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Slice of possum pie with chocolate, cream cheese, and caramel layers on a white plate

The Best Possum Pie Recipe (Classic Southern Layered Dessert) - Easy, Creamy, Crowd-Pleasing

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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Chilling Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 48 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Southern American (Arkansas)
Servings 12 Slices

Ingredients
  

  • For the crust: 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • For the cream cheese layer: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup cold heavy cream (or 8 ounces whipped topping)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the chocolate layer: 1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
  • 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla or chocolate fudge pudding mix
  • 2 3/4 cups cold milk (whole or 2%)
  • For the topping: 1 1/2 cups cold heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: shaved chocolate, cocoa powder, or extra chopped pecans

Instructions
 

  • Heat the oven and prep a pan. Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • Make the crust. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, butter, and pecans until it forms a crumbly dough. Press it evenly into the dish. Bake 15–18 minutes, until lightly golden. Cool completely.
  • Whip the cream for the layers. In a cold bowl, whip 2 1/2 cups heavy cream total with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla until soft peaks form. Reserve 1 cup for the cream cheese layer and the rest for the topping. (Or use whipped topping for convenience.)
  • Make the cream cheese layer. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Fold in 1 cup whipped cream until creamy. Spread evenly over the cooled crust. Chill 10 minutes.
  • Whisk the pudding layer. In a large bowl, whisk both pudding mixes with cold milk for 2 minutes until thick. Let it sit 3–5 minutes to set, then spread over the cream cheese layer. Chill 10–15 minutes.
  • Add the whipped topping. Spread the remaining whipped cream over the pudding. Smooth the top or create soft swirls.
  • Finish and chill. Sprinkle with shaved chocolate, cocoa, or pecans. Cover and chill at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, for clean layers.
  • Slice and serve. Use a sharp knife and a flat spatula for neat squares. Wipe the knife between cuts for the cleanest look.