If you crave a decadent, chocolatey dessert that combines rich textures and indulgent flavors, this Mississippi Mud Pie Recipe is an absolute must-try. It layers a crunchy Oreo crust, fudgy brownie base, silky chocolate mousse, and a crunchy cocoa topping for the ultimate treat that’s sure to wow any crowd. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply want to spoil yourself and loved ones with a truly memorable pie, this dessert offers a perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and crunchy goodness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward creating a Mississippi Mud Pie Recipe that delivers on both flavor and texture. Each component is simple yet essential — from the beloved Oreo cookies forming the crust to the rich bittersweet chocolate that makes every bite irresistible.
- Oreo cookies (16 + 6): Provide a sturdy, chocolatey crust and a crunchy topping with their iconic flavor.
- Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon): Adds just the right touch of sweetness to the crust.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons + 3 tablespoons + 2 tablespoons): Brings moisture and richness, perfect for binding crust and enriching brownie and topping layers.
- Bittersweet chocolate (4 ounces, finely chopped): Essential for the intense, deep chocolate flavor in the brownie layer.
- Vegetable oil (3 tablespoons): Helps create a fudgy texture in the brownie without weighing it down.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1 ½ tablespoons + 1 tablespoon + 2 tablespoons): Boosts chocolate intensity across several layers and adds a slight bitterness to balance sweetness.
- Dark brown sugar (⅔ cup, firmly packed): Provides a rich, molasses undertone in the brownie that makes it exceptional.
- Large eggs (2, room temperature): Give structure and moisture to both the brownie base and mousse.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the chocolate flavors with a subtle warmth.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon + ⅛ teaspoon + pinch): Balances sweetness and deepens overall flavor.
- All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons): Lightly holds the brownie together without becoming cakey.
- Powdered sugar (2 tablespoons + 2 tablespoons): Sweetens the topping and mousse with a fine texture.
- Milk chocolate (6 ounces, chopped fine): Creates a smooth and creamy mousse with a hint of sweetness.
- Heavy cream (1 cup, very cold, divided): Whipped to perfection, it gives the mousse its light, airy feel.
How to Make Mississippi Mud Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Using a food processor, crush 16 Oreo cookies until you have fine crumbs. Mix in the granulated sugar and melted butter, pulsing until everything is evenly combined. Press this mixture firmly along the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie plate to create a sturdy crust. Bake for 15 minutes—this step allows the crust to become fragrant and slightly set, forming the perfect base for your pie. Let it cool completely before moving on.
Step 2: Create the Brownie Layer
For the decadent brownie layer, gently melt bittersweet chocolate, butter, vegetable oil, and cocoa powder together in the microwave at half power. Stir until smooth and glossy. In a separate bowl, whisk together dark brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until glossy and well combined. Blend in the melted chocolate mixture, then fold in the flour carefully to maintain that fudgy consistency. Pour this batter into your cooled Oreo crust and bake again for about 15 minutes. The edges should be firm, with the center slightly soft. Let the pie cool on a wire rack for an hour, then refrigerate an additional hour to fully chill the brownie layer.
Step 3: Prepare the Topping
The topping begins with pulsing 6 Oreo cookies into coarse crumbs. Combine these with powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt before adding melted butter, pulsing until the texture resembles wet sand. Spread this crumb mixture on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes at 325°F (163°C). The result is a crunchy, intensely flavored topping that will add a delightful finish to the pie. Allow it to cool completely before using.
Step 4: Whip Up the Chocolate Mousse
Slowly melt the milk chocolate in the microwave, stirring frequently until smooth. Let it cool to approximately 85°F (29°C) so it stays fluid without being hot. Whip half the heavy cream to soft peaks and set aside. Then whip the rest with cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt until thickened. Carefully fold this cocoa cream mixture into the melted chocolate, then gently fold in the whipped cream until the mousse is luscious and streak-free. Spread the mousse evenly over the chilled brownie layer and sprinkle the cooled Oreo crumb topping on top. Refrigerate the entire pie for at least 4 hours so all the flavors meld and the mousse sets firmly.
How to Serve Mississippi Mud Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of cocoa powder or powdered sugar can elevate the already-rich pie without overwhelming it. Fresh raspberries or a few dark chocolate shavings add a pop of color and contrast nicely against the deep browns of the pie. These garnishes not only create visual appeal but also offer a fresh counterpoint to the dessert’s richness.
Side Dishes
This Mississippi Mud Pie Recipe is rich and satisfying on its own, but serving it alongside lightly sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can amplify the experience. Fresh fruit or a berry compote provides a refreshing bite that balances the pie’s intense chocolate flavors, making every bite harmonious and exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, serve individual slices on stylish dessert plates with artistic drizzles of chocolate or caramel sauce. Alternatively, portion the mousse separately in small glass cups as a mini dessert experience alongside the pie. Adding edible gold leaf or crushed nuts on top can add a sophisticated flair, perfect for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mississippi Mud Pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping it chilled preserves the mousse’s creamy texture and the crust’s firmness without letting it get soggy. Before serving, allow it to come to room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly for the perfect bite.
Freezing
You can freeze this pie for up to one month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect it from freezer burn and unwanted odors. When ready to enjoy, thaw the pie in the refrigerator overnight to maintain its texture and flavors.
Reheating
This Mississippi Mud Pie Recipe is best enjoyed cold, so reheating is generally not advised. However, if you prefer a softer texture, remove it from the fridge about 20 minutes before serving to let it warm slightly without melting the mousse or softening the crust too much.
FAQs
Can I use a different cookie for the crust?
Absolutely! While Oreo cookies give the crust a classic chocolate punch, you can substitute with other chocolate wafers or even chocolate graham crackers for a slightly different texture and flavor.
Is there a gluten-free version of this pie?
You can make this pie gluten-free by using gluten-free Oreo alternatives or another gluten-free chocolate cookie for the crust and ensuring that all other ingredients, like cocoa powder and chocolate, are certified gluten-free.
Can I make this Mississippi Mud Pie Recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, swap the butter for a vegan butter substitute, use dairy-free chocolate, and substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for the mousse. The texture and flavor will differ, but it can still be delicious!
How long should I chill the pie?
Chilling the pie for at least 4 hours is crucial to let the mousse set properly and for the flavors to meld together beautifully. If you can, refrigerate overnight for the best results.
Can I prepare parts of this pie in advance?
Yes, the crust and brownie layer can be baked a day ahead and chilled. The mousse and topping can be made the next day, then assembled and refrigerated to save time without sacrificing quality.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to impress friends or indulge your own sweet tooth, this Mississippi Mud Pie Recipe is a remarkable choice that brings pure chocolate bliss to your table. Its combination of textures and deep chocolate flavor creates an irresistible dessert experience that’s well worth the time spent preparing it. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this personal favorite as much as I do!
Print
Mississippi Mud Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Mississippi Mud Pie recipe is a decadent layered dessert featuring a crunchy Oreo crust, a rich fudgy brownie layer, a smooth chocolate mousse topping, and a crispy Oreo crumb finish. Perfectly balanced with bittersweet and milk chocolate, it is chilled to set and served cold for a luscious treat that serves 12.
Ingredients
Crust
- 16 Oreo cookies
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
Brownie Layer
- 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 ½ tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ⅔ cup dark brown sugar, firmly packed
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Topping
- 6 Oreo cookies
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Mousse
- 6 ounces milk chocolate, chopped fine
- 1 cup heavy cream, very cold, divided
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). In a food processor, pulse 16 Oreo cookies into fine crumbs. Add 1 tablespoon granulated sugar and 4 tablespoons melted butter; pulse until combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Bake for 15 minutes until fragrant. Cool on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Brownie Layer: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 4 ounces chopped bittersweet chocolate, 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, and 1 ½ tablespoons cocoa powder. Microwave at 50% power, stirring frequently, until melted and smooth (about 1 minute 30 seconds). In another bowl, whisk together ⅔ cup dark brown sugar, 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon salt until smooth. Add the melted chocolate mixture and whisk until combined. Stir in 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour until just incorporated. Pour the brownie batter into the cooled Oreo crust. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for about 15 minutes, until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a thin coating of batter. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour until completely chilled.
- Prepare the Topping: In a food processor, pulse 6 Oreo cookies into coarse crumbs. Add 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, and ⅛ teaspoon salt; pulse to combine. Drizzle in 2 tablespoons melted butter and pulse until the mixture resembles wet sand. Spread the crumb mixture evenly on a baking sheet. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for about 10 minutes until fragrant. Cool completely.
- Prepare the Mousse: Melt 6 ounces milk chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl at 50% power, stirring frequently, until smooth. Let cool until the chocolate reaches 85°F (29°C). In a chilled mixing bowl, whisk ½ cup heavy cream until soft peaks form; refrigerate. In another bowl, whisk the remaining ½ cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt until thickened. Fold the cocoa mixture into the melted chocolate until combined. Gently fold in the whipped cream until no streaks remain. Spread the chocolate mousse evenly over the chilled brownie layer.
- Assemble and Chill: Sprinkle the cooled cookie crumble topping over the mousse layer. Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours until set before serving.
Notes
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature to help the batter mix smoothly.
- Use a microwave-safe bowl and stir frequently when melting chocolate to prevent burning.
- Chilling the pie for at least 4 hours helps the mousse layer to set properly for clean slicing.
- Store leftover pie refrigerated and consume within 3 days for best freshness.
- To make cutting easier, dip a knife in hot water and wipe dry before slicing the pie.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
