Classic Mississippi Black Bottom Pie
Experience a slice of Southern nostalgia with this delightful Classic Mississippi Black Bottom Pie. Inspired by the rich flavors of the beloved dessert I first enjoyed at Widemans in Meridian, Mississippi, this recipe is a harmonious blend of smooth chocolate custard layered beneath a light rum-infused egg white mousse, all topped with freshly whipped cream. This pie is a perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and decadent flavors that will transport you to the heart of Southern hospitality. It’s a showstopper for any gathering or a special treat for a quiet evening at home.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
sugar
0.5 (cup)
cornstarch
1 (tablespoon)
milk
2 (cups, scalded)
egg yolks
4 (beaten)
vanilla extract
1 (teaspoon)
semi-sweet chocolate chips
6 (ounces)
graham wafer crust
1 (9 inch)
unflavored gelatin
1 (tablespoon)
cold water
0.25 (cup)
light rum
2 (tablespoons or 1/2 teaspoon rum extract)
egg whites
4
sugar
0.5 (cup)
whipping cream
2 (cups)
icing sugar
0.25 (cup)
vanilla extract
1 (teaspoon)
fresh nutmeg
(for garnish)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Classic Mississippi Black Bottom Pie?
It is a nostalgic Southern dessert featuring a rich chocolate custard layer topped with a light rum-infused egg white mousse and freshly whipped cream.
What are the primary layers of this pie?
The pie consists of a graham wafer crust, a smooth chocolate custard bottom layer, a rum-flavored mousse middle layer, and a whipped cream topping.
What kind of crust is used for this recipe?
The recipe calls for a 9-inch graham wafer crust.
What type of chocolate is recommended?
The recipe uses 6 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate chips to create the dark chocolate bottom layer.
How many egg yolks are needed for the custard?
You will need 4 beaten egg yolks for the custard base.
How many egg whites are used in the mousse?
The recipe requires 4 egg whites to create the light and airy mousse layer.
What gives the mousse layer its signature flavor?
The mousse is infused with 2 tablespoons of light rum or 1/2 teaspoon of rum extract.
Is this a no-bake recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a no-bake dessert, though the custard requires stovetop preparation before chilling.
How do I prepare the milk for the custard?
The 2 cups of milk should be scalded before being combined with the other custard ingredients.
What is the purpose of the unflavored gelatin?
One tablespoon of unflavored gelatin is used to stabilize the rum mousse layer so it holds its shape.
How much sugar is used in the total recipe?
The recipe uses 1 cup of granulated sugar (split into two 1/2 cup portions) and 1/4 cup of icing sugar.
What is the garnish for this pie?
The pie is traditionally garnished with a dusting of fresh nutmeg over the whipped cream.
Can I use rum extract instead of light rum?
Yes, you can substitute 1/2 teaspoon of rum extract for the 2 tablespoons of light rum.
Where does the inspiration for this specific recipe come from?
This recipe is inspired by the Black Bottom Pie served at Widemans in Meridian, Mississippi.
How much whipping cream is required?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of whipping cream for the topping.
What role does cornstarch play in the recipe?
One tablespoon of cornstarch is used as a thickener for the chocolate custard layer.
How is the gelatin dissolved?
The gelatin should be mixed with 1/4 cup of cold water to bloom before being incorporated.
What kind of sugar is used for the whipped cream topping?
Icing sugar (powdered sugar) is used to sweeten and stabilize the whipped cream.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 16 ingredients in total for the Classic Mississippi Black Bottom Pie.
Is vanilla extract used in both the filling and the topping?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of vanilla is used in the custard and another teaspoon is used in the whipped cream.
What makes this pie a 'Black Bottom' pie?
The name comes from the dark, rich layer of chocolate custard at the base of the pie.
Is this a suitable dessert for holidays?
Yes, it is tagged as a holiday and celebration dessert, making it perfect for special occasions.
What is the texture of the chocolate layer?
The bottom layer is a smooth, dense chocolate custard thickened with egg yolks and cornstarch.
What is the texture of the middle layer?
The middle layer is a light, airy mousse made from whipped egg whites and gelatin.
How do you prepare the egg yolks for the custard?
The 4 egg yolks should be beaten before being added to the scalded milk mixture.
Can I use a pre-made graham cracker crust?
Yes, the recipe specifies a 9-inch graham wafer crust, which can be store-bought or homemade.
Is this recipe high in protein?
While not specifically a high-protein dish, it does contain protein from the 4 eggs and the milk.
What temperature should the milk be?
The milk should be scalded, meaning heated to just below the boiling point.
What are the common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include southern dessert, chocolate, creamy, no-bake, and Mississippi.
How much icing sugar is needed for the topping?
You will need 1/4 cup of icing sugar for the whipped cream layer.