Arkansas Possum Pie
This old-fashioned Arkansas possum pie is a layered dessert with a buttery pecan shortbread crust, sweet cream cheese layer, silky chocolate pudding layer, and fluffy whipped cream topping. Easy to make ahead and perfect for holidays, potlucks, or Sunday dinner.
Equipment
- Food processor or sharp knife to chop the pecans
- 9-inch pie plate (glass or ceramic)
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Electric mixer or hand mixer
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plastic wrap for chilling
Ingredients
Pecan Shortbread Crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup salted butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup pecans chopped
Pudding Layer
- 1 box Jell-O Chocolate Instant Pudding Mix & Pie Filling 5.9 oz.
- 3 cups whole milk
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 Tablespoons powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Whipped Cream Topping
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Make the crust:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place ¾ cup pecan halves in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Stir pecans with 1 cup flour, ½ cup melted salted butter, and ¼ cup brown sugar until combined. Press into a 9-inch pie plate and bake 15–20 minutes, until edges brown slightly. Cool completely.
Prepare cream cheese layer:
- In a medium mixing bowl, beat 8 ounces softened cream cheese, ½ cup heavy whipping cream, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Spread evenly over the cooled crust. Refrigerate while making pudding.
Make pudding layer:
- In a medium bowl, whisk 1 box (5.9 oz) Jell-O Chocolate Instant Pudding Mix with 3 cups cold whole milk for about 2 minutes until smooth. Let sit 5–10 minutes to thicken, then spread over the cream cheese layer. Refrigerate while making topping.
Whip the topping:
- Beat 2 cups heavy whipping cream, ½ cup powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Spread whipped cream evenly over the pudding layer.
Finish and serve:
- Garnish with chopped pecans and chocolate shavings if desi
Notes
Calorie Disclaimer:
The nutritional information provided is intended for informational purposes only. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, the actual nutritional content of recipes may vary depending on various factors, including the specific ingredients used, portion sizes, and cooking methods.