Spiced Orange Chocolate Mud Pie
A decadent Spiced Orange Chocolate Mud Pie featuring a crumbly chocolate cookie crust and a rich, spiced chocolate orange cream cheese filling, topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Perfect for any special occasion!
Equipment
- medium bowl
- 9-inch pie dish
- large, chilled bowl
- electric mixer
- offset spatula
- plastic wrap
- sharp knife
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups chocolate sandwich cookies (e.g., Oreos), finely crushed
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Chocolate Orange Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 large orange)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream, chilled (for whipped cream)
- 4 oz good quality dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa), melted and slightly cooled
For the Topping:
- ½ cup heavy cream, chilled
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (for garnish)
- Chocolate shavings or curls, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Crust
- Combine crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and melted butter in a bowl and press into a 9-inch pie dish. Chill for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
Make the Whipped Cream
- Beat 1 ½ cups of chilled heavy cream in a large, chilled bowl until stiff peaks form, then set aside.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Base
- In another large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, orange zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg, beating until well combined and lump-free.
Combine Filling Ingredients
- Gently fold the melted dark chocolate into the cream cheese mixture, then carefully fold in the prepared whipped cream until no streaks remain, taking care not to deflate the mixture.
Assemble the Pie
- Pour the chocolate orange cream cheese filling over the chilled crust, spreading it evenly.
Chill Thoroughly
- Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow it to set completely and for the flavors to meld.
Prepare and Add Topping
- Just before serving, whip the remaining ½ cup heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe this whipped cream over the chilled pie.
Garnish and Serve
- Garnish the pie with the remaining orange zest and chocolate shavings or curls. Slice with a sharp, warm knife and serve immediately.
Notes
For best results, make sure your cream cheese is at true room temperature for a smooth filling. Chilling the pie overnight allows for optimal setting and flavor development. A warm knife will help you get clean slices when serving.