Misti Stowers, owner of Buttercream Bakery and Frozen Custard in Pocahontas, Arkansas, has garnered attention and accolades for her delicious take on a unique Arkansas treat: the Possum Pie. This layered dessert recently earned her a first-place victory in the initial round of the dessert category at the prestigious World Food Championships in Indianapolis.
Despite its name, the Possum Pie contains no possum. Stowers humorously notes that she enjoys surprising people with this fact. The pie's intriguing moniker, she explains, likely stems from the idea of "playing possum," as the decadent layers of pecan crust, cream cheese, chocolate pie filling, and whipped cream conceal the delicious surprises within.
Stowers' bakery, which opened during the challenging times of the 2020 pandemic, has thrived thanks to strong community support. Her success at the World Food Championships, where she competed against 20 other talented chefs, is a testament to her skill and the appeal of this distinctive Arkansas dessert.
Although the exact origins of the Possum Pie remain somewhat mysterious, written references date back to the early 1980s in Arkansas publications. Similar recipes, under different names, appeared around the same time in other parts of the country. The Possum Pie, however, has become a unique symbol of Arkansas cuisine.
Stowers encourages anyone visiting Arkansas to try this comforting and delicious dessert. She believes it's a must-try experience that embodies the spirit of comfort food cherished in the state.
