There's something irresistibly decadent about a **Mississippi Mud Pie with Chocolate Brownie Layer Recipe** that just calls for a celebration. The rich, fudgy textures and layers of chocolate goodness don’t just satisfy your sweet tooth—they create a dessert experience that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

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 has become my go-to for impressing friends without spending all day in the kitchen. Once you see the layers come together, you’ll appreciate why it’s a crowd-pleaser and a timeless classic.

Layered Texture: The balance of crunchy cookie crust with fudgy brownie and silky pudding keeps every bite exciting.
Made From Scratch: You get the satisfaction of homemade brownie and pudding, making it feel truly special.
Simple Ingredients: No fancy or hard-to-find items, just chocolate, cookies, and pantry staples.
Adaptable: You can customize the topping and even swap ingredients to fit dietary needs or personal preference.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in the Mississippi Mud Pie with Chocolate Brownie Layer Recipe plays a key role in creating those delicious layers, so picking quality items pays off. From buttery crust to rich pudding, here’s why they’re essential and some tips when shopping.

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: Use your favorite brand to form that crisp, flavorful crust foundation.
Unsalted Butter: Salt control is crucial in layered desserts; melted butter binds the crust and enriches the brownie.
Granulated Sugar: The perfect sweetness for the fudgy brownie and smooth pudding layers.
Eggs: Adds structure to the brownie and richness to the pudding—fresh eggs always give better texture.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the chocolate flavors, adding a subtle warmth.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: For that deep chocolate taste without added sugar, it's a real flavor star.
All-Purpose Flour: Gives the brownie just enough lift to keep it fudgy but not cakey.
Salt: A pinch elevates the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness beautifully.
Baking Powder: Helps the brownie layer rise just enough to keep layers distinct.
Whole Milk: The creamy base for the pudding layer that keeps it silky and rich.
Cornstarch: The secret to that perfect pudding thickness – no lumps, just smooth chocolate goodness.
Egg Yolks: They make the pudding extra creamy and luscious.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate: Melts into the pudding layer to boost that chocolate intensity.
Heavy Cream: Whipped to cloud-like peaks, it tops off the pie with light, dreamy texture.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream subtly without graininess.
Chocolate Shavings: Adds an elegant finishing touch and extra chocolate crunch for presentation.

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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

While I love sticking to the classic Mississippi Mud Pie with Chocolate Brownie Layer Recipe, the fun part is making it your own. I often tweak the toppings or add mix-ins to suit the occasion or my craving.

Variation: Sometimes, I fold in chopped pecans into the brownie layer for an extra nuttiness and crunch; it’s a small change that makes a big impact. You might want to try adding a pinch of espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor as well.
Dairy-Free: If you need a dairy-free version, swap the butter for coconut oil and use coconut milk in the pudding—I've done this, and the pie stays satisfyingly rich.
Seasonal Twists: Around the holidays, a sprinkle of cinnamon in the crust or a dash of chili powder in the pudding adds a fun warmth that guests adore.

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: Crafting the Perfect Cookie Crust

I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and crushing the chocolate sandwich cookies until they’re almost powder-fine—using a food processor here is a game changer. Mixing the crushed cookies with melted butter binds everything into a crust that’s crisp, buttery, and packed with chocolate flavor. Press the mixture firmly into your 9-inch pie dish to create an even base. Don’t be shy—push it into the edges so it holds together well during slicing.

Step 2: Whipping up the Fudgy Brownie Layer

Next, the brownie layer is all about balance—moist but thick enough to hold its shape. I mix melted butter with sugar, eggs, and vanilla until silky smooth, then fold in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Spreading this right over the cookie crust and baking it for 20-25 minutes creates that indulgent layer you’ll love biting into. Remember to let it cool completely before moving on—that ensures the layers don't meld together and the pie slices cleanly.

Step 3: Cooking the Silky Chocolate Pudding Layer

This is where patience pays off. In a saucepan, I whisk together milk, sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder, salt, and egg yolks over medium heat—stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Once it thickens and bubbles, I remove it from heat and stir in finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate and vanilla until melted and smooth. Pouring this luscious pudding over the cooled brownie layer is pure magic. Then it goes into the fridge to set for at least 4 hours—this chilling time is crucial; it gives the pudding that firm-yet-creamy texture that makes this pie unforgettable.

Step 4: Topping with Whipped Cream and Finishing Touches

Right before serving, I whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form, then spread or pipe it over the pudding. I always add generous chocolate shavings on top for texture and eye appeal—this final flourish invites everyone to dive in. The contrast between the pillowy cream and rich layers underneath is what keeps me coming back for more.

Top Tip

I’ve made this Mississippi Mud Pie with Chocolate Brownie Layer Recipe dozens of times, and a few tricks make all the difference between a good pie and a showstopper.

Cool Completely Between Layers: Rushing the cooling can cause layers to bleed into each other. I always give the brownie layer plenty of time to cool to get distinct layers.
Stir Constantly for Smooth Pudding: I learned the hard way that not stirring leads to lumps in the pudding. A steady whisk makes silky pudding every time.
Press Crust Firmly: Using the bottom of a glass to firmly pack the cookie crust helps it hold together when slicing.
Clean Your Knife Between Cuts: Dipping your knife in hot water and wiping it clean between each slice stopped my pie from smearing and keeps it looking neat.

How to Serve Mississippi Mud Pie with Chocolate Brownie Layer Recipe

Mississippi Mud Pie - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually stick to the classic chocolate shavings and lightly dust the whipped cream with cocoa powder for contrast. Sometimes I’ll add a few fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of toasted pecans when I want a subtle twist and a pop of color. The garnishes not only look inviting but add a little crunch or freshness against the rich layers.

Side Dishes

Because this dessert is quite rich, I like to serve it alongside a refreshing fruit salad or a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream. Fresh berries work wonderfully too for balancing those deep chocolate flavors. A light cup of coffee or espresso complements it perfectly if you want a cozy after-dinner vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve transformed this pie into individual parfaits by layering biscuit crumbs, brownie pieces, pudding, and whipped cream in pretty glasses. It’s a fun way to serve guests and eliminates slicing. I also love adding edible gold leaf or drizzle raspberry coulis on the whipped cream for an elegant flair. Presentation can really elevate this homey dessert to party star status.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying the first slice, I tightly cover leftovers with plastic wrap or store the whole pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps wonderfully for up to 3 days. Just make sure the pie is chilled so the pudding layer stays firm and the whipped cream looks fresh.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pie before, but I recommend freezing before adding the whipped cream topping. Wrap the pie tightly with foil and plastic wrap to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to serve, thaw it overnight in the fridge and whip fresh cream for the topping to keep it light and fluffy.

Reheating

This pie is best served chilled, so reheating isn’t really recommended—it’s meant to be a cool, creamy indulgence. If you want slightly softer textures after refrigeration, just let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

While store-bought brownie can work in a pinch, baking the brownie layer yourself ensures a seamless texture and that it will set properly between crust and pudding. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy and worth the extra step.

How do I prevent the pudding layer from cracking or separating?

Constant whisking while heating the pudding and thoroughly stirring in chocolate off the heat helps prevent curdling or cracking. Also, cooling gradually in the fridge rather than at room temp maintains smoothness.

Can I make this pie gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the chocolate sandwich cookies with gluten-free options and use a gluten-free flour blend in the brownie layer. Make sure your cocoa powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free.

What’s the best way to slice this pie cleanly?

Dip a sharp knife in hot water, wipe it dry, and slice slowly. Clean the knife between slices to keep the edges sharp and layers distinct, avoiding messy cuts.

Final Thoughts

This Mississippi Mud Pie with Chocolate Brownie Layer Recipe has a special place in my heart because it’s the kind of dessert that brings people together over smiles and second helpings. It’s indulgent but approachable, layered but simple, and always memorable. I truly believe if you give it a try, you’ll find yourself reaching for that pie knife more than once—and maybe even making it a tradition like me.