Creating Mississippi Mud Pie is simple if you follow these clear steps:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Make the Crust: In a bowl, combine chocolate wafer crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined.
3. Form the Crust: Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and cool.
4. Prepare the Filling: In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate chips until melted and smooth.
5. Combine Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Gradually add the melted chocolate mixture to the egg mixture, whisking until well combined.
6. Fill the Crust: Pour the filling into the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7. Bake the Pie: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
8. Cool the Pie: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set completely.
9. Prepare the Topping: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
10. Assemble: Spread the whipped cream over the cooled pie. Sprinkle with chopped nuts and garnish with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder if desired.

These steps will guide you in creating an incredible Mississippi Mud Pie that will impress everyone!