Name: Mississippi Mud Pie Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups graham cracker crumbs; ¼ cup white sugar; ½ cup butter, softened; 1 (12 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed; ¾ cup white sugar; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 (3.9 ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix; 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant butterscotch pudding mix; 3 cups milk

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If you have a sweet spot for classic American desserts, Mississippi Mud Pie promises to become your next must-make indulgence. This iconic treat is beloved for its contrasting layers: a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and velvety chocolate-butterscotch pudding crowned with clouds of whipped topping. With its playful mix of flavors and textures, Mississippi Mud Pie is a guaranteed showstopper at any gathering or as a special weeknight reward for your sweet tooth!

Mississippi Mud Pie Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of everyday ingredients to make this irresistible pie, but don’t underestimate their magic. Each one pulls its weight, lending a beautiful balance of crunch, creaminess, and deep chocolatey richness to every slice of Mississippi Mud Pie.

Graham cracker crumbs: The foundation of our dessert, offering a toasty, slightly sweet crunch that holds everything together.
White sugar (¼ cup + ¾ cup): Used in both the crust and creamy layers, it brings sweet cohesion throughout the pie.
Butter, softened (½ cup): Adds richness to the graham cracker base so it bakes up buttery and firm.
Frozen whipped topping, thawed (1 12-ounce container): This light and fluffy layer tops the pie and also gets swirled into the cheesecake filling for extra pillowy texture.
Cream cheese, softened (8 ounces): The heart of the creamy middle; softening ensures a perfectly smooth blend.
Instant chocolate pudding mix (1 3.9-ounce package): Gives that classic chocolate depth and sets into a luscious layer.
Instant butterscotch pudding mix (1 3.4-ounce package): For an extra hint of caramel-like sweetness to complement the chocolate.
Milk (3 cups): Helps the puddings set into a perfectly smooth, scoopable consistency.

How to Make Mississippi Mud Pie

Step 1: Crafting the Graham Cracker Crust

Begin your Mississippi Mud Pie adventure by combining the graham cracker crumbs, a little sugar, and that all-important softened butter in a bowl. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand and holds together when squeezed. Firmly press this mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan for a sturdy, flavorful foundation. Pop it into the fridge while you work on the next layer to ensure the crust sets up nicely.

Step 2: Mixing the Cheesecake Layer

In a fresh bowl, beat half of the whipped topping with the softened cream cheese and 3/4 cup sugar. This mixture transforms into a silky, fluffy blend that’s both tangy and sweet. Gently spread this luscious filling over your chilled graham cracker crust, being careful to avoid breaking up the base.

Step 3: Preparing the Chocolate-Butterscotch Pudding

Next, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix, the butterscotch pudding mix, and the milk in a large bowl. Whip them smoothly for a couple of minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes irresistibly creamy. Pour this luscious pudding layer over the cream cheese filling, smoothing it out for even coverage.

Step 4: Finishing With Whipped Topping

The grand finale for your Mississippi Mud Pie: generously dollop the rest of the whipped topping over the pudding layer. Spread it into soft peaks, then chill your masterpiece for at least 2 hours before slicing. This step lets the layers firm up and the flavors meld for the ultimate dessert experience.

How to Serve Mississippi Mud Pie

Garnishes

Dress up your Mississippi Mud Pie with a sprinkle of shaved chocolate, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a handful of chopped toasted pecans for an irresistible crunch and extra flair. For chocolate lovers, mini chocolate chips or cocoa powder dusted lightly over the top can turn each slice into a glamorous dessert worthy of celebration.

Side Dishes

Balance out the pie’s sweetness by serving it with bowls of fresh berries or a scoop of tart raspberry sorbet. If you want an extra indulgent touch, a small pour of espresso or strong coffee cuts beautifully through the richness of the pie, making for a perfect pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring a fun twist to your Mississippi Mud Pie by turning it into parfaits: layer the crust, fillings, and toppings in elegant glass jars for individualized servings. Or use a cookie cutter to cut squares or rounds from the finished dessert for a playful, party-ready presentation. Don’t be afraid to let your imagination lead the way—this pie is the perfect canvas for creativity!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mississippi Mud Pie keeps beautifully in the refrigerator. Simply cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and the pie will stay fresh for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen and the textures become even more dreamy as it sits.

Freezing

If you want to make your pie further in advance, Mississippi Mud Pie freezes well! Once the pie is set, wrap it tightly with multiple layers of plastic wrap and a final layer of foil. Freeze for up to a month and allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating

This dessert is at its best served chilled, but if you want to soften the texture a bit, let it sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. There’s no need to bake or heat prior to enjoying—a cool, creamy bite is pure perfection.

FAQs

What makes Mississippi Mud Pie different from other chocolate pies?

Mississippi Mud Pie stands out for its signature layers—a buttery crust, creamy cheesecake center, chocolate-butterscotch pudding, and a generous topping of whipped cream. It’s this interplay of textures and flavors that sets it apart from simple chocolate pies.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of frozen whipped topping?

Absolutely! Homemade whipped cream brings a fresh, airy quality. Just make sure it’s whipped stiff enough to hold up in the layers and use equivalent amounts for a perfect swap.

Which pudding flavors work best if I want to experiment?

While classic Mississippi Mud Pie uses chocolate and butterscotch, you can try instant coffee, chocolate fudge, or even banana pudding for a fun twist. Just keep one chocolate-based for that traditional flavor profile.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make it gluten-free by swapping in gluten-free graham crackers or a gluten-free cookie base. Be sure to check that your pudding mixes are also gluten-free.

How far in advance can I prepare Mississippi Mud Pie?

This pie is a great make-ahead dessert. Prepare it up to 24 hours before serving to allow the layers to set and flavors to develop. Just keep it well-covered and refrigerated until ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re treating yourself or wowing your friends with a southern-inspired dessert, Mississippi Mud Pie is sure to deliver joy by the forkful. It’s every layer—crunchy, creamy, and chocolatey—that makes it so memorable and worth making again and again. Go on, gather those simple ingredients and experience deliciousness the Mississippi way!

Mississippi Mud Pie Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 28 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 2 hours (includes chilling time)
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of a classic Mississippi Mud Pie. This no-bake dessert features layers of graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a luscious chocolate and butterscotch pudding topping, all crowned with fluffy whipped cream. It’s a perfect treat for any occasion!

Ingredients

Scale

Graham Cracker Crust:

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup white sugar
½ cup butter, softened

Cheesecake Filling:

1 (12 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
¾ cup white sugar
8 ounces cream cheese, softened

Pudding Topping:

1 (3.9 ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix
1 (3.4 ounce) package instant butterscotch pudding mix
3 cups milk

Instructions

Graham Cracker Crust: Thoroughly blend graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and butter. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan.
Cheesecake Filling: In a bowl, blend half of the whipped topping, 3/4 cup sugar, and softened cream cheese together. Spread this mixture on top of the prepared crust.
Pudding Topping: Whip together the chocolate pudding, butterscotch pudding, and milk. Spread this mixture on top of the cream cheese layer. Finish by topping with the remaining whipped topping.

Notes

You can garnish the pie with chocolate shavings, chopped nuts, or additional whipped cream for extra flair.
For a richer flavor, consider using chocolate or graham cracker crust instead of plain graham crackers.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American