I created Original Texas Flood Pie during the floods here in 2015. This indulgent dessert features layers of chocolate, peanut butter, marshmallows, and pecans, making it a perfect choice for any gathering. With its no-bake preparation, this pie is not only easy to make but also promises a rich and delightful experience. Whether it’s a potluck or a special celebration, this pie will steal the show!

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Crust
- For the Filling
- For Toppings
- Additional Cream Layer
- Garnish
- How to Make Original Texas Flood Pie
- Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Step 2: Make the Filling
- Step 3: Assemble the Pie
- Step 4: Chill & Serve
- How to Serve Original Texas Flood Pie
- Classic Whipped Cream
- Fresh Berries
- Ice Cream
- Caramel Sauce
- Nuts and Seeds
- Coffee or Tea
- How to Perfect Original Texas Flood Pie
- Best Side Dishes for Original Texas Flood Pie
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Original Texas Flood Pie
- Reheating Original Texas Flood Pie
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Original Texas Flood Pie?
- Can I customize my Original Texas Flood Pie?
- How do I know when my pie is set?
- Is Original Texas Flood Pie suitable for special diets?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate and peanut butter creates a rich taste that everyone loves.
- No Baking Required: Save time and effort with this easy recipe that requires no oven.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for parties, holidays, or just a treat at home.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With its over-the-top ingredients, it’s sure to impress family and friends.
- Quick Preparation: Ready in just 25 minutes, making it an excellent last-minute dessert.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin making your Original Texas Flood Pie, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and ensure you don’t miss any steps.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- 9-inch pie dish
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the ingredients smoothly to achieve the desired texture.
- Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect balance of flavors.
- Whisk: Helps create a light texture in the cream mixtures and ensures all ingredients are well blended.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 2 sleeves Ritz crackers
- 1/2 cup salted butter (melted and allowed to become golden brown)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla salt (optional)
For the Filling
- 1 cup bittersweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (whipping)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
For Toppings
- 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1 tablespoon white corn syrup
Additional Cream Layer
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy cream (whipping, divided use)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (milk, bittersweet, or a combination)
Garnish
- Optional: 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Original Texas Flood Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
First, crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs. Combine them with melted butter and optional vanilla salt in a mixing bowl until evenly mixed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish to form your crust.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a saucepan over low heat, combine bittersweet chocolate chips with heavy cream. Stir until fully melted and smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
In another mixing bowl, beat room temperature cream cheese until smooth. Add creamy peanut butter and powdered sugar; mix until well combined. Fold in the cooled chocolate mixture gently.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Pour the filling into the prepared crust. Spread evenly using a rubber spatula. Top with milk chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and chopped pecans for added texture and flavor.
Step 4: Chill & Serve
Refrigerate your pie for at least an hour or until set. For serving, whip remaining heavy cream until peaks form; spread over pie as a final layer if desired. Drizzle with white corn syrup before slicing.
Enjoy your delicious Original Texas Flood Pie!
How to Serve Original Texas Flood Pie
Serving Original Texas Flood Pie is a delightful experience that can elevate any gathering. This rich and indulgent dessert pairs beautifully with various accompaniments, making it perfect for potlucks or special occasions.
Classic Whipped Cream
- Light and airy whipped cream adds a creamy texture that balances the pie’s richness. Serve a dollop on each slice for an extra treat.
Fresh Berries
- A side of fresh berries, such as strawberries or raspberries, provides a tart contrast to the sweetness of the pie. They also add a pop of color to your presentation.
Ice Cream
- Vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing that complements the chocolate and peanut butter flavors wonderfully. Consider serving it on the side or atop a warm slice.
Caramel Sauce
- Drizzling caramel sauce over the pie brings an added layer of sweetness and richness. It’s especially delightful for those who love extra indulgence.
Nuts and Seeds
- A sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts can enhance the texture and flavor profile of each bite. They offer a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the creamy filling.
Coffee or Tea
- Pairing this dessert with a warm cup of coffee or tea can help balance its sweetness. The bitterness of coffee, in particular, complements chocolate desserts beautifully.
How to Perfect Original Texas Flood Pie
Perfecting Original Texas Flood Pie is all about attention to detail and following some key tips. Here are some helpful suggestions to ensure your pie turns out amazing every time.
Use High-Quality Chocolate: Choosing high-quality chocolate chips will significantly enhance the flavor of your pie. Look for brands with rich cocoa content for best results.
Let Ingredients Reach Room Temperature: Allowing cream cheese and other ingredients to reach room temperature helps achieve a smoother filling. This avoids lumps and ensures even mixing.
Don’t Rush The Chilling Time: After preparing the pie, let it chill in the refrigerator for several hours. This helps set the filling properly and allows flavors to meld beautifully.
Experiment With Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings like crushed cookies or flavored whipped cream. Personalizing your pie will make it even more special for your guests.
Adjust Sweetness to Taste: If you prefer a less sweet pie, adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the recipe according to your taste preference without compromising texture.
Store Properly: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This keeps your pie fresh while maintaining its delicious flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Original Texas Flood Pie
Pairing side dishes with Original Texas Flood Pie can create a well-rounded meal experience. Consider these options that complement its rich flavors beautifully.
Fruit Salad
A refreshing fruit salad adds brightness and balances out the richness of the pie, making it a great palate cleanser.Chocolate Mousse
For chocolate lovers, serving light and airy chocolate mousse alongside enhances the dessert experience with more chocolate!Cheese Platter
A selection of cheeses provides savory contrasts to sweet flavors, making it interesting for varied taste preferences.Pecan Pralines
Adding crunchy pecan pralines can give another layer of texture while echoing the nutty flavors found within the pie itself.Mini Cheesecakes
Offering mini cheesecakes serves as an elegant touch that can satisfy those craving cheesecake alongside their chocolate fix.Banana Pudding
The creamy texture and sweet flavor profile of banana pudding pair nicely with Original Texas Flood Pie, creating a comforting dessert duo.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the Original Texas Flood Pie can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to sidestep them.
Skipping the Browned Butter: Not browning your butter can lead to a less deep flavor. Make sure to melt and cook it until golden for that rich taste.
Not Soften Cream Cheese: Using cold cream cheese will result in lumps in your filling. Always let it come to room temperature before mixing.
Overwhipping Cream: Whipping the heavy cream too much can turn it into butter. Stop when soft peaks form for the perfect texture.
Inconsistent Layering: Unevenly layering ingredients can affect the pie’s appearance and taste. Take time to layer each component evenly for a beautiful pie.
Ignoring Chill Time: If you skip chilling the pie, it won’t set properly. Allow ample time in the fridge for optimal results.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Original Texas Flood Pie in an airtight container.
- It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Ensure the pie is completely cooled before sealing it in.
Freezing Original Texas Flood Pie
- Wrap individual slices or the whole pie tightly in plastic wrap.
- It can last up to 2 months in the freezer.
- Be sure to label and date your containers for best results.
Reheating Original Texas Flood Pie
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat on low power in 15-20 second intervals until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is Original Texas Flood Pie?
Original Texas Flood Pie is a no-bake dessert made with layers of chocolate, peanut butter, marshmallows, and pecans. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor.
Can I customize my Original Texas Flood Pie?
Absolutely! You can add different nuts or use various types of chocolate based on your preferences. Feel free to experiment with toppings like whipped cream or additional marshmallows!
How do I know when my pie is set?
The pie should feel firm to the touch after chilling in the refrigerator. It should hold its shape when sliced but still be creamy inside.
Is Original Texas Flood Pie suitable for special diets?
This pie contains dairy and gluten due to Ritz crackers. However, you can modify ingredients like using gluten-free cookies or dairy alternatives if needed.
Final Thoughts
The Original Texas Flood Pie is an indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, from potlucks to family gatherings. Its rich layers of chocolate and peanut butter make it a crowd-pleaser. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite mix-ins or toppings! Give this delightful recipe a try—you won’t regret it!
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📖 Recipe Card
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Original Texas Flood Pie
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 10 slices 1x
Description
Indulge in the decadent delight of Original Texas Flood Pie, a no-bake dessert that combines rich layers of chocolate, creamy peanut butter, fluffy marshmallows, and crunchy pecans.
Ingredients
- 2 sleeves Ritz crackers
- 1/2 cup salted butter
- 1 cup bittersweet chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Prepare the crust by crushing Ritz crackers and mixing them with melted butter. Press into a 9-inch pie dish.
- For the filling, melt bittersweet chocolate with heavy cream over low heat until smooth. Cool slightly.
- Beat room temperature cream cheese until smooth; add peanut butter and powdered sugar. Mix well and fold in cooled chocolate mixture.
- Pour filling into the crust and top with milk chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and pecans.
- Chill for at least an hour before serving, optionally topping with whipped cream and drizzling with corn syrup.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg