Possum Pie

Source: House of Nash Eats

Click here to read about my experience making this recipe for my state meal challenge!

Servings: 8

Total time: 5 hours

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup + 2 Tbs all-purpose flour, divided
• ½ cup + 2 Tbs butter, divided
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¾ cup +2 Tbs chopped pecans, divided
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup powdered sugar, divided
• 1 cup + 2 Tbs heavy cream, divided
• 1 cup sugar
• ⅓ cup cocoa powder
• 3 Tbs cornstarch
• Pinch of salt
• 3 egg yolks
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 tsp vanilla, divided
• Grated chocolate for garnish

DIRECTIONS

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. 
• In a microwave-safe bowl, melt ½ cup of butter, then mix in 1 cup flour, brown sugar, and ¾ cup chopped pecans. 
• Butter a 9” pie plate for easier serving later. 
• Press the mixture into the pie plate, evenly covering the bottom and sides. 
• Bake until just browned, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from oven to cool completely.
• In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to blend the cream cheese, ½ cup powdered sugar, and 2 Tbs heavy cream. 
• When the crust has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese mixture in an even layer over the bottom.
• In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, 2 Tbs flour, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and whole milk. 
• Add the wet ingredients to the dry and combine.
• Whisk over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, until the mixture thickens and bubbles. This step is important for the pie to set correctly, so make sure that you cook it long enough! 
• Remove from heat and add in the butter and vanilla. Stir until just combined. 
• Pour the pudding into a bowl and cover with plastic wrap touching the surface. Refrigerate until cooled, about 30 minutes. 
• Stir the pudding a bit, then spread it over the cream cheese layer of the pie. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until set, at least 4 hours. 
• In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to beat 1 cup heavy whipping cream, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla until the whipped cream holds its shape when you take the beaters out. 
• When the pudding layer is completely cooled, spread the whipped cream over it. 
• Garnish with chopped pecans and grated chocolate, and serve!