Possum Pie

The most popular pie in the state of Arkansas is the possum pie, and once you taste our version, you’ll understand why. The pecan shortbread crust is toasty, nutty, and reminiscent of a pecan sandie—the perfect buttery canvas for a layer of "cheesecake" (aka lightly sweetened cream cheese).

Among the three layers of filling in this pie is also a dark chocolate pudding, made with Dutch-process dark cocoa for a deep color and chocolaty flavor. Thick and rich, it plays well when sandwiched between the luscious cream cheese filling and a fluffy layer of vanilla-scented whipped cream. Garnish with chopped pecans for a little extra crunch, and this layered pie will surprise and delight your guests when sliced.

Learn how to make possum pie, and join Arkansans in appreciating this wonderful pie with a funny name.

How Did Possum Pie Get Its Name?

This layered beauty gets its name from the concept of "playing possum"—a deceptive appearance that hides what's truly going on underneath. This pie, covered with a thick layer of whipped cream, hides rich layers of chocolate pudding and cream cheese filling, only visible once you cut in.

Ingredients for Possum Pie

There are four layers within this pie—shortbread crust, cream cheese filling, chocolate pudding, and whipped cream—but the ingredient list is surprisingly simple. To make possum pie, you'll need:

• Cooking spray: To keep the shortbread crust from sticking to the pan.
• Toasted pecan halves: Ground into a shortbread crust for a nutty base.
• Granulated sugar: To sweeten the shortbread crust and chocolate pudding.
• All-purpose flour: The base of the shortbread crust.
• Kosher salt: Enhances the flavor of the crust and fillings.
• Cold unsalted butter: Pulsed into the crust for a buttery texture and adds richness to the chocolate pudding.
• Cream cheese: At room temperature for a smooth mix.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling and whipped cream.
• Heavy whipping cream: Thins the cream cheese filling, whips up for a whipped cream topping, and acts as the base for the chocolate pudding.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the fillings.
• Dutch-process dark cocoa: Dark cocoa adds a deep color and flavor to the pudding. Substitute with standard cocoa if needed.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the pudding.
• Whole milk: Pairs with heavy cream as the liquid base of the chocolate pudding.
• Large egg: Binds and helps set the pudding.

How To Make Possum Pie

While this pie has multiple layers to prepare, they each come together easily. A shortbread crust is quickly pulsed together in a food processor, softened cream cheese is sweetened and stirred for a smooth filling, pudding is whisked and heated until thick, and cream whips up for an ethereal topping in minutes. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

• Step 1. Prepare the Pecan Shortbread Crust: Preheat oven to 375°F. Pulse pecans and sugar in a food processor until finely ground. Pulse in flour and salt. Add butter; pulse until pea size. Sprinkle in ice water; pulse to a coarse meal. Press evenly up bottom and sides of a greased deep-dish pie plate. Prick with a fork and freeze until firm.
• Step 2. Bake Crust: Lightly spray a piece of foil and place spray side down onto crust. Fill with pie weights or dried beans, and bake until lightly browned around edges. Remove foil and weights. Bake crust until golden brown and transfer to a rack to cool.
• Step 3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer: Stir together cream cheese, powdered sugar, cream, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Spread into cooled crust and refrigerate.
• Step 4. Prepare the Chocolate Pudding: In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, cocoa, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk in milk, cream, and egg until smooth. Bring to a boil, whisking constantly. Lower heat, and cook, whisking, 1 minute. Remove from heat; whisk in butter and vanilla.
• Step 5. Add Chocolate Pudding to pie: Spoon cooled pudding over cream cheese layer and press plastic wrap directly onto surface. Refrigerate until set, 6 or up to 12 hours.
• Step 6. Prepare the Whipped Cream: Whisk cream, sugar, and vanilla to medium peaks. Spoon over pudding. Garnish with chopped pecans.

How To Switch Up Possum Pie

While this pie is already decadent and beautifully layered, you can't go wrong with a little customization:

• Type of crust: If you aren't a fan of pecans, swap with walnuts or almonds for a similarly nutty touch. You can also opt for a graham cracker, Oreo, or standard pie crust if preferred, although it isn't traditional.
• Add flavorings: For a little extra flavor, add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the shortbread, a hint of orange zest to the cream cheese layer, or a splash of bourbon to the chocolate pudding.
• Decoration ideas: Take this pie to the next level by garnishing with a drizzle of melted chocolate, chocolate chips, chocolate curls, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to balance the sweetness.
• A shortcut version: Even if you're short on time, you can still make this pie happen. Swap the shortbread crust with a store-bought graham cracker crust, or the scratch-made chocolate pudding with a store-bought mix. You can even use a store-bought whipped topping in a pinch.

How To Store Possum Pie

With its whipped cream topping, this pie is best eaten fresh, on the day it is made. If you need to prepare it in advance, prep the crust, cream cheese, and chocolate pudding layers, then cover the assembled pie and refrigerate for up to two days in advance. Top with whipped cream fresh before serving.

You can also freeze this pie, ideally without the whipped cream topping, for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before topping and serving.

How To Store Leftover Possum Pie

Store leftover pie in an airtight container for up to two days in the refrigerator for best results. Past that point, the whipped cream will begin to break down, although it will still be delicious.

More Classic Southern Pie Recipes You'll Love

If you love classic pies, these Southern favorites will be right up your alley:

• Classic Chess Pie
• Southern Buttermilk Pie
• Utterly Deadly Southern Pecan Pie
• Georgia Peanut Pie with Peanut Butter Crust
• Mississippi Mud Pie
• South Carolina Coconut Cream Pie
• Texas Pecan Pie
• Heavenly Key Lime Pie

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.