The rich, fudgy layers and creamy textures make this Mississippi Mud Pie with Chocolate Brownie Layer Recipe an absolute showstopper. It's not just a dessert; it's a celebration of chocolate in every bite that’s worth taking the time to make.

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 Brownie Layer Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Mississippi Mud Pie with Chocolate Brownie Layer Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Mississippi Mud Pie with Chocolate Brownie Layer Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this pie feels like a decadent hug in dessert form. It's got layers that come together perfectly — a crunchy cookie crust, a fudgy brownie layer, creamy chocolate pudding, all topped with luscious whipped cream. Every step brings out something magical.

Layered Chocolate Goodness: Combining a cookie crust, brownie, and pudding creates an incredible texture and depth that satisfies any chocolate lover’s cravings.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare most of it in advance, which is perfect for holiday gatherings or special dinners.
Impress with Ease: It looks fancy but comes together without complicated techniques — I promise, you got this!
Customizable Toppings: Whether you want extra chocolate shavings, nuts, or a drizzle of caramel, the topping is your playground.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing the right ingredients is key because they create those distinct textures and flavors in this pie. The cookie crust gives a crunchy base, the brownie layer adds that dense fudgy feel, and the chocolate pudding smooths everything out beautifully. Here’s why the main players matter:

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: These crushed cookies create a sturdy, flavorful base; I use Oreos because their chocolate flavor pairs perfectly.
Unsalted butter: It adds richness without overwhelming saltiness, perfect for both the crust and brownie layers.
Granulated sugar: Sweetness in the brownie and pudding layers balances the cocoa’s bitterness.
Eggs: They bind the brownie ingredients and add richness to the pudding layer; fresh eggs make a difference here.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives that deep chocolate flavor without extra sweetness, so the pie isn’t cloying.
All-purpose flour: Keeps the brownie layer just right — fudgy but not cakey.
Baking powder: Adds a tiny lift in the brownie, so it’s dense but not heavy.
Whole milk: Essential for luscious, creamy pudding that sets firm but doesn’t hurt your teeth.
Cornstarch: The magic thickener for the pudding layer; you’ll want to whisk it well to avoid lumps.
Egg yolks: Adds richness and helps thicken the pudding so it holds together perfectly.
Semi-sweet chocolate: Melts into the pudding for a smooth, intense chocolate flavor.
Heavy cream: Whipped to fluffy perfection for that light, dreamy topping.
Powdered sugar & vanilla extract: Sweeten and flavor the whipped cream just right.

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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

I love making this pie as close to the original as possible, but sometimes I swap out the cookie crust for a graham cracker version when I want a lighter touch. Feel free to add a pinch of espresso powder to the brownie mix, too — it deepens the chocolate flavor without shouting “coffee” at you.

Variation: Once, I added chopped pecans into the brownie batter for a bit of crunch, and it was a hit for family gatherings—adds a nice contrast.
Dairy-free option: Use coconut milk and a dairy-free chocolate pudding mix if you want to adapt for allergies.
Seasonal twist: A sprinkle of sea salt on the whipped cream topping brings out the chocolate even more in colder months.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Mississippi Mud Pie with Chocolate Brownie Layer 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: Build the Cookie Crust Foundation

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). I always get my cookie crumbs ready by blitzing those chocolate sandwich cookies in a food processor until finely crushed — trust me, a smooth crust sets the perfect stage. Mix the crumbs thoroughly with melted butter, then press firmly into your 9-inch pie dish. Don’t skip the firm pressing; it helps the crust hold together when you slice. Pop it in the fridge while you start the brownie layer.

Step 2: Whip Up the Fudgy Brownie Layer

In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter and sugar, then whisk in eggs and vanilla until silky smooth. Stir in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until just combined. Spread this luscious batter evenly over your chilled cookie crust. Bake for about 20-25 minutes; you’ll want it set but still a bit soft in the center. After baking, let it cool completely — rushing this step can cause your layers to blend and lose their distinct textures.

Step 3: Craft the Creamy Chocolate Pudding Layer

This is my favorite part! Combine milk, sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder, salt, and egg yolks in a saucepan. Stir vigorously over medium heat — this takes patience but is key to avoid lumps. When the mixture thickens and starts to gently boil, remove from heat. Immediately stir in chopped semi-sweet chocolate and vanilla until silky smooth. Pour this velvet pudding right over your cooled brownie layer and return the pie to the fridge to chill for at least 4 hours. This wait is hard but so worth it for the perfect set.

Step 4: Top with Fluffy Whipped Cream

Once the pudding has fully set, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until you get those gorgeous stiff peaks. I like to either spread it generously or pipe rosettes for a fancy touch. Finish by sprinkling chocolate shavings on top — they add the perfect hint of elegance and extra chocolate texture.

Top Tip

Through my many attempts at perfecting this pie, I’ve found a few tricks that really make a difference in the result. These tips saved me from frustrations and helped me get consistently impressive slices and layers.

Crust Compression: Press the cookie crust firmly and evenly using the bottom of a glass or measuring cup — it prevents crumble and keeps the crust intact when serving.
Constant Stirring of Pudding: Don’t leave the pudding unattended on the stove; stir constantly to prevent burning or lumpy texture.
Layer Cooling: Allow each layer to fully cool before adding the next — this is the key to sharp, clean layers and prevents mixing.
Clean Slice Trick: Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts for the prettiest slices without smudging.

How to Serve Mississippi Mud Pie with Chocolate Brownie Layer Recipe

Mississippi Mud Pie - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I keep it simple yet elegant with chocolate shavings from a good-quality bar on top. Sometimes I toss on a few toasted pecans for subtle crunch, but really, the whipped cream and shavings steal the show. For festive occasions, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a drizzle of caramel sauce can add a lovely contrast.

Side Dishes

Since this pie is so rich, I enjoy serving it alongside fresh berries or a light fruit salad to offset the chocolate saturation. A scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream pairs beautifully, too, creating an indulgent dessert duo.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays, I’ve piped whipped cream around each slice and topped with a cherry for that retro diner vibe. Another time, I layered it in a trifle bowl with extra brownies and chocolate pudding for a crowd-pleaser. Individual mini pie versions in ramekins also wow guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After serving, I tightly cover leftover slices with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. This pie keeps wonderfully for up to 3 days without losing texture or flavor — just avoid leaving it out at room temperature for too long.

Freezing

I haven’t had much luck freezing the fully assembled pie because the pudding and whipped cream don’t thaw well. However, you can freeze baked brownie layers separately wrapped airtight and then assemble fresh pudding and topping later for a quicker finish.

Reheating

This pie is best enjoyed cold, so I recommend resisting the urge to reheat. If you want a warm touch, try gently warming a slice of the brownie layer by itself before serving for contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use store-bought brownie instead of making the brownie layer?

While you can substitute with a store-bought brownie to save time, making the brownie layer fresh ensures the perfect texture and integration with the cookie crust and pudding layers. Packaged brownies might be too dense or sweet, which could alter the balance of flavors in the pie.

How do I prevent the whipped cream topping from getting runny?

Make sure to whip your heavy cream until stiff peaks form, and keep the pie refrigerated until serving. Using cold cream and chilled mixing bowls helps. Adding a little powdered sugar also stabilizes the whipped cream. Serve the pie within a day or two for the best texture.

Can I make this pie gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the cookie crust with gluten-free chocolate cookies and replace the all-purpose flour in the brownie layer with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure your cocoa powder and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. The pudding and whipped cream layers are naturally gluten-free.

What’s the best way to get clean slices when serving?

Use a sharp kitchen knife dipped in hot water before slicing. Wipe the knife clean and warm it again between cuts to keep the edges neat and avoid dragging through the creamy layers. This simple trick keeps your slices looking beautiful every time.

Final Thoughts

This Mississippi Mud Pie with Chocolate Brownie Layer Recipe is one of my go-to desserts when I want to impress without stress. It brings out that perfect mix of textures and flavors that everyone raves about every time I serve it. Give it a try—you’ll love how you can pull off a layered chocolate dessert that feels both indulgent and homemade, right from your own kitchen. Just remember to share because it disappears way too fast!