Nothing beats a rich, indulgent dessert like the Mississippi Mud Pie with Chocolate Layers Recipe. This pie brings together fudgy brownies, silky chocolate pudding, and creamy whipped topping for a multi-layered chocolate dream that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

A close-up of a rich dessert pie with four distinct layers, placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a dark, crumbly chocolate crust forming the base. Above that is a thick, dense band of smooth milk chocolate filling that looks creamy and soft. The third layer is glossy, dark chocolate ganache that is thinner than the filling but shiny and smooth. Topping the pie is a fluffy, white whipped cream layer, thickly spread and topped with scattered dark and milk chocolate shavings, adding texture and color contrast. A slice is being lifted by a spatula, and there are fresh, halved strawberries with green tops on the white marbled surface near the pie. 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 Chocolate Layers Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Mississippi Mud Pie with Chocolate Layers Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Mississippi Mud Pie with Chocolate Layers Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I've tried a lot of chocolate desserts, but this Mississippi Mud Pie with Chocolate Layers Recipe always stands out. The layered textures and deep chocolate flavors make every bite a little celebration. It’s perfect whenever you need to treat yourself or impress guests.

Multiple Chocolate Layers: Each layer has a unique texture, from crunchy crust to fudgy brownie and silky pudding.
Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: No fancy equipment needed, just wholesome pantry staples.
Make Ahead Friendly: Prep it in advance, chill, and serve when you’re ready.
Customizable: Easy to adapt with your favorite toppings or mix-ins for a personal twist.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every component of this Mississippi Mud Pie with Chocolate Layers Recipe plays a role in creating that perfect chocolatey symphony. The crunchy cookie crust adds a satisfying base, the fudgy brownie gives chew and depth, and the pudding layer keeps things luscious and creamy. Read on for my tips on picking each ingredient to get the best results.

Flat lay of a stack of whole chocolate sandwich cookies, a small white bowl of melted butter, a small white bowl of granulated sugar, two large brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of vanilla extract, a small white bowl of unsweetened cocoa powder, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of salt, a small white bowl of baking powder, a small white bowl of whole milk, a small white bowl of cornstarch, two large egg yolks in a small white bowl, finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate pieces on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white bowl of heavy cream, a small white bowl of powdered sugar, and delicate chocolate shavings scattered on a simple white ceramic dish, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, 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: Classic Oreos work wonderfully; their cocoa flavor and crunch perfectly form the crust.
Unsalted butter: Using unsalted lets you control the saltiness and boosts richness without overpowering the chocolate.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownie and pudding layers without adding any graininess.
Eggs: Provide structure and moisture to the brownie and richness to the pudding layer when using the yolks.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor, making every bite taste homemade and cozy.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the intense chocolate base without sweetness; I prefer Dutch-process for smoothness.
All-purpose flour: Just enough to give the brownie layer structure without making it cakey.
Baking powder and salt: They balance and lift the brownie layer so it’s fudgy but not dense.
Whole milk: Essential for a creamy, rich pudding texture.
Cornstarch: Thickens the pudding perfectly without lumps.
Semi-sweet chocolate: Adding chopped chocolate to pudding gives a luscious melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Heavy cream: Whipped for the topping, creating a light contrast to the intense chocolate layers.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream smoothly without grit.
Chocolate shavings: The cherry on top—adds lovely texture and chocolate aroma.

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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

What I love most about this Mississippi Mud Pie with Chocolate Layers Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want it gluten-free, dairy-free, or jazz it up with nuts or a hint of espresso, you can make it truly yours. Don’t hesitate to get creative!

Nutty Twist: I sometimes sprinkle toasted pecans between the brownie and pudding layers for a lovely crunch that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
Dairy-Free Version: Swap whole milk and heavy cream for coconut milk and coconut cream—just be sure to whip the coconut cream well.
Espresso Boost: Adding a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the brownie layer deepens the chocolate flavor significantly.
Seasonal Flavors: Around the holidays, I add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne to the brownie for a festive kick.

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

A slice of three-layer chocolate dessert sits on a white plate with a thin black rim, placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is dark, dense chocolate crust with a rough texture. Above it is a thick, smooth chocolate mousse layer in a lighter brown shade, topped with a thick, fluffy white cream layer sprinkled with dark chocolate shavings and small chocolate chunks. Two halved strawberries with bright red color and green leaves rest on the plate next to the slice. A spoon holds a bite-sized piece of the dessert with white cream on the side. In the background, part of another similar slice is visible on a white plate, along with another half strawberry. A green cloth or towel is blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Create the Cookie Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Crush about 24 chocolate sandwich cookies (Oreos are classic) until fine, either in a food processor or by placing them in a zip-top bag and pounding gently. Mix the crushed cookies with 6 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter until the crumbs hold together when pressed. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your 9-inch pie dish. Pop it into the oven for about 8 minutes to set the crust nicely—it helps keep everything solid for those clean slice moments later!

Step 2: Make the Fudgy Brownie Layer

While the crust bakes, whisk together ½ cup melted unsalted butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and glossy. Stir in ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, ½ cup all-purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon baking powder until just combined—don’t overmix. Spread this brownie batter evenly over your warm cookie crust and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. You want the edges set but the center still slightly soft. Let it cool completely before moving on to keep those luscious layers intact.

Step 3: Prepare the Silky Chocolate Pudding Layer

This is where your patience pays off with silky smoothness. In a saucepan, whisk together 2 cups whole milk, ⅔ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup cornstarch, ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, and 2 large egg yolks over medium heat. Stir constantly—this is key!—until the mixture thickens and starts to boil gently. Remove from heat then stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 4 ounces finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate until melted and shiny. Pour this pudding over the cooled brownie layer and smooth it out. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours to set.

Step 4: Whip Up the Topping and Serve

When the pudding has set, whip 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe this fluffy topping over the pudding layer and sprinkle generously with chocolate shavings for that extra wow factor. Keep the pie chilled until serving, then slice with a knife warmed in hot water for clean, perfect slices.

Top Tip

I learned the importance of letting each layer cool fully before adding the next—otherwise, you risk melting layers into each other and losing that beautiful definition this pie is famous for. Plus, chilling the pie overnight makes slicing a breeze and keeps the layers firm and distinct.

Cool Completely Before Layering: This prevents melting and blends from blending, keeping layers distinct.
Constant Stirring: When making the pudding, keep whisking to avoid lumps and get a silky finish.
Warm Knife for Slicing: Quickly dip your knife in hot water and wipe it clean between cuts for smooth slices.
Food Processor for Crust: Crushing cookies finely gives you an even, firm base that holds up well.

How to Serve Mississippi Mud Pie with Chocolate Layers Recipe

Mississippi Mud Pie - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually garnish with simple chocolate shavings or curls because they add texture without overpowering the rich flavors. Sometimes, I’ll toss on a few fresh raspberries for a pop of color and a bit of tartness that cuts through the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

This pie is such a decadent dessert I often serve it solo or alongside fresh berries or a lightly sweetened whipped cream. If it’s a full meal gathering, a fresh mint salad or citrus fruit platter can provide a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes make individual servings in small mason jars layered the same way for an impressive presentation. Another trick is swirling caramel or raspberry sauce on each slice plate to add color and extra flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once assembled, store your Mississippi Mud Pie with Chocolate Layers Recipe tightly covered in the fridge. I use a pie dome or wrap with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors. It stays fresh for 3-4 days, which is perfect for enjoying leftovers.

Freezing

Believe it or not, this pie freezes well! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to maintain that creamy texture without sogginess.

Reheating

I recommend enjoying this pie chilled, so I avoid reheating. If you want the whipped cream softer, you can let it sit at room temp for 10-15 minutes before eating. Reheating can compromise the layered textures, so I keep it simple and cold!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a store-bought brownie mix instead of making the brownie layer from scratch?

Yes, you can use a boxed brownie mix to save time. Just bake it directly on top of the cookie crust according to package instructions. Be cautious not to overbake, as this layer needs to remain fudgy.

What can I substitute for semi-sweet chocolate in the pudding layer?

You can substitute with milk chocolate for a sweeter pudding or dark chocolate for a more intense chocolate flavor. Make sure to finely chop the chocolate for smooth melting.

Is this pie gluten-free?

The classic recipe uses chocolate sandwich cookies and flour, both containing gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute the cookie crust with gluten-free chocolate cookies and use gluten-free flour or almond flour in the brownie layer.

How do I get clean slices when serving this pie?

To get clean slices, dip a sharp knife in hot water before each cut and wipe it dry. This helps slice through the layered pie smoothly without dragging or smudging the pudding or whipped cream.

Final Thoughts

This Mississippi Mud Pie with Chocolate Layers Recipe has become one of my go-to desserts whenever I want something truly special but not stressful. Its rich layers, gorgeous presentation, and easy prep come together to make a dessert that always impresses and satisfies everyone at the table. Give it a try—you’ll understand why I keep coming back to this chocolate masterpiece!