Millionaire Peach Marshmallow Dessert

Millionaire Peach Salad is a celebration of creamy and lush flavors in a chilled, crowd-pleasing dessert. Juicy peaches, fluffy marshmallows, and a luxurious vanilla dressing come together with a generous sprinkle of nuts and coconut for summer parties or whenever you want something special. This recipe always disappears fast at family gatherings, and it is easy enough for potlucks but showstopper-worthy on any table.

I first made this for my grandmother’s birthday and everyone went back for thirds–now I bring it for every holiday dinner because the requests never stop.

Ingredients

• Peaches canned and diced: Sweet and juicy with a hint of tang Choose cling peaches if you want a richer yellow color and drain them well to keep salad texture perfect
• Mini marshmallows: Provide pillowy softness throughout Look for fresh ones so they do not stick together
• Heavy cream: Whipped for a thick and airy body Use very cold cream for easier whipping
• Cream cheese softened: Makes the base tangy and creamy Room temperature is best for smoothest blend
• Granulated sugar: Gives delicate sweetness Superfine sugar will dissolve more quickly
• Vanilla extract: Lends signature Southern dessert aroma Pure extract gives the deepest flavor
• Crushed pecans: Adds buttery crunch Toast lightly for even more nutty fragrance
• Coconut flakes: Offers an irresistible chewy bite Pick unsweetened if you want to keep sweetness in check

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Peaches:

Drain the canned peaches completely by pressing gently with a spoon then dice into small even pieces and set aside so they are ready for mixing

Prep the Marshmallows:

Measure mini marshmallows into a large mixing bowl where you will assemble the whole salad later

Whip the Cream:

Pour chilled heavy cream into a cold bowl and whip using a mixer at medium-high speed until stiff peaks form which usually takes about 2 minutes Set this aside in the refrigerator if your kitchen is warm

Smooth the Cream Cheese:

Place the softened cream cheese in a big bowl and beat until it is absolutely smooth and creamy with no lumps left This step is key for the best mouthfeel

Sweeten the Base:

Add granulated sugar to the cream cheese and beat until fully blended You should not see or feel any graininess

Add Flavor:

Mix in the vanilla extract and combine thoroughly so the flavor spreads evenly throughout the base

Fold in Whipped Cream:

Using a spatula gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture with slow turning and scooping motions until just combined for maximum fluffiness

Mix Fruits and Mallows:

Add diced peaches and marshmallows to the creamy base and fold gently just until well distributed Do not overmix to keep peaches intact

Add Pecans:

Sprinkle in the crushed pecans and stir so they are spread evenly and every bite gets some crunch

Top with Coconut:

Scatter coconut flakes over the surface for texture and that signature tropical note

Chill and Set:

Transfer the entire mixture to your serving dish smooth the top with a spatula and cover tightly Chill for at least two hours for best texture and fully developed flavor

Serve:

Uncover the dish just before serving Give a gentle stir if juices separated and enjoy chilled

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The pecans are my favorite part because they taste even better when lightly toasted I always sneak a handful while making this and my younger cousin helps fluff the marshmallows a tradition we both look forward to every summer

Storage Tips

Keep any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator This salad will stay fresh for up to three days but is best eaten within twenty four hours as the peaches can release juices over time which slightly softens the texture If you want to prep ahead hold off adding the pecans and coconut until right before serving for maximum crunch

Ingredient Substitutions

Walnuts or sliced almonds can stand in for pecans for a different nutty undertone If you are out of heavy cream whipped topping can be used just reduce the sugar a bit If you want a lighter version choose reduced fat cream cheese or even Greek yogurt for tang

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad cold as a standalone dessert or as part of a big spread for brunches family dinners or summer parties For an extra fancy look top with more peach slices and a sprig of mint My mom loves to enjoy a scoop with her morning coffee on hot days and I have even tried it over pancakes for a weekend treat

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Cultural Background

Millionaire Peach Salad draws on classic Southern traditions of combining fruit nuts and a creamy component for showy chilled salads often seen at church potlucks and holiday gatherings The name reflects how decadent and luxurious it tastes something you would serve to impress guests From vintage cookbooks to modern Southern kitchens this dish is synonymous with summertime and celebration

Common Recipe Questions

→ What’s the best way to drain canned peaches for this dessert?

Pour peaches into a colander and let them sit for several minutes to remove excess liquid. Pat gently with a paper towel if needed.

→ Can I substitute another nut for pecans?

Yes! Walnuts or almonds work well and add a different flavor profile to the dessert's crunchy layer.

→ How do I ensure the dressing is creamy and smooth?

Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature before mixing. Beat until completely smooth before adding other ingredients.

→ Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare it a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to firm for even better results.

→ Is there a lighter version of this dish?

For a lighter alternative, use reduced-fat cream cheese and whipped topping instead of full-fat options and heavy cream.