie Crust

• Lightly spray you pie pan with a non-stick baking spray.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
• Combine the cookie crumbs, brown sugar, butter and chopped pecans. Using a fork works well for this.
• Pour the crust mixture into the pie pan and press firmly onto the bottom of the pan.
• Bake on center rack of the oven for about 15 minutes, until just starting to brown on edges.
• Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack.

Cream Cheese Layer

• In a mixing bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar and cream until soft and fluffy.
• Spread the mixture over the cooled pie crust.

Chocolate Layer

• Add all the dry ingredients to a saucepan and mix together.
• Add the egg yolks to a bowl and whisk well until creamy. Add the half and half to the egg mixture and whisk to blend.
• Pour egg mixture into the dry ingredients and whisk until well-combined.
• Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until mixture thickens. This may take about 20 minutes or so. Stir in butter and vanilla until butter is melted and combined.
• Pour chocolate mixture into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap to prevent the surface from forming a “skin” and allow to cool down for about 15 minutes. (This “skin” in actually my favorite thing when eating as a pudding but not for this recipe.) Then place in the refrigerator to cool for an additional half hour.
• Remove from the fridge, stir well and pour into the pie plate on top of the cream cheese layer.
• Return to the refrigerator and allow to cool for at least 4 hours to set the chocolate layer. You can cool overnight if you like.

Whipped Cream Topping

• Using a hand mixer or stand mixer with paddle attachment, whip together the cream, powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Spoon the whipped cream mixture on top of the chocolate layer, covering it well. Sprinkle the reserved chopped pecans and the chocloate curls across the top.

How to Store and Freeze Possum Pie

Possum Pie can be stored, tightly covered in the refrigerator for about 3 days. If freezing, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Recipe for Arkansas Possum Pie