In a food processor, whirl chocolate wafers or Oreo Cookies to fine crumbs. Add butter; whirl another 5 to 10 seconds. Reserve 1/4 cup of the crushed Oreos for garnishing the top of the pie. Press crumb mixture firmly and evenly into a 9-inch pie plate or a springform pan. Note: I like to line the pan with plastic wrap. Makes for easier removing of the ice cream pie when time to cut it.
Spread softened ice cream over the pastry-lined pan. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze until ice cream is firm.
When ice cream is firm, remove from refrigerator. Remove plastic wrap from the top. Also remove the sides of the springform pan. Spread the top with fudge topping.
NOTE: It helps to place the fudge sauce in freezer for a time to make the spreading easier. Work quickly. If the chocolate starts to thin and soften, immediately return the Mud Pie to the freezer for a short time before proceeding (I learned this the had way!)
Cover completed Ice Cream Mud Pie with plastic wrap. Place in freezer approximately 10 hours to completely set.
Serve frozen, but let the pie set out of the freezer for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
To slice this pie, run a sharp knife under hot water, then dry it off with a paper towel or dish towel just before slicing. Slice into eight (8) portions and serve on chilled individual dessert plates with chilled forks.
Top with prepared whipped cream or whipped topping. Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle slivered almonds and/or Oreo cookie crumbs over the top of each portion.
Makes 8 servings.
* May substitute prepared chocolate-cookie crumb crust. You could also use chocolate graham crackers.
** The trick is to soften the ice cream enough to manipulate it, but make sure it is still pretty well frozen. Sounds like a lot of ice cream, but you will be piling it high.
Chart House Mud Pie Recipe: https://whatscookingamerica.net/mudpie.htm