My Mississippi friend introduced me to this recipe! Instant hit!

Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Crumbs: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers into fine crumbs.
2. Mix and Press: In a bowl, combine the crumbs with melted butter and granulated sugar. Press the mixture evenly into a 9-inch pie dish to form the crust.
3. Bake and Cool: Bake the crust for about 10 minutes until it’s golden and set. Allow it to cool completely.

Make the Flourless Chocolate Cake Layer

1. Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a double boiler over simmering water, melt the bittersweet chocolate and unsalted butter, stirring until smooth.
2. Combine Ingredients: Remove from heat and stir in the water, cocoa powder, salt, and vanilla extract.
3. Prepare Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with half of the granulated sugar until thick and pale. Fold the yolk mixture into the chocolate mixture.
4. Beat Egg Whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
5. Fold and Bake: Gently fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture. Pour this over the cooled graham cracker crust. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until set. Let the cake layer cool completely.

Cook the Chocolate Pudding Layer

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder, and salt.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Gradually whisk in the milk, heavy cream, and egg yolks.
3. Cook to Thicken: Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
4. Finish the Pudding: Remove from heat and stir in the butter, chopped chocolate, and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Chill: Pour the pudding over the cooled cake layer. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the pudding is firm.

Whip the Cream and Finish the Pie

1. Whip Cream: In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream with the granulated sugar until soft peaks form.
2. Spread and Dust: Spread the whipped cream evenly over the chilled pudding layer. Lightly dust with unsweetened cocoa powder.
3. Serve: Slice the Mississippi Mud Pie and enjoy the layers of chocolatey goodness!

This Mississippi Mud Pie is a decadent, crowd-pleasing dessert that will leave a lasting impression on anyone lucky enough to have a slice!