Possum Pie
Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup whipped topping
1 package instant chocolate pudding mix
1 package instant vanilla pudding mix
2 3/4 cups cold milk
Chocolate shavings, for garnish
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Combine flour, pecans, and melted butter in a bowl. Press into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes, then cool.
Beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until creamy. Fold in half of the whipped topping. Spread over cooled crust.
Whisk chocolate and vanilla pudding mixes with cold milk. Pour over cream cheese layer.
Spread remaining whipped topping over pudding layer. Sprinkle with chocolate shavings.
Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.
Per Serving:
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
Calories: 320 | Servings: 12
Storage Tips: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Possum Pie is a beloved Southern dessert known for its rich, layered textures and delightful flavors. This pie combines a nutty pecan crust with a smooth cream cheese filling and a luscious pudding layer, making it a perfect dessert for gatherings or special occasions. The crust blends all-purpose flour, finely chopped pecans, and melted unsalted butter to form a crisp and flavorful base. Baking the crust before adding the filling ensures it stays firm and supports the creamy layers above. The cream cheese layer is sweetened with powdered sugar and lightened by folding in whipped topping, providing a tangy yet smooth contrast to the sweet pudding. Using softened cream cheese is key to achieving a lump-free, velvety texture. The dessert features two instant pudding mixes, chocolate and vanilla, whisked with cold milk to create a dual-flavored pudding layer that adds depth and creaminess. The combination of chocolate and vanilla flavors balances richness with subtle sweetness. Topping the pie with the remaining whipped topping and chocolate shavings adds a visually appealing finish and an extra layer of creaminess. Possum Pie is best served chilled after refrigerating for at least two hours, allowing the layers to set properly and flavors to meld beautifully. It makes for a refreshing dessert with a calorie count of approximately 320 per serving and yields 12 servings, making it ideal for parties or family meals. To preserve freshness, store the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. This dessert is not only delicious but also convenient for preparing ahead of time. For ingredient substitutions, walnuts can replace pecans to customize the crust based on preference or availability. Additionally, homemade pudding can be used instead of instant mixes for a more natural, preservative-free option. Experimenting with different pudding flavors such as butterscotch or caramel can also give a unique twist to this classic dessert. Overall, Possum Pie is a comforting, easy-to-make dessert that combines multiple textures and flavors in every bite, making it a crowd-pleaser in any setting.