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Possum Pie cravings ever just hit you outta nowhere? If you’re from Arkansas or ever passed through, you’ve probably wondered, “Wait, what’s actually in that?” Maybe, like me, you’ve seen the name pop up side-by-side with other classic southern sweets. Folks, this is not about baking marsupials (c’mon, would I do that to you?!). It’s about layering chocolate, creamy filling, and a whole mess of goodness into one classic dessert. Let’s dig in before my mouth starts watering—oh, and if you love wacky pies, peek at this brownie pecan pie for other sweet inspo.

What Is Possum Pie?

Possum Pie is Arkansas comfort food at its finest—kind of a wildly layered dessert adventure. Imagine a no-bake (mostly), show-off pie with a nutty crust, cool cream cheese filling, fluffy whipped topping, and a thick chocolate layer tucked somewhere in the middle. Some call it “Arkie Pie” or “Chocolate Layer Pie” if the critter talk throws them off.

Now, taking a bite feels like sinking into a vintage diner booth. The pie hits you with cool, sweet, chocolate-pecan magic in every forkful. And if I’m honest, people lose their minds when you trot it out at a potluck. It’s less of a pie, maybe, and more stacked layers of what I imagine heaven tastes like—yeah, I said it.

“I’d never tried Possum Pie till last summer. A neighbor brought it to our block party. Best dessert I tasted in YEARS. Now it’s my go-to when I wanna wow my guests.” —Shelby, Little Rock

Why Is It Called Possum Pie?

Some folks think there’s a wild story behind the name. Actually, it’s a little sneaky—like possums playing dead. Arkansans named it Possum Pie because the dessert “plays possum”—it hides the surprising chocolate layer beneath vanilla cream, tricking you into thinking it’s just plain ol’ pie until you slice in.

The name’s tongue-in-cheek. No actual possums harmed, promise. And that peekaboo filling, honestly, it’s half the fun when you serve it up. Ome folks even enjoy watching newcomers do a double-take when they hear the name, then see the first cut reveals a whole lotta chocolate drama beneath the surface. That’s pure southern hospitality for ya.

What Is A Real Possum Pie Recipe Made Of?

A true homemade Possum Pie has four main parts, all layered up in a big pie dish. You ready to make a mess in your kitchen? Here’s what you’ll need for one “showstopper” Arkansas dessert:

1. Pecan crust
Crushed pecans, flour, melted butter, pinch o’ salt. Pressed right into the bottom of the pan.
2. Cream cheese layer
Cream cheese, powdered sugar, splash of vanilla, a dollop of whipped topping to keep it dreamy.
3. Chocolate pudding layer
You can use homemade or store-bought. Honestly? In a pinch, the instant stuff works.
4. Whipped topping
Pile it HIGH. Then, for a final touch, more chopped pecans and maybe fancy chocolate shavings.

Let me just say—I’ve learned the hard way: chill it real good before slicing. Wonky slices still taste great but a pretty layered look will impress even your picky Aunt Ruth.

If you enjoy sweet southern treats, check out this pecan pie bark recipe for more nutty desserts!

Tips + Tricks

If it’s your first Possum Pie rodeo, don’t panic. Here are a few things I’ve learned (some through serious trial and error).

Don’t overwork the crust. Just smush it in the pan.
Let every layer chill before adding the next. Or else: oozy mess.
Top with extra pecans for crunch. Honestly, go wild—nobody ever said “too many pecans.”
If you’re feeling naughty, a drizzle of chocolate sauce takes this to five-star restaurant territory.

Oh—and kids? They love helping spread that cream cheese layer, just keep ’em from licking the bowl before you’re done.

How to Store and Make Ahead

Listen, if you manage to have leftovers, you deserve a round of applause. Possum Pie keeps okay in the fridge, covered tight, up to 3 or 4 days (really, it gets a little slushy by day five). Don’t freeze it. That cream cheese and pudding get all weird.

If you wanna make ahead, fix the crust and pop it in the fridge. Whip up the next layers the night before serving. Slap on that whipped topping just before you trot it out for maximum wow.

And if you need something less decadent but just as easy, try my favorite vanilla cool whip pie—silky, light, and just as make-ahead friendly.

Common Questions

Do you put real possum in Possum Pie?
Nope, never. Not even once. Possum Pie’s name is just for kicks. It’s totally critter-free.

Can you make it without pecans?
You sure can. Use graham crackers or plain cookie crumbs for the crust if nuts aren’t your thing.

What’s the best way to layer Possum Pie?
Chill each layer. Start with pecan crust, then cream cheese, chocolate, and finish with whipped topping.

Can I make Possum Pie with instant pudding?
Yup. Nobody’s judging here; grab a box, whip it up, and save yourself a few steps.

Does it really need to chill before cutting?
Yes, unless you want pie soup. Give it at least two hours so those layers hold together!

You Gotta Try This Pie for Yourself

So, that’s all the scoop on Possum Pie—Arkansas’s sweet, sneaky gift to the world. It’s nutty, creamy, chocolatey, and honestly, nobody ever leaves a slice behind. If you’ve been meaning to shake up dessert night, go ahead and give it a whirl. And for more ideas, peep at this guide to Arkansas Possum Pie by House of Nash Eats if you want another take. There’s also the original crowd-pleaser at Possum Pie {Arkansas Original} Gonna Want Seconds. Just don’t blame me when your family comes back for seconds, thirds…you get the idea.

Possum Pie

Author: hamidkom
Total Time: 132 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A classic Arkansas dessert with layers of chocolate, cream cheese, and a pecan crust that will tantalize your taste buds.

Ingredients

1 cup crushed pecans
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup melted butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
8 oz cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup whipped topping
1 package chocolate pudding (instant or homemade)
Extra chopped pecans for topping
Chocolate shavings for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, mix crushed pecans, flour, melted butter, and salt to create the crust.
Press the mixture into the bottom of a pie dish and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden. Let cool.
In another bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in 1 cup of whipped topping.
Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust.
Prepare the chocolate pudding as per package instructions and layer it over the cream cheese mixture.
Top with the remaining whipped topping and sprinkle with extra chopped pecans and chocolate shavings.
Chill the pie for at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

Chill each layer before adding the next for best results. This pie is best enjoyed cold and should be eaten within 3-4 days.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Chilling
Cuisine: American