Millionaire Pie: A Heavenly Dessert Delight
Indulge in the decadent delight of Millionaire Pie, a heavenly dessert that’s sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. This rich and creamy pie features a luscious combination of cream cheese, pineapple, coconut, pecans, and whipped cream, all nestled within a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to potluck dinners, this easy-to-make pie will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use a pre-made Graham Cracker Crust for this recipe? A: Yes, absolutely! A store-bought Graham Cracker Crust works perfectly fine and saves you time in the kitchen. However, if you prefer to make your own crust from scratch, feel free to do so.
Q: Can I use sweetened coconut instead of unsweetened? A: Yes, you can use sweetened coconut if you prefer a sweeter taste. Just be mindful of adjusting the sugar content accordingly to prevent the pie from becoming overly sweet.
Q: Can I make this pie ahead of time? A: Yes, Millionaire Pie is a great make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh.
Ingredients:
- 1 store-bought or homemade Graham Cracker Crust
- 8 oz block of cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sugar
- 8 oz can or 1 cup crushed pineapple, undrained
- 1 cup dried shredded or desiccated Coconut, unsweetened
- 1 cup chopped pecans, reserve a few extra for garnish
- 2 cups whipping or heavy cream, whipped until stiff peaks form and sweetened with 1/4 cup of sugar
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the Pineapple and Coconut:
- Gently fold in the crushed pineapple (including the juice) and shredded coconut until well combined.
- Fold in the Chopped Pecans:
- Stir in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the filling mixture.
- Whip the Heavy Cream:
- In a separate mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Sweeten the whipped cream with 1/4 cup of sugar, if desired.
- Combine the Filling and Whipped Cream:
- Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated. Be gentle to maintain the airy texture of the whipped cream.
- Assemble the Pie:
- Spoon the creamy filling into the prepared Graham Cracker Crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Chill and Garnish:
- Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the pie to set.
- Before serving, garnish the pie with additional chopped pecans for added texture and visual appeal.
Cook Notes:
- For a smoother texture, ensure that the cream cheese is softened at room temperature before mixing.
- If you prefer a more pronounced pineapple flavor, you can use pineapple tidbits or chunks instead of crushed pineapple.
- Toasting the chopped pecans before adding them to the filling can enhance their nutty flavor.
Variations:
- Chocolate Twist: Add a layer of chocolate ganache or chocolate shavings between the crust and filling for a decadent chocolatey touch.
- Fruit Medley: Experiment with different fruits such as mandarin oranges, cherries, or strawberries for a colorful and fruity variation.
Keto and Low-Carb Version:
For a keto-friendly or low-carb version of Millionaire Pie, you can make the following substitutions:
- Use a low-carb Graham Cracker Crust made with almond flour or coconut flour.
- Substitute the sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia.
- Opt for unsweetened shredded coconut to reduce the carb content.
- Use a sugar-free whipped cream or coconut cream topping instead of traditional whipped cream.
Millionaire Pie is a classic dessert that never fails to impress with its creamy texture and irresistible flavors. Whether you’re serving it up for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, this indulgent pie is sure to be a hit. With its simple preparation and delightful combination of ingredients, it’s no wonder why Millionaire Pie has stood the test of time as a beloved favorite. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of heaven with this delectable dessert!
