There’s something incredibly indulgent about a rich, multi-layered dessert, and this Mississippi Mud Pie with Chocolate & Brownie Layers Recipe is exactly that – a luscious, chocolatey dream brought together by cookie crust, fudgy brownie, creamy pudding, and fluffy whipped topping. Trust me, you’ll want this showstopper in your dessert rotation.

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

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This pie holds a special place in my heart because it combines all the best textures and flavors of chocolate — crispy, fudgy, creamy, and airy — all stacked together in one beautiful pie. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you pause, savor every bite, and maybe even sneak a little more when no one’s looking.

Layered Texture Delight: Every bite has contrast—from crunchy cookie crust to smooth pudding and fluffy whipped cream.
Made From Scratch: You control the ingredients, ensuring fresh, homemade goodness without any shortcuts.
Perfect Make-Ahead Dessert: You can prepare it in stages, which means less stress on party day.
Chocolate Lovers Rejoice: There’s no skimping on chocolate here — it’s rich, layered, and utterly satisfying.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Mississippi Mud Pie with Chocolate & Brownie Layers Recipe starts with ingredients you probably already have on hand — but each one plays a key role in creating those unforgettable layers. Here’s the scoop on why I love them:

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: Using crushed Oreos or a similar cookie gives a sturdy, chocolatey crust with just enough crunch to hold all the layers.
Unsalted butter: Melts perfectly into the cookie crumbs and brownie batter, adding richness and moisture.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens just right and balances the cocoa’s bitterness in the brownie and pudding layers.
Eggs: Create structure and help set the fudgy brownie and silky pudding layers.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the chocolate flavors and adds warmth to the dessert.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Packed with deep chocolate flavor without extra sweetness.
Flour, baking powder, salt: Give the brownie layer the right texture and lift.
Whole milk: Makes the pudding creamy and rich — don’t substitute skim or dairy-free if you want the classic texture.
Cornstarch: Key to thickening the pudding without lumps or graininess.
Semi-sweet chocolate: Melts into the pudding for that irresistible glossy finish and intensity.
Heavy cream and powdered sugar: Whipped into clouds of sweetness that top it all off perfectly.
Chocolate shavings: Optional, but a beautiful finishing touch that amps up the chocolaty vibe.

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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 “my way” by playing with the toppings and sometimes switching up the chocolate types. You can easily tweak it to match what’s in your pantry or your guests’ preferences — which makes it such a versatile crowd-pleaser.

Variation: I once swapped out semi-sweet for dark chocolate in the pudding layer for a richer, slightly bitter twist — it wowed everyone! Try white chocolate for a sweeter, lighter alternative if you're feeling adventurous.
Diet Friendly: For gluten-free friends, substitute the cookie crust with gluten-free chocolate cookies and swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend. I’ve done this with great success.
Seasonal Touch: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne to the brownie batter for a warm, spicy kick during fall or winter holidays.
Quick Version: Short on time? Use store-bought chocolate pudding as a shortcut, but I highly recommend the homemade pudding because it’s worth the extra love.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Mississippi Mud Pie with Chocolate & Brownie Layers 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

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Crushed chocolate sandwich cookies shaped the base of this pie, so use a food processor if you have one for fine, even crumbs. Toss those crumbs with melted butter, then press them firmly into the bottom of your 9-inch pie dish. The key here is to pack the crust well, especially around the edges, so it holds up when you add the layers. Once pressed, pop it in the oven for about 8–10 minutes to set. Cooling completely after baking is crucial — if it’s warm, you risk having the next layer melt into it.

Step 2: Whip Up the Fudgy Brownie Layer

Mix melted butter with sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth — I like using a whisk here to get a nice glossy batter without over mixing. Stir in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder carefully. Spread the batter evenly over the cooled cookie crust. Pop it back in the oven for about 20-25 minutes. You want it set but still moist inside — a toothpick should come out with a few crumbs, not wet batter. Once done, cool completely before moving on. This patience pays off when layering the pudding next!

Step 3: Craft the Creamy Chocolate Pudding

Here comes the rich, silky pudding that brings this pie to life. In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together milk, sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder, salt, and egg yolks constantly — this is a must to avoid lumps and get that perfect thickness. Once it starts to boil and thickens, take it off the heat immediately. Stir in chopped semi-sweet chocolate and vanilla until wonderfully smooth and glossy. Pour this luscious pudding over the brownie layer and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight. This chilling step ensures distinct layers and easier slicing.

Step 4: Finish With Whipped Cream and Garnish

Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until you see stiff peaks — that means it’s fluffy enough to hold its shape but still silky. Spread or pipe that gorgeous cream over the chilled pudding. Finally, sprinkle chocolate shavings generously on top for a stunning finish. I like to use a vegetable peeler on a good-quality chocolate bar for those lovely curls.

Top Tip

After making this pie several times, I’ve learned a few key things that make the process smoother and the outcome even better. These tips helped me avoid common pitfalls and create perfect layers with ease.

Use a Food Processor for the Crust: Finely crushed cookies make for a compact, sturdy base that doesn’t crumble when slicing.
Don’t Skip Cooling Between Layers: Make sure each layer is completely cool and set before adding the next to keep layers distinct and prevent melting.
Constant Whisking for Pudding: Keep the pudding mixture moving on the stove to avoid lumps and burning — patience here means silky smooth results.
Clean Your Knife Between Slices: Dip your knife in hot water and dry it before slicing the pie for neat, beautiful pieces every time.

How to Serve Mississippi Mud Pie with Chocolate & Brownie Layers Recipe

Mississippi Mud Pie - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep the garnishes simple but elegant—chocolate shavings are a must for that extra oomph. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a few fresh raspberries for a pop of color and flavor contrast. A drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce can also elevate the indulgence for special occasions.

Side Dishes

Since this pie is rich and filling, I like to serve it alongside fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a simple coffee for balance. A scoop of vanilla or mint chocolate chip ice cream can turn it from dessert to celebration-worthy treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve built mini versions in individual jars or ramekins—perfect for portion control and stunning layered visuals. Topping each with a sprig of mint or edible gold leaf gets guests oohing and aahing before the first bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After serving, I cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge. It stays fresh and creamy for about 3-4 days. Just remember to take it out a little before serving to let it soften slightly for the best texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pie successfully wrapped in layers of plastic and foil. Defrost overnight in the fridge, but be aware the whipped cream topping can lose some fluffiness—consider adding fresh whipped cream after thawing.

Reheating

This pie is best served chilled, so reheating isn’t typical. If you want to warm it slightly, let it sit at room temperature rather than microwaving to avoid separation of layers.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a store-bought brownie mix for the brownie layer?

Yes, you can use a box brownie mix to save time. Just bake it directly over the cookie crust as described and then proceed with the pudding layer. The homemade brownie, however, offers better texture and flavor depth.

What’s the best way to slice Mississippi Mud Pie?

For clean slices, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between each cut. This prevents the creamy layers from sticking and helps maintain neat edges.

Can I make this pie dairy-free or vegan?

This specific recipe relies heavily on dairy for creaminess and structure, so making it dairy-free or vegan would require major substitutions, like plant-based milk, non-dairy butter, and egg replacements. It’s possible but not straightforward—consider looking for a dedicated vegan version for best results.

How long does the pie need to chill for the pudding layer to set?

The pudding layer needs at least 4 hours in the refrigerator to set properly and create distinct layers. Overnight chilling is even better if you have time—it makes slicing easier and the texture creamier.

Final Thoughts

This Mississippi Mud Pie with Chocolate & Brownie Layers Recipe is one of those comforting, impressive desserts I keep going back to for family dinners and celebrations. The way the layers come together — crunchy crust, fudgy brownie, silky pudding, and fluffy whipped cream — is pure magic. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and more importantly, savor every delicious bite alongside your favorite people. You’ve got this — and your chocolate-loving guests will be beyond grateful.