Avocado Pie

Yes, you read it right. Avocado pie. And for once, I’m not talking savory. I came across my old friend’s hand-written recipe recently and had to make it this summer. Avocado pie is unique and simply delightful.

Way back in the 70’s I lived in Santa Barbara, California, where I attended college. I had friends who co-habitated in a large house, and I visited them quite often, probably because I was living in a mother-in-law cottage and enjoyed the space, and the music.

These folks were all wonderfully talented bohemian artists, writers, and musicians – a nice change from the nerdy geology majors with whom I attended classes. (Nothing against nerds, as I was one of them.)

One friend stood out for three reasons. First, he looked just like Jesus Christ. Second, he was a classical pianist who was as talented as Van Cliburn. Third, he made this pie, and it’s from him that I got this recipe.


Above from the left: my sister, myself, and Jesus Christ, circa 1975?

So fast forward a million years and I have a cooking blog, and I’ll bet a small minority of you have ever had such a thing as an avocado pie. I only say that because, I’ve never come across one, and I follow hundreds of blogs. It’s a dessert – it has nothing to do with guacamole. And it’s so simple to make.

First you must make a graham cracker crust.

Graham Cracker Crust

5 ounces graham crackers
1/2 cup white sugar
1 stick or 4 ounces unsalted butter, at room temperature

Preheat the oven to 375 Fahrenheit. Choose an 8 or 9″ shallow pie plate.

Place the graham crackers in the jar of a food processor along with the sugar. Process until smooth.

Place the crumbs in a medium bowl and place the stick of butter on the crumbs. Microwave gently until the butter melts.

Stir everything until evenly combined. Scrape the mixture into the pie plate.

Using a large spoon, begin spreading and flattening the crumbs into a firm crust, working it up the sides of the pie plate. Bake the crust for approximately 12 minutes – it will be firm and golden in color.

If it has puffed a little, smooth it down with the large spoon.

Cool the pie crust and meanwhile prepare the filling.

As the recipe states, blend together the avocado, sweetened condensed milk and lime juice until smooth, then pour the result green glop into the pie crust.

The pie must chill at least four hours or overnight before serving.

I served mine with a little squiggle of diluted crème fraiche.

The pie is so sweet that it really needs the crème fraiche.

It’s also quite soft. If I was a confident baker I would figure out how to incorporate a little gelatin into the avocado pie filling.

As I mentioned, this pie is sweet. Normally sweetened condensed milk is not a favorite ingredient to use, but I wanted to make the recipe as I remember it. Some lime zest and a little less lime juice to maybe help the filling be thicker, but it’s not a lime pie. Just don’t try and cut large pieces!

By Published On: September 3rd, 201957 Comments on Avocado Pie

About the Author: Chef Mimi

As a self-taught home cook, with many years in the culinary profession, I am passionate about all things food-related. Especially eating!

57 Comments

  1. Eva Taylor September 3, 2019 at 7:00 AM - Reply

    What a coincidence, I recently made chocolate frosting using avocado and maple syrup and it was incredible! You could freeze this pie and it would be awesome! Definitely book marking this recipe. Are you still friends with JC?

    • chef mimi September 3, 2019 at 7:40 AM - Reply

      No, I’m not. Can’t even remember his last name. Pitiful. Avocados are pretty amazing, aren’t they?!

  2. Jodi September 3, 2019 at 8:40 AM - Reply

    WHAT????!!!! What does it taste like??

    • chef mimi September 3, 2019 at 8:56 AM - Reply

      Well, like sweetened avocado !!!

      • Jodi September 3, 2019 at 10:35 AM

        LOL!! :)

  3. Silvia September 3, 2019 at 8:42 AM - Reply

    Oh my! This pie really looks and sounds like heaven! I guess I will have to give it a try!!!

    • chef mimi September 3, 2019 at 8:56 AM - Reply

      It’s a bit on the sweet side for my taste, which is why I liked it served with the creme fraiche. but most people like sweeter than I do!

  4. Gerlinde@Sunnycovechef September 3, 2019 at 9:55 AM - Reply

    Oh those memories! I usually can imagine flavor and taste, but for this one I can’t. I’m glad you keep this pie alive. I love the photo of the three of you.

    • chef mimi September 3, 2019 at 11:11 AM - Reply

      The photo was a whole different story. My friend and I had been backpacking in the Sierras, and my sister and her boyfriend were coming to see me in Santa Barbara, but we all happened to stop in Carmel en route and saw each other on the beach!!!

  5. Ronit Penso Tasty Eats September 3, 2019 at 11:52 AM - Reply

    Looks delicious. Avocado indeed goes well with sugar. I sometimes make a quick mousse using it. So good.

    • chef mimi September 3, 2019 at 11:53 AM - Reply

      I don’t like using condensed sweetened milk, but I wanted to honor the old recipe.

      • Ronit Penso Tasty Eats September 3, 2019 at 12:02 PM

        I actually love condensed milk, but for the mousse, I use whipped cream.

      • chef mimi September 3, 2019 at 12:21 PM

        I guess it depends on the ratio when you use it with something, so I shouldn’t discount it completely!

  6. Kim Bultman September 3, 2019 at 2:42 PM - Reply

    There are so many reasons to smile about this post, Mimi. Loved the “throw back” recipe (as written), the photo of you, your sister, and “Jesus” (wearing red bell bottoms!) on the beach in Carmel, your wonderful recollections, and current adaptation w/creme fraiche. Still smiling!

    • chef mimi September 3, 2019 at 4:43 PM - Reply

      ah, those were the days. red bell bottoms. and me in my hippy dresses. my sister in her flea market fur coat! Glad to have made you smile!

  7. Ann Coleman September 3, 2019 at 2:44 PM - Reply

    That sounds really interesting! I love avocados, and I love pie, so I’m betting that I’d love the combination as well. Plus, your recipes always look delicious!

    • chef mimi September 3, 2019 at 4:43 PM - Reply

      Aw, that’s so sweet! You can tell this filling is soft, so I wasn’t sure how it would photograph…

  8. sherry September 3, 2019 at 9:33 PM - Reply

    what a gorgeous thing you were! love that 70s photo. of course you are still gorgeous. i’ve not had avocado pie but i’ve certainly had avo mousse and a chocolate avo mousse. it turns out really well in sweet dishes. cheers sherry

    • chef mimi September 3, 2019 at 9:36 PM - Reply

      Weren’t we all gorgeous back then??!! Thanks, Mimi

  9. Tandy | Lavender and Lime September 3, 2019 at 10:52 PM - Reply

    I’ve made a baked avocado cheesecake and avocado chocolate mousse but I’ve never seen this pie anywhere either. Love the photo of you and your sister and the man behind the recipe.

    • chef mimi September 4, 2019 at 6:18 AM - Reply

      Thanks! That’s the main reason why I wanted to make this pie again. I’ve never seen anything like it, and I started blogging and following blogs in 2012. It was fun to make.

  10. kitchenriffs September 4, 2019 at 10:03 AM - Reply

    Fun recipe! This is kinda sorta like an avocado key lime pie. Kinda. Sorta. :-)

    • chef mimi September 4, 2019 at 10:15 AM - Reply

      Sorta. It’s not that limey. I used 4.5 ounces of lime juice, since I wasn’t sure about the 4-5 ounces!

  11. sippitysup September 4, 2019 at 2:38 PM - Reply

    Something so wonderful and it’s from Santa Barbara memories. Making it all the more delicious for me. I lived in SB through most of the 1980s. GREG

    • chef mimi September 4, 2019 at 2:52 PM - Reply

      I remember that from your bio. I was sad to go but… i had a job. Haven’t been back since.

  12. StefanGourmet September 5, 2019 at 1:29 AM - Reply

    Despite the softness you managed to make it look great. I often find American recipes for baked goods to be too sweet. I used to bake a lot more before I cut down on sugar.

    • chef mimi September 5, 2019 at 7:31 AM - Reply

      They are too sweet. It’s one reason I don’t bake, even though I do cut back on the amount of sugar in recipes I can tackle. Besides, one can’t live off of desserts alone. I’m all for savory!

  13. David Scott Allen September 5, 2019 at 9:02 AM - Reply

    Ah, the 70s… I should take out some photos of me from that era… Frightening! Like you, I was a nerd… It was not a good look. :) Normally, if I saw this recipe anywhere else, I would pass it by. But, coming from you, I have to try it! Thanks Mimi. I’ll report back.

    • chef mimi September 5, 2019 at 9:04 AM - Reply

      Nah, don’t try it. It’s not good! It was just fun to make and reminisce! Fortunately I avoided the bad disco clothes… and was just a hippy.

  14. annie@ciaochowbambina September 5, 2019 at 1:05 PM - Reply

    I have to try this! I know my kids will love it! PS) Such a cute photo of y’all on the beach!

    • chef mimi September 5, 2019 at 1:41 PM - Reply

      Thanks. Old hippies!

  15. Sissi September 6, 2019 at 9:48 AM - Reply

    What an unusual dessert, but it looks particularly delicious! Beautiful photograph! Thank you for sharing all the story behind this pie.

    • chef mimi September 6, 2019 at 11:51 AM - Reply

      Thank you.

  16. Jeff the Chef September 6, 2019 at 10:03 AM - Reply

    Oh my God I LOVE THAT PICTURE. Seriously, if it were me, I’d have it framed and in my living room! Now, avocado pie on the other hand – who knows? I’ve never heard of such a thing – which means I’m eager to make one!

    • chef mimi September 6, 2019 at 11:53 AM - Reply

      Well my husband is very jealous so I don’t think he’d appreciate that photo, even thought it’s from so long ago…. You know what I’d do? Make the avocado pie filling, then fold it into whipped cream, unsweetened, and serve as a mousse, along with a cookie. Cause it’s just really sweet, but I wanted to make it for old time sake!

  17. Fran @ G'day Souffle' September 6, 2019 at 9:08 PM - Reply

    I’ve seen quite a few avocado ice cream recipes, but not avocado pie! BTW, I attended UC Santa Barbara from 1967-68 when things were probably a bit crazier. I thought it was too tame then decided to go to UC Berkeley (and THAT’s really a different story). Love those bell bottom pants- I still have my Simplicity pattern from the early 1970s when I made many bell bottoms from scratch!

    • chef mimi September 6, 2019 at 10:21 PM - Reply

      OH MY YES! I sewed a lot back then as well. Goodness. I assumed you were younger! Such a crazy couple of decades. Plus I crocheted quite a few bra tops! 🤣

  18. Kelly | Foodtasia September 7, 2019 at 3:12 AM - Reply

    Mimi, I’m so intrigued by this avocado pie! From the ingredients, it reminds of key lime pie – with the addition of avocado! I’m going to have to try it! Sooooo loving that photo from the seventies!

    • chef mimi September 7, 2019 at 6:23 AM - Reply

      I’ve never made one but I imagine it is similar. And there’s certainly a lime element, but you can definitely taste the avocado as well!

  19. cookingontheweekends September 7, 2019 at 3:16 PM - Reply

    Yum to the avocado pie — love the simplicity of the recipe. And like everyone else, I LOVE the photo! I hope your buddy, JC, is checking out this post! ;-) Have a delightful weekend, Mimi. ~Valentina

    • chef mimi September 7, 2019 at 4:48 PM - Reply

      I wonder what ever happened to him. If I could only remember his name I could check to see if he became a professional pianist. I remember for his senior recital, he wore ragged jeans and was barefoot!!!

  20. Vicki Bensinger September 8, 2019 at 12:08 PM - Reply

    I’ve never tried let alone heard of an avocado pie. I wonder if it still offers much health benefits with the sweetened condensed milk. It sure is pretty.

    • chef mimi September 8, 2019 at 12:23 PM - Reply

      Well, I guess you get the avocado benefits, but you also get the sweetened condensed milk sugar content. But I still wouldn’t consider this healthy. But most desserts aren’t. Which is why I cook 99% of the time, and leave baking desserts to others way more skilled than myself.

  21. neil@neilshealthymeals.com September 8, 2019 at 1:43 PM - Reply

    I love how simple this avocado pie is Mimi. And I bet its delicious too. And thanks for sharing your friends hand-written recipe. I love stuff like that. I’ve a great many hand written recipes in my recipe folder, handed down by relatives or passed to me by people I know or have known. Ha ha check out those flares on Jesus. They remind me of my 1970’s flares. They were so bad I had to weat bicycle clips.

    • chef mimi September 8, 2019 at 2:02 PM - Reply

      Ha! Oh, the 70’s… I’m just glad I managed to stay alive!

  22. Elena Bourke September 8, 2019 at 11:16 PM - Reply

    Adorable photo and I will definitely make this interesting and simple pie!

    • chef mimi September 9, 2019 at 6:18 AM - Reply

      Okay – be forewarned it is sweet!

  23. popsiclesociety September 9, 2019 at 9:27 PM - Reply

    Oh my, avocado pie! You are very right, I’ve never come across it!
    “fast forward a million years and I have a cooking blog” :) this is cute :)
    And you 3 in the pictures, great memories I think :) Not everyone can have a picture with Jesus Christ :)
    I do like the idea of this pie though and is very easy to make! Yes, maybe a gelatine or less lime juice will make the filling thicker…however I find it very good looking :)

  24. David @ Spiced September 10, 2019 at 6:39 AM - Reply

    This post is cracking me up, Mimi! First of all, the recipe actually says “green glop.” I mean that’s descriptive, and I knew exactly what it meant. Hah! Second of all, Jesus Christ. I mean those pants. And I didn’t realize Jesus liked to hang out on the beach. :-) Seriously, though, this pie sounds super unique. I’ve definitely never heard of anything like this. I’ll have to keep this in mind for sure!!

    • chef mimi September 10, 2019 at 6:45 AM - Reply

      Yeah, it’s definitely green and gloppy! And JC loved the beach. I wish I could find other photos of him. Such a resemblance! Anyway, seriously don’t bother making this, it was just a fun blog thing for me to do. But I thought that it would make a good mousse, made less sweet and lightened folded with whipped cream? There’s nothing bad about it, it’s just sweet. And the crust is sweet.

  25. mycookinglifebypatty September 10, 2019 at 10:52 AM - Reply

    I could so make this only non-dairy. Very inspiring!

  26. Ron September 11, 2019 at 11:32 AM - Reply

    Mimi, you definitely had the Southern Cal look back in the 70s. Avocado pie, a completely new concept to me. Now, if I can just find a few decent avocados over this way. Oh, and I love the backstory and the recipe Jesus gave you.

    • chef mimi September 11, 2019 at 11:37 AM - Reply

      I bet it is hard for you to get avocados. I know Stefan in Holland has a tough time as well. I guess I should feel fortunate in that, although I’d love to have access to fresh seafood… oh well. I just saw you posted again. Can’t wait to read it. Babysitting the grand kids, so it may take a while to get to!

  27. camparigirl September 12, 2019 at 5:37 PM - Reply

    Totally love this idea!

    • chef mimi September 12, 2019 at 6:34 PM - Reply

      It’s fun!

  28. Lynz Real Cooking September 18, 2019 at 5:02 PM - Reply

    Looks lovely

    • chef mimi September 18, 2019 at 5:06 PM - Reply

      It’s a treat!

Leave a Reply. I love 'em!