Holy Smoke Pie
A rich, creamy layered pie featuring chocolate, cream cheese, and pecans with a crumbly crust, perfect for satisfying dessert cravings and entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Let margarine soften to room temperature, then cut into flour and add chopped pecans to form a crumbly mixture.
- Pat the mixture into a large baking dish or pan to form the crust.
- Bake the crust for 15 minutes at 350°F; then cool.
- Mix powdered sugar and cream cheese, then fold in 1 cup of Cool Whip from the 9-ounce package.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust.
- Mix together the chocolate instant pudding and milk until thickened.
- Spread the pudding mixture over the cheese layer.
- Spread the remaining Cool Whip on top of the pie and sprinkle chopped pecans on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine in the crust. You can substitute walnuts or almonds for the pecans if desired. When mixing the cream cheese and powdered sugar, ensure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps. If you prefer a lighter version, reduce the amount of Cool Whip or use a sugar-free pudding mix.
Serving Suggestions
This Holy Smoke Pie pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for dessert after a meal. Consider serving it alongside a light salad, like a Divine Salad, to balance the sweetness. It's also a great choice for potlucks or gatherings, where it can be sliced into small squares for easy serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you need to reheat, it’s best to let the pie come to room temperature before serving, as reheating may alter the texture of the cream cheese and pudding layers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holy Smoke Pie contains roughly 618 calories, with 9g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is a good source of protein (19% of the Daily Value), iron (15% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (14% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, this pie can be made a day in advance. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator after assembling. The flavors often meld beautifully overnight, enhancing the overall taste.
What can I use instead of Cool Whip?
If you prefer to avoid Cool Whip, you can use homemade whipped cream. Simply whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar until soft peaks form and fold it into the cream cheese mixture.
Can I use a different flavor of pudding?
Absolutely! While chocolate is traditional, vanilla or even caramel pudding can provide a unique twist. Just be sure that the flavor complements the other ingredients in the pie.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).