Million Dollar Pie Recipe

Easy Million Dollar Pie Recipe: A Sweet Taste of Heaven

Whipping up a million dollar pie brings pure dessert magic to your kitchen table.

Creamy layers of decadence promise an unforgettable sweet experience.

Silky textures and rich flavors combine in this classic Southern treat.

Nostalgic memories of grandma’s special gatherings dance through each delightful bite.

No complicated techniques or fancy equipment needed for this crowd-pleasing dessert.

Simple ingredients create an impressive masterpiece that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Dive into this recipe and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure deliciousness.

Million Dollar Pie: The Ultimate Indulgence

  • Stress-Free Preparation: Create this delightful pie with minimal cooking skills, requiring only simple mixing and no complex baking techniques.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Packed with sweet flavors like pineapple, coconut, and cherries that appeal to both kids and adults, making it perfect for family gatherings and potlucks.
  • Quick Assembly Magic: Combine ingredients in one bowl, spread in a crust, and chill – no advanced culinary expertise needed for this no-bake wonder that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
  • Versatile Party Favorite: Adaptable dessert that shines at summer barbecues, holiday celebrations, and casual get-togethers, offering a refreshing and indulgent treat everyone will love.

Ingredients for Million Dollar Pie

For the Crust:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: A sweet and crunchy base that provides a delightful texture to the pie.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust and helps it hold together.
  • Butter: Binds the crust ingredients and creates a rich, golden flavor.
For the Filling Base:
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: A thick, creamy ingredient that brings richness and sweetness to the pie.
  • Pineapple: Adds a tropical, tangy flavor and juicy texture to the filling.
  • Coconut: Provides a sweet, nutty taste and interesting texture to the pie.
  • Nuts: Contribute a crunchy element and enhance the overall flavor profile.
  • Maraschino Cherries: Bring a pop of color and sweet-tart flavor to the dessert.
For the Finishing Touches:
  • Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavors and adds a subtle tangy note to the filling.
  • Whipped Topping, Whipped Cream: Creates a light, airy texture and adds a creamy finish to the pie.
  • Toasted Coconut: Offers a golden, nutty crunch as a garnish.

How to Prepare Million Dollar Pie

Step 1: Create Delectable Pie Crust

Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Mix thoroughly until the texture resembles wet sand. Press the crumbly mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie pan.

Chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, then allow to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare Creamy Tropical Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, and optional maraschino cherries.

Add fresh lemon juice for a bright, tangy flavor. Gently fold in whipped topping until the mixture is smooth and well blended.

Step 3: Assemble Stunning Pie

Evenly spread the creamy tropical filling over the prepared crust.

Decorate the top beautifully with additional whipped cream, chopped nuts, maraschino cherries, and toasted coconut flakes.

Step 4: Chill and Serve Magnificently

Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight for the best flavor and texture.

When ready, slice and serve chilled, optionally adding an extra dollop of whipped cream for an elegant finishing touch.

Pro Tips for Creamy Million Dollar Pie

  • Chill the pie for at least 4 hours to allow flavors to meld and set perfectly, ensuring a firm and delightful texture.
  • Toast coconut beforehand to enhance its nutty flavor and add a delicious crunch to the pie's topping.
  • Swap graham cracker crust with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free cookies for dietary restrictions.
  • Use fresh whipped cream instead of store-bought whipped topping for a richer, more authentic homemade taste.
  • Reduce sugar content by using unsweetened coconut and low-fat condensed milk for a lighter version of this classic dessert.

Variations to Customize Million Dollar Pie

  • Tropical No-Bake Version: Skip the crust baking, use store-bought graham cracker crust, and replace pineapple with mango chunks for a tropical flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs, ensuring the base remains crisp and flavorful.
  • Vegan Alternative: Use coconut condensed milk, dairy-free whipped topping, and replace cherries with dried cranberries for a plant-based friendly dessert.
  • Low-Sugar Modification: Replace sweetened condensed milk with Greek yogurt, use sugar-free whipped topping, and add stevia or monk fruit sweetener to maintain sweetness while reducing overall sugar content.

Pairing Ideas for Million Dollar Pie

  • Elevate Tropical Sweetness: Pair Million Dollar Pie with crisp white wines that complement its rich, fruity profile.
  • Boost Beverage Experience: Select Riesling or Moscato for their light, sweet notes that dance beautifully with the pie's creamy texture.
  • Enhance Dessert Contrast: Serve alongside cold brew coffee or chai tea to balance the pie's sweetness with subtle spice undertones.
  • Amplify Flavor Harmony: Add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to create a luxurious, temperature-contrasting dessert experience.

Storage Tips for Million Dollar Pie

Wrap the pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, keeping it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The cold temperature preserves the creamy texture and prevents bacterial growth.

Carefully place the whole pie or individual slices in a freezer-safe container, sealing it completely. Freeze for maximum 2 months, ensuring no air exposure to prevent freezer burn.

Transfer the frozen pie from freezer to refrigerator, allowing it to slowly defrost overnight. Never thaw at room temperature to maintain food safety and texture quality.

This pie is best enjoyed cold, so skip traditional reheating. Simply remove from refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavor profile.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients in Million Dollar Pie?

The key ingredients include sweetened condensed milk, crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, maraschino cherries, whipped topping, and graham cracker crumbs.

  • Is Million Dollar Pie difficult to make?

No, it’s an easy no-bake dessert that requires simple mixing and chilling. Most steps involve combining ingredients and assembling the pie, making it perfect for beginner bakers.

  • Can I make Million Dollar Pie ahead of time?

Yes, this pie is excellent for preparing in advance. It needs at least 4 hours of chilling, and actually tastes better when refrigerated overnight, allowing flavors to blend perfectly.

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Million Dollar Pie Recipe

Million Dollar Pie Recipe


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4.7 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Creamy Million Dollar Pie delivers rich, silky southern charm with graham cracker crust and luscious pineapple-cream cheese filling. Cool, refreshing slices offer sweet indulgence perfect for summer gatherings and family celebrations.


Ingredients

Scale

Pie Filling:

  • 14 ounces (396 grams) sweetened condensed milk
  • 20 ounces (567 grams) crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 8 ounces (227 grams) whipped topping

Crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter

Garnish:

  • Whipped cream
  • Chopped pecans
  • Maraschino cherries
  • Toasted coconut

Instructions

  1. Craft a sturdy base by blending graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse, damp sand. Firmly press the mixture into a 9-inch pie dish, ensuring an even layer across the bottom and sides.
  2. Chill the crust in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden, then allow to cool completely.
  3. In a spacious mixing bowl, gently fold together sweetened condensed milk, crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and vibrant maraschino cherries.
  4. Splash in fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavor profile and create a zesty undertone.
  5. Incorporate whipped topping into the mixture, carefully folding until ingredients are uniformly distributed and create a smooth, creamy consistency.
  6. Transfer the luscious filling into the prepared crust, spreading evenly with a spatula to create a perfectly level surface.
  7. Embellish the pie’s top with delicate swirls of additional whipped cream, sprinkle of toasted coconut, handful of chopped nuts, and a few strategically placed maraschino cherries.
  8. Refrigerate the pie for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and filling to set completely.
  9. Slice and serve chilled, offering an extra dollop of whipped cream for those desiring additional indulgence.

Notes

  • Swap graham cracker crust with gluten-free crackers for a celiac-friendly version that keeps the same delightful texture and flavor profile.
  • Toast coconut and nuts separately before adding to enhance their nutty, rich depth and create a more complex taste sensation.
  • Reduce sugar content by using unsweetened whipped cream and cutting back on added sugar in the crust for a lighter dessert option that’s less calorie-dense.
  • Experiment with fruit variations like mandarin oranges or tropical fruit mix to give the classic pie a fresh, unexpected twist that keeps guests guessing.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 315 kcal
  • Sugar: 27 g
  • Sodium: 105 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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