If you are looking for a decadent dessert that will wow your guests, look no further than Mary Berry’s Mississippi Mud Pie. This classic American treat is a chocolate lover’s dream, with a crunchy biscuit base, a rich and creamy filling, and a whipped cream topping. It’s easy to make, and you can customize it with your favorite nuts, marshmallows, or chocolate chips.
In this guide, I will show you how to make Mary Berry’s Mississippi Mud Pie from scratch, with detailed instructions and tips.
Let’s get started!
What is Mississippi Mud Pie?
Mississippi Mud Pie is a classic Southern U.S. dessert. Inspired by the Mississippi River’s muddy banks, it typically has a crumbly crust of chocolate cookies or graham crackers, and a rich chocolate filling, either baked or chilled, topped with whipped cream. Variations may include nuts, marshmallows, or chocolate chips in the crust or filling. Served cold or at room temperature, this pie is indulgently rich.
What is Mary Berry Mississippi Mud Pie Recipe?
Mary Berry’s take on Mississippi mud pie puts a British spin on the classic American chocolate pie. Her simplified recipe transforms a crunchy biscuit base into the perfect foil for an ultra-rich, brownie-like chocolate filling made silky with whipped cream. Top with more whipped cream and chocolate shavings and you have an easy yet impressive pie that will satisfy any chocoholic.
The beauty of this mud pie recipe lies in its versatility – mix in nuts, marshmallows, or chocolate chips to customize it to your taste. With just a few basic ingredients that most bakers have on hand, you can create a new classic from Mary’s recipe that looks fancy but bakes up quickly and easily for any occasion. Both simple and showstopping, this creamy, dreamy, chocolatey pie is sure to become a fast favorite.
Why You Love this Recipe
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
- Unmatched Indulgence: Each bite of this pie offers a harmonious blend of textures – the buttery crunch of the crust, the silky smoothness of the chocolate filling, and the airy softness of the whipped cream topping.
- Simplicity Meets Elegance: Despite its sophisticated appearance, this dessert is surprisingly straightforward to prepare. With common kitchen tools and clear steps, even novice bakers can achieve excellent results.
- Customizable to Taste: The true beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Feel free to personalize it with a variety of toppings or stir-ins, making each creation uniquely yours. Whether you prefer nuts for crunch or a swirl of caramel for extra sweetness, this recipe accommodates all preferences.
- A Showstopper Dessert: Its elegant presentation is sure to draw admiration from your guests. This Mississippi Mud Pie doesn’t just satisfy the palate; it’s a feast for the eyes, perfect for any gathering or special occasion.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Mississippi Mud Pie
To make Mary Berry’s Mississippi Mud Pie, you will need the following ingredients:
For the base:
- 200 g (7 oz) of digestive biscuits, crushed
- 100 g (3.5 oz) of unsalted butter, melted
- 25 g (1 oz) of demerara sugar
For the filling:
- 200 g (7 oz) of plain chocolate, chopped
- 100 g (3.5 oz) of unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon of instant coffee granules
- 1 tablespoon of boiling water
- 300 ml (10 fl oz) of single cream
- 175 g (6 oz) of dark muscovado sugar
- 6 large eggs, beaten
For the topping:
- 150 ml (5 fl oz) of double cream, whipped
Useful Equipment
You will also need a 20 cm (8 inch) round cake tin with a loose bottom or a springform tin, a food processor, a saucepan, a heatproof bowl, a whisk, and an oven.
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Mississippi Mud Pie
Here are the steps to make Mary Berry’s Mississippi Mud Pie:
Step 1: Preheat the oven and grease the cake tin.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or gas mark 4. Grease your cake tin with some butter and set it aside.
Step 2: Make the base.
In a food processor, blitz the digestive biscuits to a fine crumb. Add the melted butter and sugar and pulse until well combined. Spoon the mixture into the prepared cake tin and press it evenly and firmly into the base and up the sides. Bake in the oven for 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Make the filling.
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the chocolate and butter together, stirring occasionally, until smooth and glossy. In a small bowl, dissolve the coffee granules in the boiling water and add it to the chocolate mixture. Stir well and set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together the cream, sugar, and eggs until well combined. Gradually whisk in the chocolate mixture until smooth and homogenous.
Step 4: Bake the pie.
Pour the filling into the biscuit base and smooth the surface. Bake in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the filling is just set but still wobbly in the center. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the tin.
Step 5: Decorate and serve the pie.
Carefully remove the pie from the tin and transfer it to a serving plate. Spread the whipped cream over the top of the pie and decorate with some chocolate shavings, nuts, or marshmallows if you like. Cut into slices and enjoy!
What Do I Serve With Mary Berry Mississippi Mud Pie?
When serving this luxurious dessert, consider pairing it with accompaniments that enhance its rich chocolate flavor while offering a contrast in taste and texture:
- Colorful Fresh Fruits: Brighten up each plate with a side of fresh berries, slices of banana, or citrus segments. These fruits not only add a pop of color but also introduce a refreshing and tangy element to balance the rich chocolate.
- Complementary Ice Cream Flavors: A scoop of ice cream, be it classic vanilla, refreshing mint, or a bold coffee flavor, adds a delightful creaminess and a contrasting temperature to the pie. The cold smoothness of the ice cream complements the dense, rich texture of the pie exquisitely.
- Beverage Pairings: A cup of strong coffee, a light tea, or even a glass of cold milk can be the perfect beverage to accompany this dessert. They help cleanse the palate and enhance the deep chocolate flavors of the pie.
- Light Whipped Cream or Greek Yogurt: For those who prefer a less sweet option, a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a spoonful of tangy Greek yogurt can add a refreshing twist to this indulgent treat.
- Coffee, tea, or milk, to wash down the sweetness and enhance the chocolate taste.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Mississippi Mud Pie
Mastering Mary Berry’s Mississippi Mud Pie: Expert Advice
- Select Premium Chocolate: Opt for high-quality chocolate with at least 70% cocoa solids. This choice is crucial for imparting a deep, luxurious chocolate flavor and a rich color to the filling.
- Refine the Coffee Addition: Fully dissolve the coffee granules in boiling water before incorporating them into the chocolate. This step ensures a smooth mixture without any bitterness, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the pie.
- Whisk Eggs Thoroughly: Achieve a uniform and creamy filling by whisking the eggs thoroughly before they are combined with the cream and sugar. This process is vital to avoid any lumps and ensure a silky consistency.
- Perfect Baking Technique: Monitor the baking closely. The pie should be removed from the oven when it’s just set but still has a slight wobble in the center. This technique prevents overcooking and potential cracking of the filling.
- Cooling is Key: Allow the pie to cool completely in the tin. Rushing this step could lead to the pie collapsing or breaking apart, so patience is essential to maintain its structure.
- Freshly Whipped Cream: Whip the cream just before serving for optimum freshness and a light, fluffy texture. This final touch adds an elegant and airy contrast to the dense chocolate filling.
Variations of Mary Berry Mississippi Mud Pie
You can make some variations of Mary Berry Mississippi Mud Pie by changing the crust, the filling, or the topping.
Here are some ideas:
- Crust Alternatives: Experiment with different bases such as chocolate cookies, graham crackers, or Oreos instead of digestive biscuits. Elevate the crust by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or marshmallows for additional flavor and texture.
- Filling Flavors and Textures: Introduce new dimensions to the filling by incorporating vanilla extract, cinnamon, or nutmeg. Consider adding texture with chocolate chips, nuts, or marshmallows. For a milder taste, you might use milk or white chocolate, but be mindful of the overall sweetness and texture.
- Topping Variations: Swap the traditional whipped cream with whipped cream cheese, mascarpone, or sour cream for a tangy twist. Garnish with chocolate shavings, nuts, or marshmallows to enhance both flavor and visual appeal.
How do I store Mary Berry Mississippi Mud Pie Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers of Mary Berry Mississippi Mud Pie, you can store them in the fridge or freezer.
Here is how to do it:
Storing in the fridge
- Cover the pie with some plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container.
- Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Enjoy it cold or at room temperature.
Storing in the freezer
- Cut the pie into slices and wrap each slice with some plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container and label it with the date.
- Store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.
How do I reheat Mary Berry Mississippi Mud Pie Leftovers?
If you want to reheat Mary Berry Mississippi Mud Pie leftovers, you can do it in the oven or the microwave.
Here is how to do it:
Reheating in the oven
- Preheat your oven to 160°C (140°C fan) or gas mark 3.
- Place the pie or the slices on a baking sheet and cover them with some aluminum foil.
- Bake them in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until warm and soft.
- Enjoy them with some whipped cream or ice cream.
Nutrition value per serving (based on ):
- Calories: 776
- Fat: 50 g
- Saturated fat: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 184 mg
- Sodium: 1065 mg
- Carbohydrates: 80 g
- Net carbs: 78 g
- Sugar: 61 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Calcium: 70 mg
Reheating in the microwave
- Place the pie or the slices on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a paper towel.
- Microwave them on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until warm and soft.
- Enjoy them with some whipped cream or ice cream.
Other Pie Recipes to Try
- Chicken and Leek Pie Jamie Oliver
- Mary Berry Banoffee Pie
- Mary Berry Key Lime Pie
- Mary Berry Lemon Meringue Pie
- Mary Berry Meringue
- Mary Berry Manchester Tart
FAQs
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
To prevent the crust from getting soggy, you can bake it for 10 minutes before adding the filling, and let it cool slightly. This will help the crust to set and become more firm. You can also brush the crust with some melted chocolate or egg white, which will create a barrier between the crust and the filling.
How do I make the filling more firm and less runny?
To make the filling more firm and less runny, you can use less milk or more eggs in the recipe. You can also bake the pie for a longer time, or chill it in the fridge for a few hours before serving. Make sure to use good quality chocolate, preferably with a high percentage of cocoa solids, which will help the filling to set better.
How do I make the whipped cream more stable and less watery?
To make the whipped cream more stable and less watery, you can use cold cream and a cold bowl and whisk. You can also add some cream of tartar, cornstarch, or gelatin to the cream, which will help it hold its shape and prevent it from separating. You can also whip the cream just before decorating the pie, and store it in the fridge until ready to use.
How do I cut the pie neatly and cleanly?
To cut the pie neatly and cleanly, you can use a sharp knife and dip it in hot water before each cut. You can also wipe the knife with a paper towel after each cut, to remove any excess filling or crumbs. You can also chill the pie in the fridge for a few hours before cutting, which will make it easier to slice.
Can I Make Mary Berry’s Mississippi Mud Pie Without an Oven?
While traditionally baked, there are ways to adapt Mary Berry’s Mississippi Mud Pie for a no-bake version. For the crust, simply chill it in the refrigerator until firm. For the filling, consider using a stovetop method to melt the chocolate and then mix it with the other ingredients as directed. Instead of baking, set the pie in the refrigerator until the filling is firm. This method will result in a more mousse-like texture rather than the traditional baked texture, but it’s a great alternative if an oven isn’t available.
- Related: Mary Berry Tiffin Recipe
How Can I Make the Pie Less Sweet?
To reduce the sweetness of Mary Berry’s Mississippi Mud Pie, you can make a few adjustments. Firstly, choose a dark chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage for the filling, as this will be less sweet. You can also reduce the amount of sugar in the filling, but do this cautiously to maintain the overall balance of flavors. For the crust, opt for less sweet biscuits or crackers. Finally, serve the pie with unsweetened whipped cream or a dollop of sour cream to counteract the sweetness.
What’s the Best Way to Slice Mary Berry’s Mississippi Mud Pie?
Slicing Mary Berry’s Mississippi Mud Pie can be tricky due to its rich and dense texture. For cleaner slices, use a sharp knife and dip it in hot water before each cut. Wipe the knife after each slice to prevent the filling from sticking and building up on the blade. If the pie is very dense, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the chocolate to soften slightly, making slicing easier.
Conclusion
In summary, Mary Berry’s Mississippi Mud Pie is a perfect blend of taste and texture. This easy, yet refined recipe, adaptable with your choice of toppings and fillings, is sure to please. It features a crunchy biscuit base, a creamy chocolate filling, and a whipped cream top. This dessert is not only delicious but also visually appealing. It’s sure to impress your guests and satisfy chocolate lovers. I hope this guide has been helpful. Feel free to share your thoughts or questions in the comments. Happy baking!