Few desserts offer the rich decadence quite like this Mississippi Mud Pie with Fudgy Chocolate Layers Recipe. Every bite is a blissful dance of fudgy brownie, silky pudding, and a crunchy cookie crust that makes it a total showstopper worth savoring and sharing.

A chocolate pie with three visible layers in a round, clear glass dish on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a dark, moist chocolate crust that holds the pie together. Above that is a thick, rich chocolate filling with a smooth and creamy texture. The top layer is a thick, fluffy white whipped topping that covers the whole pie. Dark chocolate shavings and small chocolate curls are scattered generously over the whipped layer. A slice of the pie is being lifted by a metal spatula, showing all three layers clearly. Nearby on the surface are halved strawberries and more chocolate shavings. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Mississippi Mud Pie with Fudgy Chocolate Layers Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Mississippi Mud Pie with Fudgy Chocolate Layers Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Mississippi Mud Pie with Fudgy Chocolate Layers Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this Mississippi Mud Pie more times than I can count because it’s that perfect blend of textures and flavors that truly excite chocolate lovers. It’s rich but balanced, and the layered approach feels fancy without requiring a pastry degree.

Decadent Multi-layered Texture: Each layer offers a distinct chocolate experience, from buttery cookie crust to fudgy brownies to creamy pudding.
Impresses Without Stress: Though it looks impressive, the recipe is straightforward and forgiving for home bakers.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a party dessert, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Customizable Toppings: You can easily switch up the whipped cream or garnish for seasonal flair or personal taste.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Mississippi Mud Pie with Fudgy Chocolate Layers Recipe relies on simple ingredients that come together beautifully, each bringing texture and flavor that once layered, create a balanced dessert experience. Having quality chocolate and fresh eggs definitely makes a difference here.

Flat lay of a small pile of crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, a small white ceramic bowl of melted unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of unsweetened cocoa powder, a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl of salt, a small white ceramic bowl of baking powder, a small white ceramic bowl of whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl of cornstarch, two fresh egg yolks in a plain white ceramic bowl, a small white ceramic bowl of finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate, a small white ceramic bowl of powdered sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl of vanilla extract, and a small white ceramic plate with chocolate shavings arranged neatly, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chocolate sandwich cookies: For a luscious crunchy crust that holds everything together, crushed finely in a food processor.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps bind the crust and brownie layers firmly.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the fudgy brownie and pudding layers without overpowering.
Eggs: Provide structure to the brownie and give richness to the pudding.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the deep chocolate flavors with a warm subtle note.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers that intense chocolate bitterness balancing the sweetness.
All-purpose flour: Supports the brownie structure without making it cakey.
Salt & baking powder: Just a pinch to enhance flavor and lift the brownie slightly.
Whole milk: Forms the creamy base of the chocolate pudding for a smooth texture.
Cornstarch: The thickening agent that gives the pudding its perfect custard-like consistency.
Semi-sweet chocolate: Melted into the pudding layer for richness and depth.
Heavy cream, powdered sugar: For ultra-soft, lightly sweetened whipped cream topping.
Chocolate shavings: Final touch for visual appeal and extra chocolate magic.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love making this recipe just as it is, but sometimes I throw in a pinch of instant espresso powder into the brownie layer for an extra depth of flavor—it really elevates the chocolate. You can also swap the cookie crust for a graham cracker crust if you want a slightly lighter crunch.

Variation: Adding some toasted pecans or walnuts on the brownie layer before baking creates a satisfying crunch and nutty contrast—I highly recommend trying this if you like texture variations!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Mississippi Mud Pie with Fudgy Chocolate Layers Recipe

The image shows a slice of chocolate pie on a white plate with a thin black rim, placed on a white marbled surface. The pie has three clear layers: a dark, crumbly chocolate crust at the bottom, a thick middle layer of smooth, creamy chocolate filling, and a fluffy top layer of white whipped cream. The whipped cream is sprinkled with small pieces of dark chocolate shavings and curls. There are two fresh strawberry halves with green tops on the plate next to the pie slice. A small piece of the pie with whipped cream is on the tip of a fork resting on the plate. In the background, there is a second plate with another slice of the same pie and more strawberries scattered around. A green cloth is softly blurred behind the plates. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Crafting the Cookie Crust

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Crush those chocolate sandwich cookies finely—I find using a food processor here makes it quick and ensures the crust binds well. Mix the crumbs with melted butter until the texture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your 9-inch pie dish. This crust is key since it supports all the luscious layers above.

Step 2: Whipping Up the Fudgy Brownie Layer

In a bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth, then gently fold in the cocoa, flour, salt, and baking powder. Pour this brownie batter evenly over your cookie crust. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You'll know it's done when the edges start to pull away but the center is still slightly soft. Let it cool completely—this helps the pudding layer go on cleanly without melting the brownie.

Step 3: Cooking the Silky Chocolate Pudding

Now, for the star of the show—the pudding. Combine milk, sugar, cornstarch, cocoa, salt, and egg yolks in a saucepan. Heat over medium, whisking constantly to keep lumps at bay. When you see it thicken and just begin to boil, remove from heat. Stir in chopped semi-sweet chocolate and vanilla until smooth and glossy. Pour this dreamy pudding over the cooled brownie layer. Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours so it sets nicely.

Step 4: Finishing Touch with Whipped Cream

Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form—it’s soft but holds its shape perfectly. Spread or pipe the whipped cream over your set pudding layer. I always add a handful of chocolate shavings on top for that extra oomph. Store chilled until ready to serve.

Top Tip

From making this Mississippi Mud Pie with Fudgy Chocolate Layers Recipe multiple times, I’ve noticed these tricks really elevate the final dessert. It’s all about patience and technique to keep those rich layers perfect.

Cookie Crust Crunch: Using a food processor to crush the cookies fine but not powdery helps the crust stay crisp without crumbling apart.
Layer Cooling Patience: Let each layer cool fully. Rushing this step risks layers bleeding into each other, losing those beautiful distinct textures.
Whisk the Pudding Constantly: To avoid lumps and ensure a silky smooth pudding base, don’t step away from the stove during this step.
Sharp Hot Knife for Slices: For clean slices, dip your knife in hot water, dry it off, then slice—wiping clean between cuts keeps pieces neat and pretty.

How to Serve Mississippi Mud Pie with Fudgy Chocolate Layers Recipe

Mississippi Mud Pie - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like topping my pie with fresh chocolate shavings, but toasted nuts like pecans or a few fresh raspberries add a lovely contrast. Sometimes a light dusting of cocoa powder around the edges adds a professional touch.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs beautifully with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of extra whipped cream. A glass of cold milk never hurts either—it’s like the classic duo that completes the experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served slices on elegant dessert plates with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce or a sprinkle of sea salt flakes on top to balance the sweetness. You can pipe the whipped cream into rosettes or curls for an extra festive look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Mississippi Mud Pie well covered in the fridge to keep the whipped cream fresh and the pudding firm. It stays delicious for up to 4 days, and the flavors sometimes even deepen after a day or two!

Freezing

You can freeze the pie, but I recommend freezing before adding the whipped cream topping. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and add freshly whipped cream for best results.

Reheating

This dessert is best served chilled so reheating isn't necessary. If the pie feels a bit too firm out of the fridge, just let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before slicing. This loosens those fudgy layers so you get that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?

Absolutely! While chocolate sandwich cookies bring classic flavor and crunch, you can swap in graham crackers or even chocolate wafer cookies depending on your preference. Just adjust the amount of butter slightly to get the right crust consistency.

How do I ensure the pudding layer sets properly?

Constantly whisk the pudding mixture over medium heat until it thickens and just reaches a boil. This prevents lumps and helps activate the cornstarch. Also, chill the pie for at least 4 hours before serving to let the pudding fully set and become sliceable.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Definitely! This Mississippi Mud Pie actually tastes better after sitting overnight in the fridge because the flavors meld and the pudding sets perfectly. Just add the whipped cream topping the day you plan to serve for best freshness.

What’s the best way to slice this pie cleanly?

Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water, then wipe dry before slicing. Repeat between each cut to keep the edges of each slice neat and prevent the layers from smudging. This trick gives professional-looking slices every time.

Final Thoughts

This Mississippi Mud Pie with Fudgy Chocolate Layers Recipe has become my go-to when I want to wow friends and family with minimal fuss but maximum chocolate indulgence. It feels like a hug in dessert form, and every time I serve it, it brings a little extra joy to the table. Give it a try—I promise you’ll be glad you did!