Best Arkansas Possum Pie Recipes

What is Arkansas Possum Pie?

Arkansas Possum Pie is a classic dessert that originated from the southern state of Arkansas, in the United States. Despite its name, the pie is not made with possum meat. The name is said to have come from the fact that the pie, much like the nocturnal marsupial, is "brown and black" in color.

This pie is made with a combination of chocolate, cream cheese, whipped cream, and pecans. The recipe often includes a layer of chocolate shavings, giving the pie a rich and luxurious finish. It is usually served chilled and is perfect for a hot summer day.

The History of Arkansas Possum Pie

The origin of Arkansas Possum Pie is unclear, but it is believed to have been created in the early 1900s by southern homemakers. The pie became a staple in the southern dessert scene and gained popularity in the 1950s and 1960s.

Many variations of the recipe exist today, and each family has their own unique spin on the classic dessert. Despite the availability of pre-made Arkansas Possum Pies in grocery stores, many southern families still prefer to make it from scratch to maintain the authenticity and tradition of the recipe.

Ingredients Used in Arkansas Possum Pie

The ingredients used in Arkansas Possum Pie are quite simple and can be found in most grocery stores. These include:

• 1 cup of sugar
• 1 cup of flour
• 1/2 cup of butter
• 1/2 cup of pecans, chopped
• 4 ounces of chocolate, grated
• 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups of whipped cream
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Preparing Arkansas Possum Pie

Preparing Arkansas Possum Pie is a relatively easy task, and it requires minimal effort. Here is a simple recipe to prepare Arkansas Possum Pie:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of sugar
• 1 cup of flour
• 1/2 cup of butter
• 1/2 cup of pecans, chopped
• 4 ounces of chocolate, grated
• 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups of whipped cream
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Combine the sugar, flour, and butter in a mixing bowl and mix until crumbly.
3. Stir in the chopped pecans and press the mixture into a 9-inch pie pan. Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
4. Remove the pie from the oven and sprinkle the grated chocolate over the crust while still warm. Set aside to cool.
5. Mix the cream cheese, vanilla extract, and whipped cream in a separate bowl. Spread over the chocolate layer in the pie crust.
6. Refrigerate the pie for at least an hour before serving.

Variations of Arkansas Possum Pie

Arkansas Possum Pie is a versatile dessert and can be modified to suit different tastes. Some of the variations of Arkansas Possum Pie include:

• Adding fruit, such as strawberries or raspberries, to the whipped cream mixture.
• Spicing it up with a dash of cinnamon or cayenne pepper.
• Using graham cracker crusts instead of regular pie crusts.
• Adding a layer of caramel or toffee sauce on top of the whipped cream mixture.

In Conclusion

Arkansas Possum Pie is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed by southern families for generations. Despite its unusual name, the dessert is rich and indulgent, making it the perfect summertime treat. With a combination of chocolate, cream cheese, pecans, and whipped cream, this dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any family gathering. With the simple recipe and the limitless possibilities for variations, anyone can make Arkansas Possum Pie with ease and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Valuable Tips for Making Arkansas Possum Pie Recipes Arkansas possum pie is a traditional dessert in the southern United States that is loved by many. It is a rich and decadent pie that features a custard filling made with eggs, sugar, and cream, and topped with a layer of whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and pecans. If you are looking to make the perfect Arkansas possum pie recipe, there are some tips and tricks you should keep in mind. Tip #1: Choose the Right Pie Crust The first thing you need when making an Arkansas possum pie is the right pie crust. You can choose to make your own pie crust from scratch, or you can use store-bought dough. If you are making your own pie crust, use a recipe that calls for butter instead of shortening or margarine. Butter gives the crust a rich flavor and a flaky texture that complements the custard filling. Tip #2: Use Fresh Ingredients For the best Arkansas possum pie, use the freshest ingredients possible. This includes using fresh eggs, cream, and pecans. It is also important to use high-quality chocolate for the chocolate shavings, as this will give the pie a richer flavor. Using fresh ingredients will enhance the taste of the pie and make it more enjoyable. Tip #3: Make a Perfect Custard Filling The custard filling is the heart of the Arkansas possum pie. To make a perfect custard filling, it is important to use the right proportion of eggs, sugar, and cream. The basic recipe for a custard filling calls for 4-5 eggs, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 cup of cream. To make the filling extra rich and creamy, you can add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg. Make sure to whisk the filling thoroughly to ensure it is smooth and airy. Tip #4: Bake the Pie to Perfection After you have prepared the custard filling, it is time to bake the pie. To ensure the pie is cooked evenly, preheat the oven to 350°F and place the pie dish on the middle rack. Bake the pie for about 50-55 minutes or until the filling is set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center. Once the pie is done baking, let it cool to room temperature before serving. Tip #5: Add Toppings to Your Liking The toppings on an Arkansas possum pie can make all the difference. Whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and pecans are traditional toppings, but you can also experiment with other toppings such as caramel sauce, fruit compote, or even marshmallows. Use your imagination to create a delicious and flavorful pie that your guests will love. In conclusion, making an Arkansas possum pie can be a bit of a challenge, but with the right tips and tricks, you can create a delicious dessert that will impress your guests. Remember to choose the right pie crust, use fresh ingredients, make a perfect custard filling, bake the pie to perfection, and add toppings to your liking. These tips will help you create a memorable dessert that everyone will love.