There’s something magical about a dessert that combines the nostalgia of childhood ice cream with the sophistication of restaurant dining. The first time I made this no-bake Ice Cream Mud Pie, I was amazed at how something so simple could create such an impressive result. Layers of rich coffee ice cream nestled in a chocolate cookie crust, topped with hot fudge and fluffy whipped cream, create a frozen masterpiece that’s perfect for entertaining or beating the summer heat.

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What makes Mud Pie the ultimate summer dessert
Unlike traditional baked desserts that heat your kitchen, this frozen treat requires zero oven time while delivering maximum impact. The combination of textures and temperatures creates a refreshing dessert that’s sophisticated enough for dinner parties yet simple enough for family gatherings.
Why this recipe works
The genius of mud pie lies in its strategic layering and temperature control. By allowing the ice cream to soften just enough for easy spreading, then freezing between layers, you create distinct textures that don’t blend together. The contrast between the crunchy chocolate crust, creamy ice cream, rich fudge, and light whipped cream creates the perfect bite every time.
Coffee mud pie no bake ingredients
For the chocolate cookie crust
- Oreo cookies – Provide the perfect chocolate base with built-in sweetness and structure
- Unsalted butter – Binds the cookie crumbs together to create a firm, sliceable crust
- Store-bought chocolate pie crust – Time-saving alternative that works equally well
For the ice cream layer
- Coffee ice cream – Classic choice that provides sophisticated flavor and creamy texture
- Alternative ice cream flavors – Chocolate, cookies and cream, or mint chocolate chip for variety
For the toppings
- Hot fudge sauce – Creates a rich, decadent layer that complements the coffee ice cream
- Heavy whipping cream – Makes fresh whipped cream that’s lighter and more flavorful than store-bought
- Vanilla extract – Enhances the whipped cream’s flavor profile
- Slivered almonds – Adds textural contrast and an elegant finishing touch

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Try chocolate ganache instead of hot fudge for an even more decadent pie.
Don’t care for almonds? Substitute them with chopped pecans or walnuts.
You can use whipped topping for this pie, but it will taste better if you make the whipped cream with heavy whipping cream. Simply use a whisk or hand mixer to whip 1 cup heavy cream and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract.
How to Make Mud Pie
To prepare a homemade chocolate cookie crust:
- Crush 22 Oreo cookies using either a food processor or using a rolling pin to crush the cookies into crumbs in a plastic zip-top bag.
- Place the cookie crumbs in a large bowl.
- Melt 5 tablespoons of butter and stir the melted butter into the cookie crumbs.
- Press the mixture into a pie plate.

To prepare a Mud Pie recipe no bake style:
- Place the coffee ice cream on the counter to soften.
- Pack the ice cream into the prepared pie crust in an even layer when it has softened. Use an offset spatula to push the ice cream down into the edges and remove any air pockets. Smooth the top.

- Drape a piece of plastic wrap loosely over the top of the pie and freeze for about four hours.
- Once the pie is frozen, warm the hot fudge sauce according to the package, let the fudge sauce cool slightly, then drizzle it over the ice cream.
- Top the fudge sauce with whipped cream and garnish with a sprinkling of slivered almonds.
- Wrap the pie loosely in plastic and freeze for at least four more hours before serving.
Tip: Run hot water over a knife to warm it and make it easier to slice the pie.

Recipe Variations
In addition to the classic Mud Pie recipe, there are a few of the most common versions of mud pies that you may want to try making:
- Chocolate Mud Pie. Swap out the coffee ice cream for chocolate ice cream. Use a Y-peeler to shave a dark chocolate candy bar into chocolate curls for garnish.
- Oreo Mud Pie. Make a crust with crushed Oreo Thin. Swap the coffee ice cream for cookies ‘n cream. Freeze chocolate-covered Oreo cookies. Break them into small pieces and swap them for the silvered almonds.
- Grasshopper Mud Pie. Replace the coffee ice cream with mint chocolate. Freeze Andes Crème de Menthe Thin Mints and break them with a spoon. Sprinkle the broken candies over the whipped cream instead of the slivered almonds.
What to Serve This Coffee Mud Pie Recipe With
A big slice of Mud Pie goes wonderfully with a delicious beverage. Coffee, hot coffee-based drink, and tea are good choices since they can help ward off the dreaded ‘brain freeze’.
For the adults in the room, you may want to try pairing the pie with a little tipple. A glass of Kahlúa or a Chocolate Martini would make a tasty combo with the pie, as would an Irish Coffee.
How to Store the Mud Pie Dessert
Since it can be dangerous to freeze, thaw, and refreeze the pie, pre-slicing the pie before freezing is a good idea. Keep the sliced pie in the pie plate and cover it in a layer of plastic wrap. Then wrap it in a layer of aluminum foil. You can also wrap each slice separately if you prefer.
How Long Does It Last?
Frozen Mud Pie should last a month or perhaps a little longer in the freezer. Do not refreeze any slices that have been out of the freezer for more than a few minutes.

Favorite Pie Recipes
- Banana Cream Pie
- Blueberry Sour Cream Pie
- Black Bottom Pie
- Buttermilk Pie
- Cinnamon Roll Pie
- Key Lime Meringue Pie
- Lemon Cream Cheese Pie
- Pineapple Cream Cheese Pie
- Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie
- Turtle Pie
Popular Ice Cream Recipes
Check out more of my easy pie recipes and the best ice cream recipes on CopyKat!
This recipe came from the book The Best of Colorado’s Gourmet Gold. Although it’s out of print, you may be able to obtain a copy via Amazon or even your local used book store. The restaurant that this was adapted from was the Chart House in Aspen.
Ice Cream Mud Pie Easy Copycat Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 quart coffee ice cream
- 1 chocolate cookie pie crust
- 8 ounces hot fudge sauce
- 6 ounces whipped cream
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds for garnish
Instructions
- Let the ice cream stand at room temperature until softened.
- Spread the ice cream into the pie crust and place the pie in the freezer for 4 hours.
- Warm the hot fudge sauce.
- Remove the pie from freezer. Pour the hot fudge sauce over the ice cream. Spread the whipped cream on top and sprinkle with slivered almonds.










This was a big hit when I had my ladies group over! They loved it. I used dark chocolate!