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Homemade Million Dollar Pie: A Slice of Pure Bliss
Ah, Million Dollar Pie! Just the name alone makes my mouth water. I remember the first time I came across this delightful dessert at a family gathering. The buttery graham cracker crust, a hint of tang from the lemon, and that heavenly creamy filling just blew me away! It was love at first bite, and ever since then, I’ve been on a quest to perfect my version of this luscious treat.
What makes this pie so special? Well, it’s a fantastic blend of flavors and textures—smooth and creamy cheese filling, crunchy pecans, and sweet coconut all nestled in a golden crust. It’s perfect for summer barbecues or any occasion where you want to impress your friends without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive into this heavenly recipe, shall we?
What’s in Homemade Million Dollar Pie?
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs: This is the foundation of our pie crust. You can use store-bought crumbs or crush whole graham crackers—both work deliciously!
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: This binds our crust together and adds richness. Make sure to use unsalted so we can control the flavor!
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut: This will give our pie that tropical flair. If you’re not a fan, feel free to omit it or use unsweetened coconut.
- 1 cup chopped pecans: These add a nice crunch and depth of flavor. Toasting them amplifies their nuttiness, which I highly recommend!
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened: A creamy base that makes the filling oh-so-decadent.
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk: This is where the sweetness comes from—it’s what makes this dessert feel like a little hug in every bite!
- 1/2 cup lemon juice: The zesty kick that balances the sweetness of the condensed milk. Freshly squeezed is best!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic layer to our pie.
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip): For that light, fluffy texture—use a store-bought version or whip your own heavy cream!
- Maraschino cherries for garnish: A little cherry on top makes everything more festive!
Is Homemade Million Dollar Pie Good for You?
Let’s be honest here; Million Dollar Pie is not winning any health awards. However, it does have some redeeming qualities! The pecans offer healthy fats and protein, and the lemon juice adds a bit of vitamin C. On the downside, though, this pie is high in sugar and fat due to the sweetened condensed milk and cream cheese.
If you’re looking to lighten it up, consider reducing the amount of condensed milk or using a lower-fat cream cheese. Remember, moderation is key, and indulge wisely!
Ingredients List
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped topping
- Maraschino cherries for garnish
How to Make Homemade Million Dollar Pie?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures our crust gets that lovely golden brown color.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until well blended. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie dish to form the crust. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool.
3. In another bowl, toast the shredded coconut and chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. Set aside to cool.
4. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
5. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese, blending until smooth and creamy.
6. Gently fold in the whipped topping until fully integrated into the mixture.
7. Pour the creamy filling into the cooled graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
8. Sprinkle the toasted coconut and chopped pecans evenly over the top of the pie.
9. Chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to firm up.
10. Before serving, garnish with maraschino cherries for a pop of color.
Pie-tastic Tips!
– For an extra flavorful twist, consider adding a tablespoon of your favorite liqueur, like coconut rum or hazelnut, to the filling.
– If you’re not a fan of pecans, feel free to swap them out with chopped walnuts or almonds—those work beautifully too!
– Don’t forget to serve this pie chilled—it’s the perfect refreshing dessert on a hot day. A dollop of extra whipped topping on the side is always a crowd-pleaser!
There you have it! My beloved Homemade Million Dollar Pie! I promise you, every bite will be a delightful experience. This recipe always brings memories of laughter, family gatherings, and of course, happy tummies. I can’t wait for you to try this out! When you do, please share your experience—did the pie live up to its million-dollar name? Happy baking!
