Description

Ever craved a dessert that’s rich, creamy, and loaded with chocolatey goodness? Mississippi Mud Pie is a Southern classic, featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy cream cheese layer, a luscious chocolate-butterscotch pudding layer, and a fluffy whipped topping

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

2 cups graham cracker crumbs: Forms a crunchy, buttery base.
¼ cup white sugar: Sweetens the crust.
½ cup butter, softened: Binds the crumbs for a rich, cohesive crust.

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

¾ cup white sugar: Sweetens the creamy layer.
8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Adds a tangy, rich base.
6 ounces (half of a 12-ounce container) frozen whipped topping, thawed: Lightens the cream cheese layer.

For the Pudding Layer:

1 (3.9-ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix: Provides rich chocolate flavor.
1 (3.4-ounce) package instant butterscotch pudding mix: Adds a caramel-like depth.
3 cups milk: Creates a smooth, creamy pudding.

For the Topping:

6 ounces (remaining half of a 12-ounce container) frozen whipped topping, thawed: Adds a fluffy, light finish.

Why These Ingredients Matter

Graham Cracker Crust: Provides a crunchy, buttery foundation that contrasts the creamy layers.
Cream Cheese: Adds a tangy, rich layer that balances the sweet pudding.
Chocolate and Butterscotch Pudding: Create a decadent, dual-flavored layer with deep, complementary flavors.
Whipped Topping: Lightens both the cream cheese layer and the topping for a fluffy texture.

Substitutions and Variations

Graham Cracker Crumbs: Use crushed chocolate cookies or vanilla wafers for a different crust flavor.
Butter: Replace with vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
Cream Cheese: Use light cream cheese for a less rich layer or vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free version.
Whipped Topping: Make your own whipped cream (whip 1 ½ cups heavy cream with 2 tablespoons sugar) or use a dairy-free whipped topping.
Pudding Mix: Swap butterscotch for vanilla or caramel pudding mix for a different flavor profile.
Vegan Option: Use vegan butter, vegan cream cheese, dairy-free whipped topping, plant-based milk, and ensure pudding mixes are vegan-friendly.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers and verify pudding mixes are gluten-free

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Instructions

Step 1: Gather and Prep

Gather 2 cups graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup white sugar, ½ cup softened butter, 1 (12-ounce) container frozen whipped topping (thawed), ¾ cup white sugar, 8 ounces softened cream cheese, 1 (3.9-ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix, 1 (3.4-ounce) package instant butterscotch pudding mix, and 3 cups milk.
Ensure the whipped topping is fully thawed and the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing.

Tip: Soften cream cheese at room temperature for 30-60 minutes or microwave in 10-second bursts for quick softening.

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a medium bowl, thoroughly blend 2 cups graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup white sugar, and ½ cup softened butter until well combined.
Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan to form a compact crust.

Tip: Use the bottom of a measuring cup to press the crust firmly for a smooth, even layer.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer

In a large bowl, blend ¾ cup white sugar, 8 ounces softened cream cheese, and 6 ounces (half the container) of thawed whipped topping with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes.
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the prepared graham cracker crust.

Tip: Smooth the layer with a spatula for an even base for the pudding layer.

Step 4: Make the Pudding Layer

In another large bowl, combine 1 (3.9-ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix, 1 (3.4-ounce) package instant butterscotch pudding mix, and 3 cups milk.
Whisk or beat with an electric mixer for 2 minutes, until the pudding is thickened and smooth.
Spread the pudding mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.

Tip: Work quickly to spread the pudding before it sets, ensuring an even layer.

Step 5: Add the Topping

Spread the remaining 6 ounces of thawed whipped topping evenly over the pudding layer, creating a fluffy, smooth finish.

Tip: Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to create swirls in the whipped topping for a decorative touch.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the pie for at least 1-2 hours to set the layers and meld the flavors.
Slice into 12 pieces and serve chilled.

Tip: For clean slices, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts