I’ve found that a perfect dessert doesn’t have to mean hours in the kitchen. This classic Southern no-bake treat delivers rich, creamy layers and a satisfying chocolate crunch, ready to delight your family without any baking stress. If you’re tired of intricate recipes but still want a show-stopping sweet, this possum pie recipe is your answer. It’s truly a game-changer for busy families, casual potlucks, or simply when you crave an easy, satisfying sweet fix. Get ready to whip up a dreamy dessert with minimal effort, offering maximum flavor and joy for any occasion.

Ingredients Youโll Need (with Smart Picks)
Creating this delicious possum pie recipe starts with selecting a few key ingredients. Focus on quality for the best flavor experience, ensuring each layer shines in this family-friendly dessert.
- Chocolate Cookie Crust: For a sturdy, flavorful base, you’ll need 250 g (8.8 oz) chocolate sandwich cookies, finely crushed (or gluten-free cookies for a dietary option), combined with 115 g (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted. This forms the rich, foundational layer.
- Cardamom Cream Cheese Layer: This creamy middle combines 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened (or dairy-free cream cheese alternative for a vegan possum pie recipe), 100 g (1 cup) powdered sugar (or a granulated sugar alternative if you prefer less sweetness), 5 mL (1 teaspoon) alcohol-free vanilla extract, 2.5 mL (1/2 teaspoon) ground cardamom for a unique spice note, and 240 mL (1 cup) heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks.
- Cardamom Chocolate Pudding Layer: The deep chocolate flavor comes from 500 mL (2 cups) whole milk, 100 g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar, 40 g (1/2 cup) unsweetened cocoa powder, 30 g (1/4 cup) cornstarch, and another 2.5 mL (1/2 teaspoon) ground cardamom.
- Whipped Topping & Garnish: The light, airy finishing touch requires 480 mL (2 cups) chilled heavy cream (or a store-bought whipped topping for convenience), 60 g (1/2 cup) powdered sugar, and an additional 2.5 mL (1/2 teaspoon) alcohol-free vanilla extract. For garnish, gather 30 g (1/4 cup) unsweetened shredded coconut, toasted; 1 mL (1/4 teaspoon) ground cardamom for dusting; and 5 g (1/2 oz) dark chocolate, shaved.
For an elevated possum pie recipe, I always opt for organic cream cheese, real butter, and high-quality dark chocolate for the shavings. These choices truly make a difference in taste.
You can easily make substitutions for popular diets: use gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies for a gluten-free crust. Dairy-free cream cheese alternatives and whipped topping can adapt your possum pie for vegan diets. For a lower-sugar version, consider sugar-free granulated sweeteners in the pudding and powdered erythritol for the cream cheese and whipped topping.
While not strictly seasonal, ensure all dairy products are as fresh as possible for the best, most vibrant flavor in your possum pie.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating your own possum pie recipe is a delightful process, even with its multiple layers. Follow these steps for a dessert thatโs as easy to make as it is delicious to eat.
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine 250 g (8.8 oz) finely crushed chocolate sandwich cookies with 115 g (8 tablespoons) melted unsalted butter until fully moistened. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 23 cm (9-inch) pie dish. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the crust to firm up and set.
- Prepare Cardamom Chocolate Pudding: In a medium saucepan, whisk together 500 mL (2 cups) whole milk, 100 g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar, 40 g (1/2 cup) unsweetened cocoa powder, 30 g (1/4 cup) cornstarch, and 2.5 mL (1/2 teaspoon) ground cardamom until smooth. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens significantly and comes to a gentle boil, feeling rich and velvety. Remove from heat, then stir in 5 mL (1 teaspoon) alcohol-free vanilla extract. Pour into a shallow dish, cover the surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin, and chill for at least 2 hours until completely cool and set. I sometimes do this step right after dinner, then let it chill overnight; it makes weeknight family dinners feel extra special when dessert is ready to go.
- Make Cream Cheese Layer & Assemble Pie: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat 225 g (8 oz) softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add 100 g (1 cup) powdered sugar, 5 mL (1 teaspoon) alcohol-free vanilla extract, and 2.5 mL (1/2 teaspoon) ground cardamom, beating until well combined and fluffy. In a separate cold bowl, whip 240 mL (1 cup) heavy cream to soft peaks. Gently fold this whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until no streaks remain. Evenly spread this cardamom-infused cream cheese layer over your chilled cookie crust. Carefully spread the cooled cardamom chocolate pudding layer over the cream cheese layer, smoothing the top. If your pudding isn’t thickening, gently increase the heat slightly while whisking vigorously; don’t stop stirring or it will scorch. Refrigerate the pie for at least 1 hour to allow the layers to settle and marry flavors.
- Top, Chill & Finish: In a clean, cold bowl, whip 480 mL (2 cups) chilled heavy cream with 60 g (1/2 cup) powdered sugar and 2.5 mL (1/2 teaspoon) alcohol-free vanilla extract until stiff peaks form and it looks light and airy. Spread this whipped topping evenly over the chocolate pudding layer. Refrigerate the assembled possum pie recipe for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow all layers to firm up completely before slicing. When serving, place a slice on a neutral-colored plate, scatter toasted shredded coconut, lightly dust with 1 mL (1/4 teaspoon) ground cardamom, and arrange dark chocolate shavings at the base for a refined accent.
For a quick assembly, you can use a pre-made chocolate cookie crust, though I find making my own is simple and offers a fresher taste for this possum pie.
Experiment with different pudding flavors if you like! While chocolate is classic, vanilla or butterscotch could offer a unique twist to your next possum pie recipe.
Best Times to Make It & Serving Suggestions
This possum pie recipe is perfect for easy weeknight desserts, potlucks, or summer BBQs. Serve chilled, garnished with extra chocolate shavings. Store covered tightly in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Why Possum Pie Fits Healthy Living
Enjoy this treat mindfully. Portion control helps satisfy sweet cravings without overindulging. Adapt your possum pie recipe with sugar-free pudding, low-fat cream cheese, or alternative sweeteners. Making it at home also helps you avoid artificial additives, ensuring healthier eating for your family.

Everyday Advantages for Busy People
This possum pie recipe offers no-bake ease, saving energy and time, perfect for hot days. It’s budget-friendly, using common pantry staples. Prepare it in advance for stress-free entertaining or dessert meal prep. I often assemble this the night before, then it’s ready for family dinners with zero fuss.
Extra Tips, Flavor Boosters & Adjustments
Ensure cream cheese is completely soft to prevent lumps. For clean slices, wipe your knife under hot water between cuts. Enhance chocolate flavor with a pinch of sea salt in the crust or a dash of coffee extract. This possum pie recipe can be nut-free; use dairy-free alternatives for sensitivities.
Reader FAQs About Possum Pie Recipe
Is this dessert good for a low-carb diet?
Adapt your possum pie recipe using sugar-free pudding, sweeteners like erythritol, and an almond flour or crushed pecan crust. This significantly reduces carb content, aligning with a low-carb meal plan.
Can I meal prep this pie for the week?
Absolutely! This possum pie recipe is a fantastic make-ahead dessert. Store it tightly covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, perfect for easy weekly portioning and quick meals.
Where can I buy high-quality ingredients for this no-bake pie online?
Most ingredients are available at local grocery stores. For specialty items, like organic cream cheese or gluten-free cookies, online retailers or health food stores are excellent options for premium ingredient sourcing.
Can I make this dessert ahead for a party?
Yes, making your possum pie recipe ahead is highly recommended! It needs ample chill time to set properly. This ensures a stress-free party dessert, freeing you up on event day.
How long does this creamy dessert need to chill?
For best results, chill at least 4 hours. An overnight chill of 8-12 hours is even better, ensuring perfectly set layers and clean slices for an impressive presentation.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought for this treat?
Yes, homemade whipped cream elevates your possum pie recipe with richer, natural flavor. I always add a touch of powdered sugar and vanilla for extra depth, making it truly special.
The possum pie recipe is your perfect no-bake treat for easy family dinners, offering satisfying layers with minimal fuss. Make it tonight and save this family-friendly dessert to your Pinterest board for future deliciousness!
Print
possum pie recipe
- Total Time: 360 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: General
Description
This classic Southern no-bake treat delivers rich, creamy layers and a satisfying chocolate crunch, ready to delight your family without any baking stress. It’s a game-changer for busy families, casual potlucks, or simply when you crave an easy, satisfying sweet fix.
Ingredients
- 8.8 oz chocolate sandwich cookies, finely crushed
- 0.5 cup (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks
- 2 cups whole milk
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 0.25 cup cornstarch
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 2 cups chilled heavy cream
- 0.5 cup powdered sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
- 0.25 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, toasted
- 0.25 teaspoon ground cardamom, for dusting
- 0.5 oz dark chocolate, shaved
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine 8.8 oz finely crushed chocolate sandwich cookies with 0.5 cup melted unsalted butter until fully moistened. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the crust to firm up and set.
- Prepare Cardamom Chocolate Pudding: In a medium saucepan, whisk together 2 cups whole milk, 0.5 cup granulated sugar, 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 0.25 cup cornstarch, and 0.5 teaspoon ground cardamom until smooth. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens significantly and comes to a gentle boil. Remove from heat, then stir in 1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract. Pour into a shallow dish, cover the surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin, and chill for at least 2 hours until completely cool and set.
- Make Cream Cheese Layer & Assemble Pie: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat 8 oz softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract, and 0.5 teaspoon ground cardamom, beating until well combined and fluffy. In a separate cold bowl, whip 1 cup heavy cream to soft peaks. Gently fold this whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until no streaks remain. Evenly spread this cardamom-infused cream cheese layer over your chilled cookie crust. Carefully spread the cooled cardamom chocolate pudding layer over the cream cheese layer, smoothing the top. Refrigerate the pie for at least 1 hour to allow the layers to settle and marry flavors.
- Top, Chill & Finish: In a clean, cold bowl, whip 2 cups chilled heavy cream with 0.5 cup powdered sugar and 0.5 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread this whipped topping evenly over the chocolate pudding layer. Refrigerate the assembled possum pie for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow all layers to firm up completely before slicing. When serving, garnish with toasted shredded coconut, a light dusting of 0.25 teaspoon ground cardamom, and dark chocolate shavings for a refined accent.
Notes
Opt for quality ingredients like organic cream cheese, real butter, and high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor. Easily adapt for diets: use gluten-free cookies (for gluten-free), dairy-free cream cheese/topping (for vegan), or sugar-free sweeteners (for lower-sugar). A pre-made crust can save time, but homemade offers fresher taste. Experiment with pudding flavors like vanilla or butterscotch for a unique twist.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake, Chilling
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 pie)
- Calories: 500 calories
- Sugar: 45 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
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