No-Bake Chocolate Pie
This Mississippi Mud Pie is the ultimate chocolate lover’s dream, featuring a luscious no-bake dessert filling nestled in a chocolate cookie crust. It’s surprisingly simple to prepare and requires just a handful of staple ingredients. Its decadent layers make it the perfect chocolate fudge pie for celebrations or a comforting weekend treat.
The rich aroma of melted chocolate and butter wafting from the kitchen always brings back memories of my grandmother’s house. She believed that the best desserts were the ones that brought people together, and this pie was her signature. Whenever I host a dinner party, I find myself returning to this recipe, just before serving a slice of warm homemade apple pie or a creamy coconut cream pie. It represents a moment of pure, unadulterated joy.
I often pair a slice with a strong cup of coffee, letting the deep cocoa notes mingle with the bold brew. It is a ritual that transforms a simple dessert into a true experience, much like the comforting elegance found in a classic German chocolate cake. This Mississippi Mud Pie connects generations through its timeless appeal.
Why This Mississippi Mud Pie Always Delights
- Decadent Flavor: The rich chocolate fudge filling delivers an intense, satisfying cocoa experience that is simply irresistible.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare this no-bake dessert a day in advance, making entertaining stress-free and effortless.
- Crowd-Pleasing Texture: The contrast between the creamy filling, crispy crust, and fluffy whipped cream topping is a textural masterpiece.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of the ingredients in your pantry already, making it an easy, budget-friendly treat.
What You’ll Need for Your Mississippi Mud Pie
Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.
For the Crust
- Chocolate sandwich cookies: About 24 cookies create a robust, flavorful base that requires no rolling.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Use 1/4 cup to bind the crumbs for a perfect, press-in crust.
For the Filling
- Semisweet chocolate, chopped: High-quality chocolate ensures a deep, smooth fudge flavor.
- Unsalted butter, cut into pieces: A half cup adds richness and a silky mouthfeel to the filling.
- Granulated sugar: Just 1/2 cup sweetens the filling without overwhelming the chocolate.
- Large eggs, at room temperature: Two eggs help to thicken the cooked filling for the perfect set.
- Heavy cream: Adds luxurious creaminess to the chocolate mixture.
- Vanilla extract and salt: These enhance all the other flavors beautifully.
For the Topping
- Heavy cream, very cold: Essential for achieving stiff peaks in your whipped cream.
- Powdered sugar: Dissolves easily and sweetens the topping gently.
- Chocolate shavings: A beautiful, optional garnish that adds a final touch of elegance.

Mississippi Mud Pie
Equipment
- food processor
- mixing bowl
- spatula
- oven
- wire rack
- saucepan
- heatproof bowl
- whisk
- electric mixer
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- knife
- cutting board
Ingredients
Crust
- 24 cookies chocolate sandwich cookies about 9 ounces
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted (4 tablespoons)
Filling
- 8 oz semisweet chocolate chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter cut into 1-inch pieces (1 stick)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream very cold
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- chocolate shavings or curls for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a food processor, pulse the chocolate sandwich cookies until finely ground into crumbs. Transfer the crumbs to a medium bowl and pour in 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Bake for 8 minutes, then remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
- While the crust cools, begin the chocolate fudge filling. In a large heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (a double boiler setup), combine 8 ounces of chopped semisweet chocolate and 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch pieces. Heat gently, stirring occasionally with a rubber spatula, until both the chocolate and butter are fully melted and smooth. Remove the bowl from the heat and set aside.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt until well combined. Gradually whisk about half of the warm chocolate mixture into the egg mixture to temper it, then pour the tempered egg mixture back into the remaining chocolate mixture, whisking constantly until smooth. Return the bowl to the double boiler over simmering water and cook, stirring constantly, until the filling thickens enough to heavily coat the back of a spoon, about 5 to 7 minutes. Do not boil.
- Pour the warm chocolate fudge filling into the cooled cookie crust. Gently tap the pie plate on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles and ensure an even layer. Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap, being careful not to touch the surface of the filling, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until the filling is completely set and firm.
- Once the pie has thoroughly chilled, prepare the whipped cream topping. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer with the whisk attachment (or a hand whisk), beat 1 1/2 cups of very cold heavy cream, 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. The cream should hold its shape when the whisk is lifted. Be careful not to overbeat, as it can turn grainy.
- Spread the whipped cream topping evenly over the chilled, set chocolate fudge layer. Garnish the top of the pie with chocolate shavings or curls, if desired. For best results, chill the finished pie for another 30 minutes before slicing and serving. Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator.
Notes
Creative Ways to Customize Your Pie
- Mint Chocolate Variation: Add a quarter teaspoon of peppermint extract to the filling for a cool, refreshing twist.
- Nutty Delight: Stir half a cup of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts into the chocolate filling before pouring it into the crust.
- Salted Caramel Swirl: Drizzle a third of a cup of salted caramel sauce over the filling and swirl it gently with a knife before chilling.
My Pro Tips for a Perfect Mississippi Mud Pie
- Proper Tempering: Gradually whisk the warm chocolate into the egg mixture to prevent the eggs from scrambling, ensuring a smooth filling.
- Chill Thoroughly: Allow the pie to set in the refrigerator for the full four hours, or preferably overnight, for clean slices. My guide for a perfect chocolate croissant bread pudding shares similar patience tips.
- Cold Cream for Whipping: Ensure your heavy cream and mixing bowl are very cold to achieve light, stiff peaks for the topping.
- Test for Doneness: Cook the filling until it thickly coats the back of a spoon; this is the key to its firm, sliceable texture.
How to Keep Your Mississippi Mud Pie Fresh
- Store: Keep the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. The whipped cream topping is best enjoyed within two days.
- Freeze: Freeze the pie without the whipped cream topping. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil; it will keep well for up to two months.
- Serve: Thaw the frozen pie overnight in the refrigerator. Add fresh whipped cream just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the crust and filling up to two days in advance. Simply assemble and chill the pie the day you plan to serve it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Mississippi Mud Pie without a double boiler?
Yes, you can easily create a makeshift double boiler. Simply place a heatproof bowl over a saucepan filled with a couple of inches of simmering water, ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. This gentle heat prevents the chocolate from seizing.
What is the difference between Mississippi Mud Pie and Mississippi Mud Cake?
The primary difference is the form. A Mississippi Mud Pie is a chilled, layered dessert with a creamy filling in a crust, much like our Girl Scout cookie pie. Mississippi Mud Cake is a baked, dense chocolate cake, often served warm and sometimes topped with marshmallows.
How do I know when the chocolate filling is thick enough?
The filling is ready when it heavily coats the back of a spoon. If you run your finger through the coating, the line should hold its shape clearly. This usually takes about five to seven minutes of constant stirring over simmering water.
Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?
Absolutely. Graham crackers are a classic alternative. For a nuttier flavor, try using ginger snaps or even crushed chocolate wafer cookies. The method remains the same: process into crumbs and mix with melted butter.
More Decadent Desserts You’ll Love
- Chocolate Spider Cake
- Pumpkin Pie
- Boston Cream Pie
- Deep Dish Brownie
- Red Velvet Cake
- Southern Banana Cobbler
Why You Should Make This Mississippi Mud Pie Tonight
With its deep chocolate flavor and wonderfully contrasting textures, this Mississippi Mud Pie is destined to become a family favorite. It is surprisingly simple to prepare yet delivers the sophisticated decadence of a professional bakery dessert. I hope this recipe brings as much comfort and joy to your table as it has to mine.