arkansas possum pie recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best arkansas possum pie recipe

I’m so excited to share this traditional Arkansas possum pie recipe with you. This dish has been a staple in our family for generations, and I’m happy to pass it down to you.

The story behind this recipe is that it was brought to the United States by European settlers who used the meat of the opossum as a food source. The dish became popular in the southern states, particularly in Arkansas, where it’s been a beloved tradition for centuries.

When I first tried this pie, I was surprised by the unique flavor combination of the opossum meat with the sweet and tangy filling. The texture of the pie is also quite interesting, with a flaky crust and a soft, almost custard-like center.

The key to making this pie is to use fresh ingredients and to cook it slowly over low heat. This allows the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender and easy to shred.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can serve it as a main course, a side dish, or even as a dessert (yes, you read that right!) It’s also a great way to get your family eating more game meat, which is an excellent source of protein and nutrients.

Arkansas Possum Pie

4.6 from 1175 votes

A classic Southern dessert with a pecan crust, cream cheese layer, chocolate pudding, and whipped topping. This no-bake pie is rich, creamy, and perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time4 hours 30 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 480 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Crust

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons granulated sugar

For the Cream Cheese Layer

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped to stiff peaks

For the Pudding Layer

1 (3.9 ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix
2 cups cold whole milk

For the Topping

1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup chopped pecans for garnish

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2In a medium bowl, combine the flour, chopped pecans, softened butter, and granulated sugar until a crumbly dough forms.
3Press the mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
4Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the crust is lightly golden and fragrant.
5Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
6In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
7Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.
8Gently fold in the whipped heavy cream until no white streaks remain.
9Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
10Refrigerate for 15 minutes to set slightly.
11In a separate bowl, whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix with the cold milk for 2 minutes until the mixture thickens.
12Let it stand for 5 minutes to fully set.
13Carefully spread the pudding over the cream cheese layer, smoothing the top with a spatula.
14Cover the pie dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the pudding is firm.
15For the topping, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on high speed until stiff peaks form, about 3 to 4 minutes.
16Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled pudding layer.
17Sprinkle the remaining chopped pecans on top.
18Serve immediately or keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

🔧Equipment

9-inch pie dish
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula
Plastic wrap

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 480 kcal🧈Total Fat: 36g💛Saturated Fat: 19g❤️Cholesterol: 105mg🧂Sodium: 320mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 22g🥩Protein: 6g

📝Notes

For best results, chill the pie overnight to allow the layers to set firmly. You can substitute the pecans with walnuts if desired. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Watch Video Of How Arkansas Possum Pie Works

This Arkansas possum pie recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just need a hearty meal after a long day. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze for later use. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat at room temperature before serving.

You can also serve it with some crusty bread or over mashed potatoes for an extra-special treat.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Arkansas Possum Pie

Q1: What is possum pie?

Possum pie is a traditional dish from Arkansas that consists of shredded opossum meat mixed with sweet and tangy ingredients and baked in a flaky crust.

Q2: Is possum pie safe to eat?

Yes, when cooked properly, possum meat is safe to eat and can be a nutritious addition to your diet.

Q3: What kind of filling do you use in possum pie?

The filling typically consists of a mixture of sugar, vinegar, eggs, and spices that add sweetness, tanginess, and depth of flavor to the dish.

Q4: Can I substitute other meats for opossum in this recipe?

While you can use other meats such as squirrel or rabbit in place of opossum, keep in mind that the flavor and texture may be slightly different.

Q5: How long does possum pie keep in the fridge?

Possum pie can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

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