If you have a sweet tooth and love pies that combine creamy, fruity, and nutty textures, this Million Dollar Pie Recipe is going to charm your taste buds in ways you never imagined. Creamy sweetened condensed milk meets juicy crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, and the crunch of pecans all nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust, creating a luscious dessert that is easy to whip up but feels wonderfully decadent. This no-bake delight is perfect for any gathering or a special treat to enjoy after dinner, and once you try it, it may very well become your go-to pie for every occasion!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward ingredients is all it takes to make the magic happen. Each one plays a vital role in building the perfect balance of creaminess, sweetness, and texture that defines the Million Dollar Pie Recipe.
- Sweetened condensed milk (14 oz): The rich, creamy base that brings incredible sweetness and smoothness to the filling.
- Crushed pineapple (20 oz), drained: Adds bright fruity flavor and moisture without making the filling watery.
- Shredded sweetened coconut (1 cup): Provides subtle chewiness and tropical depth to the pie’s flavor profile.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (½ cup): Brings a welcome crunch and nutty aroma that contrasts the creamy filling.
- Chopped maraschino cherries (½ cup, optional): Offers pops of color and a sweet-tart accent that’s simply irresistible.
- Fresh lemon juice (3 tbsp): Adds brightness and a touch of tartness to balance the sweetness.
- Whipped topping (8 oz container): Creates that light, fluffy texture that makes the pie feel indulgent but not heavy.
- Graham cracker crumbs (1 ½ cups): The base of the crust that provides a golden, buttery foundation.
- Sugar (â…“ cup): Sweetens the crust just enough to complement the filling.
- Melted unsalted butter (6 tbsp): Binds the crust ingredients and adds richness and flavor.
- Whipped cream, chopped pecans, maraschino cherries, toasted coconut (for garnish): These elevate the pie’s presentation and offer an extra layer of taste and texture.
How to Make Million Dollar Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by mixing your graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted unsalted butter in a bowl until everything is combined and holds together when pressed. This mixture will become your buttery, slightly sweet crust that serves as the perfect vessel for the luscious filling. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie pan for an even, sturdy base.
Step 2: Chill or Bake Your Crust
You have two options here depending on your timeline and preference. For a quick no-bake option, pop your crust in the refrigerator for 30 minutes so it sets up nicely. If you prefer a bit more structure and a toasted flavor, bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, then allow it to cool fully before adding your filling. Both methods work wonderfully, so choose what suits you!
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, drained crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, and optional chopped maraschino cherries. Stir everything together gently and then add fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Finally, fold in the whipped topping carefully to keep the mixture light and airy, ensuring each bite is creamy and luscious.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Pour your beautifully mixed filling over the chilled or cooled crust, spreading it evenly to create a smooth top layer. This is where the anticipation of that first bite really starts to build, as the colorful and textured filling blushes against the golden crust.
Step 5: Garnish and Chill
Top your Million Dollar Pie with whipped cream, chopped pecans, maraschino cherries, and toasted coconut if you like a bit of extra flair. Cover the pie and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or better yet, overnight. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld together and the pie to set perfectly, so every slice holds its shape and bursts with that classic creamy, fruity, nutty goodness.
How to Serve Million Dollar Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Presentation is key to making this pie irresistible! A generous dollop of freshly whipped cream on each serving adds creaminess and elegance. Sprinkle a few chopped pecans, a maraschino cherry, or a pinch of toasted coconut on top to add texture and bright color that invites smiles and compliments.
Side Dishes
This pie shines as a standalone dessert but pairs beautifully with light sides like fresh berries or a simple fruit salad to add freshness. If you want to serve it after a hearty meal, a cup of warm coffee or a glass of cold milk is the perfect companion to balance out the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the Million Dollar Pie Recipe in individual clear glass dessert cups or parfait glasses layered with extra pineapple slices or coconut flakes for those who love a little extra tropical vibe. You could also create mini versions in muffin tins for a fun bite-sized treat that’s bursting with flavor just like the big pie!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Million Dollar Pie should always be covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 to 4 days, allowing the flavors to continue melding and the texture to remain creamy and delightful.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t the most recommended for this recipe due to the whipped topping, if needed, you can freeze an uncut pie wrapped securely with plastic wrap and foil. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving, although the texture might be slightly altered.
Reheating
This pie is best served chilled, so reheating is not necessary or recommended. If you’re serving leftovers, simply let them come to refrigerator temperature and enjoy that cool, creamy texture at its best.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned crushed pineapple?
Absolutely! Just make sure to finely crush or finely chop fresh pineapple and drain it well to avoid excess moisture that might make the filling watery.
Is it necessary to use whipped topping, or can I use homemade whipped cream?
You can definitely substitute homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste and fewer preservatives. Just be sure it’s whipped to stiff peaks to maintain the filling’s structure.
Can I substitute walnuts for pecans?
Yes, walnuts work just as well in this pie and offer their own unique nuttiness that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
How long should I chill the pie before serving?
The best results come from chilling the pie for at least 4 hours, but overnight chill time is ideal to let flavors fully meld and the pie to firm up perfectly.
Is this pie gluten-free?
Not in its traditional form due to the graham cracker crust, but you can easily substitute gluten-free graham cracker crumbs to make the whole pie gluten-free-friendly.
Final Thoughts
This Million Dollar Pie Recipe is one of those desserts that feels like a celebration every time you serve it. It’s easy, stunning, and so satisfyingly delicious that it’s bound to become a cherished staple in your recipe collection. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or simply indulging yourself, I promise you’ll fall head over heels for this dreamy, creamy treat. Go on, give it a try — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Million Dollar Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (optional crust baking)
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Million Dollar Pie is a creamy, tropical no-bake dessert featuring a graham cracker crust loaded with sweetened condensed milk, crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, nuts, and a fluffy whipped topping. This rich and refreshing pie is perfect for warm days when you want a luscious treat without turning on the oven for long, and it sets beautifully after chilling to deliver a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- â…“ cup sugar
- 6 tbsp melted unsalted butter
Filling
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- ½ cup maraschino cherries, chopped (optional)
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip)
Toppings
- Whipped cream
- Chopped pecans
- Maraschino cherries
- Toasted coconut (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted unsalted butter. Mix until the mixture holds together uniformly.
- Form the Crust: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan to form an even crust layer.
- Chill or Bake the Crust: For a no-bake crust, chill the crust in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set. Alternatively, bake the crust in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes until slightly golden, then allow it to cool completely.
- Make the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, drained crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, and chopped maraschino cherries if using.
- Add Lemon Juice and Whipped Topping: Stir in the fresh lemon juice thoroughly, then gently fold in the whipped topping until the filling mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Assemble the Pie: Spread the filling evenly over the prepared crust in the pie pan.
- Garnish: Decorate the top of the pie with additional whipped cream, chopped pecans, maraschino cherries, and toasted coconut if desired.
- Chill to Set: Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow the pie to firm up and flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve the pie chilled. Garnish individual slices with extra whipped cream if preferred for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- For extra flavor, the crust can be baked briefly, but chilling it without baking works well too.
- Chilling the pie overnight improves texture and flavor melding.
- Toasted coconut adds a lovely crunchy texture and deeper flavor when used as a topping.
- Substitute pecans with walnuts based on preference or nut allergies.
- The recipe is ideal for summer and potlucks as it requires minimal oven time.
