Amazing 20-Minute Mud Pie Joy

If the word “chocolate” makes your eyes light up, then stop everything because I have found the absolute pinnacle of desserts for you. Forget complicated baking; we’re talking about the ultimate, rich, layered magic known as Mississippi Mud Pie! This recipe is unbelievably easy—seriously, it’s one of my favorites for gatherings because nobody suspects how little effort went into this showstopper. Trust me, this decadent mud pie is going to be the thing everyone asks you to bring to the next potluck.

Why This Mississippi Mud Pie is Your New Favorite Showstopper Dessert

I know a lot of you are looking for desserts that look amazing but don’t require you to spend all day hovering over the oven. Well, this Mississippi Mud Pie is the definition of a showstopper dessert. It has all the drama of a fancy cake but comes together so fast! It’s honestly the easiest way to look like a superstar at any gathering.

The layers are what truly sell it. You get that firm, chocolatey crunch from the crust, followed by layers of velvety smooth creaminess. It hits every textural note you want in a rich dessert for parties. You can trust me on this one; it disappears ridiculously fast.

SAVE

Quick Prep Time for Your Mud Pie

Here’s the best part: setup time is a mere 20 minutes! Seriously, that’s all it takes to assemble every component before it hits the fridge. This is a glorious no-bake wonder, which means no worrying about oven space or weird baking times. You mix, you layer, you chill. It’s what I turn to when deadlines loom but company is coming!

The Ultimate Chocolate Indulgence Factor

When you take that first bite, you’ll understand why it’s called “mud.” It’s intense! We are layering rich chocolate pudding and perfectly homemade whipped cream. That contrast between the slightly salty, crunchy cookie base and the smooth center makes for the ultimate chocolate indulgence. If you manage to get a good scoop of the fudgy pie filling mixed with the topping—wow, you’ve really hit the jackpot.

Gathering the Ingredients for Your Mud Pie

Okay, let’s get our mise en place ready. The good news is that most of these ingredients are pantry staples, or at least easy to grab in one quick trip. Because this is a no-bake recipe, the quality of what we *do* use really shines through!

Here is exactly what you’ll need for this decadent version of the Mississippi Mud Pie:

• 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (If you are in a hurry, use Oreos, crushing them finely right in the bag!)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 package (3.4 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix (Don’t use the cook-and-serve kind, or we’ll have a real mess on our hands!)
• 2 cups cold milk (Make sure it’s cold; this is key for the pudding to set fast.)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy cream, chilled (Must be chilly for whipping!)
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup mini marshmallows (These are totally optional, but they add that fun, classic texture!)
• Chocolate shavings, for topping (I love using a vegetable peeler on a nice dark chocolate bar for the best flakes.)

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Best Mud Pie

Putting this comfort food together is genuinely simple, but I want you to nail those layers because that’s where the magic happens. We aren’t baking anything, so technique is really just about pressing and chilling things correctly. Follow these steps closely, and you will have a perfectly set, utterly delicious pie every single time.

Creating the Oreo Crust Pie Base

First things first, let’s tackle that base! You need to combine your chocolate cookie crumbs with the melted butter until everything looks like wet sand. This mixture is going to form our Oreo crust pie. Now, press it firmly into a 9-inch pie plate. This is my E-E-A-T moment: really pack it down, especially up the sides, using the back of a measuring cup or your knuckles. A firm base stops the whole thing from collapsing later on! Once it’s packed tight, pop that plate into the freezer while you move on to the next layer.

Preparing the Creamy Chocolate Filling

This layer sets up fast, so be ready to move once you start! In a medium bowl, grab your whisk and combine the instant chocolate pudding mix with your very cold milk. You have to whisk this vigorously for about two full minutes—don’t cheat! It thickens up almost instantly into that wonderful creamy chocolate filling. Stir in your vanilla extract right at the end. Pull your crust out of the freezer and gently—carefully!—spread this pudding evenly over that chilled base layer. Back into the fridge it goes to set up for at least 30 minutes.

Layering the Mud Pie with Whipped Topping

While your pudding sets, make your topping. Pour that heavy cream into a clean bowl, add the powdered sugar, and whip it until you get stiff peaks. If you’ve never made homemade whipped cream, prepare to be amazed! Once the pudding layer is firm to the touch, gently spread that light, fluffy topping right over the chocolate. If you decided to use those mini marshmallows, now’s the time to sprinkle those right on top of the cream—they look so cute peaking through!

SAVE

Expert Tips for a Perfect Mississippi Mud Pie

Even though this is an easy no-bake dessert, getting that truly Southern Dessert Classics level of perfection takes just a little bit of finesse. I want you to feel confident making this every single time, so let’s talk about those little things that take your mud pie from great to absolutely legendary.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Mud Pie

Listen, I know grocery runs don’t always go as planned, but these notes will help you pivot without ruining the integrity of the pie. Remember the notes I included in the recipe? For the crust, if you don’t have Oreos, use any chocolate sandwich cookie you love. Graham crackers are okay, but they won’t give you that deep chocolate flavor we’re chasing here.

If you want things extra chocolatey—and why wouldn’t you want that?—fold in about a half cup of mini chocolate chips into your pudding layer before you spread it. They won’t fully melt, so you get these wonderful solid pockets of chocolate goodness. That’s how you move toward that glorious ultimate chocolate indulgence!

Turning Your Mud Pie into a Frozen Dessert Pie

This recipe is flexible! If you’re leaning toward a true frozen dessert pie—maybe you’re planning ahead for a summer BBQ—you just need to adjust your chill time. The 4-hour mark gets you a firm, cold, creamy pie. But if you let it hang out in the freezer for 6 hours or even overnight, it turns into a solid, scoopable ice cream pie alternative.

SAVE

Just one quick note if you freeze it solid: pull it out onto the counter about 15 to 20 minutes before you plan to serve it. That slight softening just takes the edge off the deep freeze, making it easier to slice and ensuring the crust doesn’t shatter when you try to cut those perfect wedges.

Serving Suggestions for This Layered Chocolate Dessert

So, you’ve successfully created this magnificent structure of chocolate goodness! Now, how do we serve it? Because this layered chocolate dessert is so intensely rich, you don’t need a whole lot to go with it. A little contrast really makes it sing, you know?

I always love serving a slice with a strong cup of coffee to cut through that decadent sweetness. If you are serving it after a heavy meal, try adding just a few fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries on the side. The tartness of the berries is just the perfect counterpoint to the fudgy layers. Sometimes, on a really hot day, I’ll even drizzle a tiny bit of caramel over the top, though honestly, it really shines all by itself!

Storage and Make Ahead Dessert Options for Your Mud Pie

One of the biggest reasons I adore this Mississippi Mud Pie so much is that it’s built to be made in advance! This is truly the MVP of make ahead desserts. Since we aren’t dealing with anything that needs immediate baking, we can count on it staying perfect in the fridge.

You absolutely need to keep this pie well-covered. I usually use plastic wrap, making sure it doesn’t touch the whipped topping if I can help it. Plastic wrap draped lightly over the top can work, or use a cake carrier if you have one. When stored this way, it stays wonderfully fresh—and perfectly set—for up to two full days in the refrigerator. I’ve tested this many times!

Now, do you reheat it? Nope! Never reheat this one; it’s designed to be served cold, whether you let it fully set in the fridge or freeze it solid for that ice cream vibe. If you did freeze it, just give it that 15-20 minute countertop rest before slicing. Storing leftovers is just as easy: keep them covered in the fridge. If it sits too long and the crust starts to soften on day three, honestly, just scoop it with a spoon—it’s still delicious comfort food!

Frequently Asked Questions About Making a Mud Pie

I always get so many questions when I post pictures of this Mississippi Mud Pie because people can’t believe how easy it truly is! Here are a few things I hear most often from my fellow bakers about making this amazing easy no bake dessert.

Do I have to use Oreos for the crust?

That’s a great question! While the recipe calls for chocolate cookie crumbs, Oreos work the best to give you that real, dark, sturdy Oreo crust pie flavor that pairs perfectly with the filling. You *can* use graham crackers if you absolutely have to, but understand that you’ll lose some of that intense chocolate impact, and it leans much lighter in texture. For the best results for this mud pie, stick to the dark cookies!

Does this mud pie require any baking at all?

Absolutely not! And that’s why I love it so much for quick entertaining. This entire recipe is designed to be no-bake. The crust is prepped raw and then frozen to firm up, and the layers—the pudding and the whipped cream—set in the refrigerator. You are essentially building a wonderful, edible, layered chocolate structure that relies on cold, not heat, to hold its shape!

Can I make this ahead of time, or is it better fresh?

You absolutely can—and honestly, I prefer making it ahead! This is a wonderful make ahead dessert, which gives you so much peace of mind before a party. As I mentioned a little earlier, this pie holds up beautifully covered in the fridge for up to two days. Any longer than that and the crust might start to absorb moisture from the filling, but days one and two are pure perfection for this rich dessert for parties!

What is the best way to cut slices without messing up the topping?

This is the secret to serving any soft, layered dessert! Don’t use a regular knife first. First, use a large, sharp knife—dip it in hot water and wipe it dry between *every single cut*. That heat helps slice cleanly through the creamy layers without dragging the whipping topping all over the place. Then, once you have your wedge positioned on the plate, you can clean the knife and slice through the crust cleanly from the bottom up. It keeps your slices looking neat!

SAVE

Estimated Nutritional Data for This Decadent Chocolate Pie

I always want to be upfront about what we’re eating, even when it’s total indulgence like this amazing Mississippi Mud Pie! Since this is a homemade dessert, the actual nutritional facts can swing a little based on the brand of cookies or the amount of heavy cream you whip up. Think of these numbers as a very good guideline for one generous slice.

For those of you tracking macros or just curious about this ultimate chocolate indulgence, here are the estimated values:

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 35g (Yes, it’s a treat! Embrace it!)
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 5g
• Sodium: 310mg

Take this as a reminder that this mud pie is meant for celebrations and sharing! I always tell people to enjoy it fully and focus on the joy of eating something so wonderfully rich and comforting. Remember, these are just estimates for this specific homemade chocolate pie recipe, so don’t sweat the small stuff—just enjoy the moment!

Share Your Mississippi Mud Pie Creation

Now that you’ve created this showstopper, I really, truly want to see it! Baking is a joy we should absolutely share, and there’s nothing better than seeing one of these rich Mississippi Mud Pies sitting on your table after you’ve put in that minimal effort.

When you pull it out of the fridge and serve up those perfect wedges of comfort food dessert, take a picture! Snap a shot of your layers and tag me on social media. I love hearing from you and seeing your modifications—maybe you added caramel drizzle, or perhaps you skipped the marshmallows and just went all in on chocolate chips!

If you loved how easy and decadent this was, please give the recipe a star rating right below this section. Your feedback helps other home cooks realize that spectacular desserts aren’t just for fancy bakeries. Let’s keep sharing the joy!

Decadent Mississippi Mud Pie Recipe

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make this rich, layered Mississippi Mud Pie featuring a chocolate cookie crust, creamy chocolate filling, and fluffy topping. It is a showstopper dessert perfect for gatherings.

• Author: purejoyalex
• Prep Time: 20 min
• Cook Time: 0 min
• Total Time: 4 hours 20 min
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No Bake
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (like Oreos)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 package (3.4 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
• 2 cups cold milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup mini marshmallows (optional)
• Chocolate shavings, for topping

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Prepare the crust: Mix the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter in a bowl until combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Place the crust in the freezer while you prepare the filling.
2. Make the pudding layer: In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk for about two minutes until the mixture thickens. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Assemble the first layer: Spread the thickened chocolate pudding evenly over the chilled cookie crust.
4. Chill the pie: Place the pie in the refrigerator to set for at least 30 minutes.
5. Prepare the whipped topping: In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream and powdered sugar with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
6. Layer the topping: Gently spread the homemade whipped cream over the set pudding layer. If you are using marshmallows, sprinkle them over the whipped cream now.
7. Chill again: Return the pie to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or until completely firm. For a frozen dessert pie experience, chill for 6 hours or more.
8. Serve: Before serving this ultimate chocolate indulgence, top with chocolate shavings. Slice and enjoy your homemade chocolate pie.

Notes

• For an Oreo crust pie, use about 25 sandwich cookies, crushed finely.
• If you want a fudgy pie filling, you can fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips into the pudding layer before spreading it onto the crust.
• This recipe works well as a make ahead dessert; it keeps well covered in the refrigerator for up to two days.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 35g
• Sodium: 310mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 45mg