Possum pie is one of the most popular desserts in Arkansasand no, there’s no meat.

Learn how to make possum pie, and join Arkansans in appreciating this wonderful pie with a funny name.

Top with whipped cream fresh before serving.

Southern Living Possum Pie in the dish ready to serve

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Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before topping and serving.

Past that point, the whipped cream will begin to break down, although it will still be delicious.

Coat a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate with cooking spray, and set aside.

Southern Living Possum Pie ingredients

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Pulse pecan halves and sugar in a food processor until nuts are finely ground, 12 to 18 pulses.

Add flour and salt; pulse until combined, about 3 pulses.

Add butter; pulse until butter is pea size, about 6 pulses.

Southern Living Possum Pie sliced and ready to serve

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Spoon mixture into prepared pie plate.

Using floured fingers, press dough evenly into bottom and up sides of plate.

Carefully prick bottom of dough all over with a fork.

Southern Living Possum Pie crust in the pan

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Freeze until firm, 30 to 45 minutes.

Add pie weights or dried beans to completely fill crust.

Bake in preheated oven until lightly browned around edges, 25 to 30 minutes.

Southern Living Possum Pie crust baked

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Remove and discard foil and weights.

Transfer to a wire rack, and let cool completely, about 45 minutes.

Spread evenly in bottom of cooled crust.

Southern Living Possum Pie making the pudding

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Refrigerate until ready to use.

Whisk in milk, cream, and egg until smooth.

Bring mixture to a boil over medium, whisking constantly.

Southern Living Possum Pie pudding layer covered and ready to refrigerate

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Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, whisking vigorously, for 1 minute.

Remove from heat; whisk in butter and vanilla until smooth.

Whisk vigorously until thickened, about 1 minute.

Southern Living Possum Pie spreading the topping on the pie

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Cover with plastic wrap, placing on surface of pudding to prevent a film from forming.

Refrigerate until set, at least 6 hours or up to 12 hours.

Spoon on top of pudding; spread in an even layer over pie.

Southern Living Possum Pie topped with chopped pecans

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Garnish with chopped pecans.

Pie may be covered loosely with plastic wrap and stored in refrigerator up to 2 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Room temperature cream cheese will help create the smoothest cream cheese filling.

If you find your pudding is lumpy, strain before transferring into the pie crust.

A layered pie like this can be a tricky one to slice.

Dip a sharp knife into hot water and wipe off between cuts for the cleanest slices.