🍰 ARKANSAS STATE CAKE — Possum Pie Cake Version

Arkansas’s official state dessert is Possum Pie — a layered chocolate, cream cheese, whipped cream, and pecan creation that’s far more delicious than its name suggests. For Global Cravings, we’ve transformed this iconic pie into a cozy, slice‑missing cake that celebrates the same flavors in a soft, layered format. The Possum Pie Cake is rich, creamy, and playful — just like Arkansas itself.

📜 History of Possum Pie

Possum Pie is a beloved Southern dessert that originated in Arkansas diners and family kitchens. Despite its name, there’s no possum involved — the name is a playful nod to the pie’s hidden chocolate layer, which “plays possum” beneath the whipped cream. Traditionally made with a pecan crust, chocolate pudding, cream cheese, and whipped topping, Possum Pie became a regional favorite and was eventually declared Arkansas’s official state dessert. This cake version keeps the spirit alive while fitting seamlessly into your State Cake series.

🐾 Fun Fact

Possum Pie got its name because the chocolate layer is “playing possum” — hiding under the whipped cream so you don’t see it until you slice in.

🧁 Full Recipe — Possum Pie Cake Version

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 2 cups all‑purpose flour
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup milk

For the Cream Cheese Layer

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 egg
• ½ tsp vanilla

For the Whipped Cream Topping

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla
• Chopped pecans + chocolate shavings for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9‑inch round cake pan.
2. Make the cream cheese layer: Beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Set aside.
3. Make the cake batter: Whisk dry ingredients. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar, then add eggs, vanilla, sour cream, and milk. Combine wet and dry.
4. Layer the cake: Pour half the cake batter into the pan. Spoon the cream cheese mixture over it. Top with remaining cake batter.
5. Bake 35–40 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
6. Make whipped cream: Beat cream, sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
7. Top the cake: Spread whipped cream over cooled cake. Garnish with pecans and chocolate shavings.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve your Possum Pie Cake:

• Chilled, with extra whipped cream
• Garnished with chopped pecans and chocolate shavings
• With a drizzle of chocolate syrup
• Alongside iced coffee or sweet tea
• As a playful dessert at Southern‑themed gatherings

🔢 Nutrition Estimate (per serving)

Calories: ~340 Carbs: ~45g Sugars: ~30g Fat: ~18g Protein: ~5g Sodium: ~180mg

⚠️ Nutrition Disclaimer

All nutrition information provided is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and brands. This recipe is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered dietary or medical advice.

🧭 State Dessert Series

🐾 State Dessert Series This Possum Pie Cake is part of the Arkansas trio — featuring the Southern Orchard Mocktail, the Berry Bluff Smoothie, and this playful, layered cake. Follow along as Global Cravings explores all 50 states, one delicious creation at a time.

💗 Pairing Paragraph

For a full Arkansas flavor experience, pair this cake with the Southern Orchard Mocktail, a peach‑pecan iced tea blend, or the Berry Bluff Smoothie, which brings fresh berries and cream into the mix. Together, they create a trio that’s rich, refreshing, and unmistakably Southern.