Possum Pie

Possum PiePhoto byJustina Price

When I heard someone say that they would love to have some Possum Pie, I thought "Whoa, is this some kind of Beverly Hillbilly joke?" I had to find out about more and when I googled Possum Pie, it gave me several recipes. Some recipes have pineapple, some use almonds or walnuts, most use pecans. After some more research, I found that Possum Pie originated in Arkansas in the 1970's and is called Arkansas Possum Pie. What I have made is what I believe to be the traditional recipe, a layered icebox pie with a graham cracker crust, a cheesecake layer, then nuts, pudding, and topped with whipped cream and more nuts.

The ingredients you will need:

For the crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or you can use a premade graham cracker crust)

1 stick butter melted.

1/4 cup pecans (I used walnuts) coarsely chopped

1 9” pie pan

For the filling:

1 8 oz. package of cream cheese (softened)

½ cup brown sugar

1 1/4 cups pecans (I used walnuts) coarsely chopped

½ package vanilla pudding (3.9 oz.)

½ package chocolate pudding (3.9 oz.)

¾ cup heavy cream

1 cup whole milk

For the topping:

1 small container of cool whip

Or make your own.

1 cup heavy cream

¼ cup powdered sugar

Mix the graham cracker crumbs, butter, and ¼ cup coarsely chopped nuts. Pat the crumbs in the pie pan and up the sides and bake for 5-7 minutes until light golden brown. Let cool.

graham cracker crust with walnutsPhoto byJustina Price

In a mixing bowl mix the cream cheese and brown sugar until smooth. Spoon the mixture into the cooled graham cracker crust, sprinkle half of the nuts over the layer.

Cream Cheese FillingPhoto byJustina Price

Whisk together the puddings, heavy cream, and milk until all is well combined with no lumps, set aside and allow the mixture to thicken. When the pudding mixture is thickened spoon it gently over the cream cheese and nuts.

possum piePhoto byJustina Price

Pudding MixturePhoto byJustina Price

To make your own whipped topping use a bowl that has chilled in the freezer for several minutes, pour the cream into the cold bowl and whip with an electric mixer, add the powdered sugar a little at a time. Whip until thick.

Whipped ToppingPhoto byJustina Price

Carefully add the thickened whipped topping over the pudding layer and add sprinkle the remaining nuts over top.

Possum PiesPhoto byJustina Price

Chill at least 2-6 hours before cutting.