There’s something truly decadent about a layered dessert that balances textures and chocolate flavors perfectly — and that’s exactly what the Mississippi Mud Pie with Fudgy Brownie Layer Recipe delivers. It’s a luscious treat with a cookie crust, a fudgy brownie center, rich chocolate pudding, and fluffy whipped cream that feels like a cozy hug in every bite.

A chocolate pie with three visible layers in a round, clear glass dish on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a dark, moist chocolate crust that holds the pie together. Above that is a thick, rich chocolate filling with a smooth and creamy texture. The top layer is a thick, fluffy white whipped topping that covers the whole pie. Dark chocolate shavings and small chocolate curls are scattered generously over the whipped layer. A slice of the pie is being lifted by a metal spatula, showing all three layers clearly. Nearby on the surface are halved strawberries and more chocolate shavings. 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 Fudgy Brownie Layer Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Mississippi Mud Pie with Fudgy Brownie Layer Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Mississippi Mud Pie with Fudgy Brownie Layer Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This pie holds a special place in my dessert rotation — it’s rich and chocolatey but still approachable for any home baker ready to impress. I love how each layer brings something different, pairing crisp, fudgy, creamy, and airy textures all in one slice.

The Cookie Crust: It provides the perfect chocolate crunch base that contrasts so well with the soft fillings.
Fudgy Brownie Layer: This brownie isn’t cakey — it’s gooey and moist, giving the pie a seriously indulgent backbone.
Rich Chocolate Pudding: Creamy and luscious, this smooth pudding layer melts in your mouth and adds a silky texture.
Whipped Cream Topping: Light and fluffy, it balances all the rich chocolate flavors and adds a lovely finishing touch.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Mississippi Mud Pie with Fudgy Brownie Layer Recipe really comes through in the combination of ingredients. Each plays an important role to create a dessert that’s indulgent but not overwhelming. Here’s why these ingredients work beautifully together.

Flat lay of a small pile of crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, a small white ceramic bowl of melted unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl of granulated sugar, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of unsweetened cocoa powder, a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl of salt, a small white ceramic bowl of baking powder, a small white ceramic bowl of whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl of cornstarch, two fresh egg yolks in a plain white ceramic bowl, a small white ceramic bowl of finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate, a small white ceramic bowl of powdered sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl of vanilla extract, and a small white ceramic plate with chocolate shavings arranged neatly, 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: Crushed into a fine crumb, these create a sturdy, chocolate-packed crust that’s easy to press and holds the pie layers perfectly.
Unsalted Butter: It adds rich flavor and helps the crust stick together while keeping the brownie layer moist and fudgy.
Granulated Sugar: Essential for sweetness and helps that shiny, fudgy texture in the brownie and pudding layers.
Eggs: Give structure to both the brownie and pudding layers, making sure they hold together without drying out.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Provides deep chocolate flavor without extra sweetness, boosting the chocolate intensity of the brownie and pudding.
All-Purpose Flour: Just enough to keep the brownie layer from being too fragile, yet still soft and gooey.
Cornstarch: Thickens the pudding smoothly without any graininess.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate: Melted into the pudding, it adds extra richness and glossy finish.
Heavy Cream: Whipped for a light topping that cuts through the density of the chocolate layers.
Powdered Sugar & Vanilla Extract: For that perfectly sweet and fragrant whipped cream topping.

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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

One of the best parts about this Mississippi Mud Pie with Fudgy Brownie Layer Recipe is how versatile it can be to suit your taste or occasion. I’ve tried swapping the cookie crust for graham crackers for a milder base, and it works beautifully if you prefer a less intense chocolate start.

Variation: For a nutty twist, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the brownie batter. It adds fantastic texture and a little crunch that complements the soft layers perfectly.
Less Sugar: I sometimes reduce the sugar in the pudding layer by a couple of tablespoons if I want the pie less sweet.
Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free one-to-one blend for a gluten-free version, just make sure it’s a blend that includes xanthan gum for structure.
Decorations: Try topping with a drizzle of caramel or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for an extra flavor pop.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Mississippi Mud Pie with Fudgy Brownie Layer Recipe

The image shows a slice of chocolate pie on a white plate with a thin black rim, placed on a white marbled surface. The pie has three clear layers: a dark, crumbly chocolate crust at the bottom, a thick middle layer of smooth, creamy chocolate filling, and a fluffy top layer of white whipped cream. The whipped cream is sprinkled with small pieces of dark chocolate shavings and curls. There are two fresh strawberry halves with green tops on the plate next to the pie slice. A small piece of the pie with whipped cream is on the tip of a fork resting on the plate. In the background, there is a second plate with another slice of the same pie and more strawberries scattered around. A green cloth is softly blurred behind the plates. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Crafting the Perfect Cookie Crust

Start by crushing those chocolate sandwich cookies. I love using a food processor to get them finely crushed without turning them into dirt — a mix of tiny crumbs and a few little chunks works beautifully. Then mix in the melted butter until the crumbs hold together when pressed. Press this mixture evenly into a 9-inch pie dish, focusing on making a firm base. Bake it at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes to set it before adding anything else. This little pre-bake step is what keeps the crust crisp and not soggy under all that deliciousness.

Step 2: Whipping Up the Fudgy Brownie Layer

Mix melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth — no grainy spots here! Then sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir gently until combined, but don’t overmix; you want that fudgy texture, not cakey brownies. Pour this brownie batter right over the warm cookie crust and spread evenly. Bake it again at 350°F for 20–25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges look set but the center still jiggles slightly. Let it cool completely — patience here means clean layers and a firmer pie.

Step 3: Stirring Up Enough Chocolate Pudding to Please Everyone

For the pudding, whisk milk, sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder, salt, and egg yolks in a saucepan over medium heat. Keep stirring constantly to avoid lumps — I like using a whisk with a flat balloon shape, which helps mix better. Once the pudding thickens and just starts to boil (about 5–7 minutes), pull it off the heat. Immediately stir in the chopped semi-sweet chocolate and vanilla until smooth and glossy. Pour this luscious pudding gently over the cooled brownie layer. Pop the entire pie into the fridge for at least 4 hours to set properly.

Step 4: Finishing With the Fluffy Whipped Cream Topping

This final step is where your pie really shines. Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until you see stiff peaks forming — that means you can lift the whisk out and the cream holds its shape. Gently spread or pipe this cloud-like topping over the chilled pudding layer. Don’t forget those chocolate shavings on top — I sometimes use a vegetable peeler on a semi-sweet bar for quick elegant curls. Refrigerate for a bit if you like, or serve immediately for the freshest taste.

Top Tip

After making this pie a handful of times, I've learned there are a few tricks that really take it from good to outstanding. These tips help you avoid common pitfalls and nail the texture and layering every time.

Tip for Crust: Use a food processor to crush cookies finely for a sturdy but tender crust that won’t get soggy under the brownie.
Brownie Layer Check: Don’t overbake the brownie layer — it should be set on the edges but slightly wobbly in the center when you pull it out. This keeps the fudgy texture.
Constant Stirring: When making pudding, stir continuously with a whisk to prevent lumps and get that silky smooth finish.
Slice Cleanly: Dip your knife in hot water and wipe between cuts to get neat slices of this rich pie without dragging or smudging layers.

How to Serve Mississippi Mud Pie with Fudgy Brownie Layer Recipe

Mississippi Mud Pie - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to keep garnishes simple but impactful. Fresh chocolate shavings add elegance and texture, while a light sprinkle of cocoa powder or a few whole chocolate chips around the edge can give it a rustic, homemade charm. On special occasions, a few fresh raspberries pop with color and add a slight tartness that balances the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

This pie stands on its own as a showstopper, but if you’re serving it at a dinner party, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of espresso-flavored whipped cream pairs remarkably well. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or dark roast espresso on the side truly elevates the whole experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or holidays, I’ve decorated the pie with edible gold leaf on the whipped cream peaks or piped chocolate ganache over the top for a glossy glaze. Serving it in individual glass jars or parfait cups with layers visible is a fun, modern twist and perfect for portion control.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover Mississippi Mud Pie tightly covered in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for 3-4 days without losing moisture or flavor. Just make sure the whipped cream is well covered to avoid absorbing fridge odors.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pie a couple of times wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It thaws well overnight in the fridge and still tastes fantastic, although the whipped cream texture changes slightly, so I recommend adding fresh whipped cream after thawing for the best presentation.

Reheating

This pie is best served cold or at room temperature. If the pudding layer feels too chilled, just let the slice sit at room temp for 10-15 minutes before enjoying to bring out all the rich flavors without reheating, which could affect texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the cookie crust ahead of time?

Absolutely! The cookie crust can be made and baked a day ahead. Just keep it covered at room temperature until you’re ready to add the brownie layer.

How do I know when the brownie layer is done?

The brownie layer is ready when the edges look set and firm, but the center still jiggles slightly when you gently shake the pie dish. It will continue to set as it cools.

Can I use low-fat milk for the pudding?

Whole milk gives the pudding the best rich and creamy texture. Using low-fat milk may result in a thinner pudding that lacks that luxurious mouthfeel.

What’s the best way to cut clean slices?

Dip a sharp knife in hot water, wipe it dry, and cut slowly through the pie. Repeat warming and wiping the knife between each slice for neat, clean edges.

Final Thoughts

This Mississippi Mud Pie with Fudgy Brownie Layer Recipe has become one of my favorite recipes to return to whenever I want to treat myself or impress guests with something that feels fancy but is surprisingly doable. Its layers of texture and rich chocolate flavor are like a comforting, indulgent hug. Honestly, once you make it, you’ll find yourself wanting to share it again and again — I know I do. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy every decadent bite!