Million Dollar Pie
Also known as Millionaire Pie, Million Dollar Pie is a vintage icebox dessert filled with pineapple, coconut, pecans, whipped topping, and sweetened condensed milk. After testing this recipe with both homemade and store-bought crusts, I love this version because the homemade graham cracker crust comes together fast, and the lemon juice helps the rich filling slice cleanly after chilling. Top it off with maraschino cherries for one cool, incredibly easy dessert that shines when the weather is hot!
Table of contents
Why is it called Million Dollar Pie
This retro recipe might bring back memories of small-town cafes and cafeteria buffets, where every bite was sweet, fluffy, and filled with crunchy pecans. The “secret” is sweetened condensed milk, which makes the filling smooth, creamy, and rich enough to earn its big money name. That’s why you’ll also see this dessert called Millionaire Pie, with pineapple, coconut, and pecans keeping every slice light and tropical.
Ingredients
Crust: This 3-ingredient crust could not be easier. All you need are graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter.
Filling: Crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and lemon juice make this pie sweet, tangy, and tropical. Drain the pineapple really well and press out extra juice so the filling sets up thick and sliceable.
Fluff: Sweetened condensed milk makes the filling rich and creamy, while lemon juice helps it thicken as the pie chills. Cool Whip keeps the filling light and fluffy and helps it hold its shape.
Topping: Maraschino cherries add a fun pop of flavor and color. Homemade whipped cream can work too, but it’s best stabilized with a little cream cheese so the pie stays sliceable.
How to Make a Million Dollar Pie
STEP ONE: Mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a large bowl until the mixture looks like wet sand. Press it firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a pie plate, then chill the crust while you make the filling.
STEP TWO: Stir the sweetened condensed milk and lemon juice together until smooth and slightly thickened. Gently fold in the whipped topping so the filling stays light and airy. Before adding the pineapple, drain it very well and press out as much juice as possible, since drier pineapple helps the pie set. Fold in the pineapple, coconut, and pecans, saving some coconut and pecans for the top.
STEP THREE: Spread the filling into the chilled crust and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the cleanest slices.
STEP FOUR: Toast the remaining pecans and coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat until lightly golden, then let them cool. Just before serving, sprinkle them over the pie and top with whipped topping and maraschino cherries.
Helpful Tips
These simple tips will help your Million Dollar Pie set up beautifully and taste even better the next day.
- To prevent a runny pie, don’t skip the lemon juice, drain the pineapple well, and chill the pie for at least 4 hours before slicing.
- A 9-inch pie plate works well for this recipe. If your crust is shallow and you have extra filling, spoon it into small dessert cups and chill them as bonus treats.
- To save time, you can use a store-bought graham cracker crust. A chocolate graham cracker crust is also a fun twist.
- For a fruit swap, try canned mandarin oranges or peaches in place of the pineapple, but drain them very well first.
- You can toast the pecans and coconut in the oven instead of a skillet, and lightly toast the graham cracker crust at the same time.
FAQ
Can you make Millionaire Pie ahead of time?
Yes! Million Dollar Pie is perfect for making ahead because it needs at least 4 hours to chill and set. For the best texture, make it the night before, then add the whipped cream, toasted coconut, pecans, and cherries just before serving.
Why is my pie runny?
A runny pie is usually caused by excess moisture or insufficient chill time. Be sure to drain the pineapple very well, don’t skip the lemon juice, and chill the pie for at least 4 hours before slicing.
What is Million Dollar Pie?
Million Dollar Pie, also called Millionaire Pie, is a classic Southern no-bake dessert made with sweetened condensed milk, pineapple, coconut, pecans, and whipped topping in a graham cracker crust. The filling is creamy, fluffy, sweet, and lightly tropical, making it a popular warm-weather dessert.
Is Million Dollar Pie the same as Millionaire Pie?
Yes. Million Dollar Pie and Millionaire Pie are two names for the same old-fashioned no-bake dessert made with pineapple, coconut, pecans, sweetened condensed milk, and whipped topping.
Million Dollar Pie Recipe
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (12 sheets)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 5 tablespoons butter melted
Filling
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- ⅓ cup lemon juice
- 1 cup canned crushed pineapple squeezed and drained well
- 1 ¼ cup chopped pecans divided
- 1 ¼ cups sweetened shredded coconut divided
- 8 ounces Cool Whip thawed (1 tub)
- maraschino cherries for garnish
- whipped cream for garnish
Instructions
Crust
- In a large bowl, stir together 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 5 tablespoons butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Chill in the fridge while you prepare the pie filling.
Filling
- In a large bowl, mix together 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk and 1/3 cup lemon juice. The mixture should thicken slightly.
- Gently fold in 8 ounces Cool Whip, then fold in 1 cup canned crushed pineapple, 1 cup chopped pecans, and 1 cups sweetened shredded coconut with a rubber spatula.
- Spread the filling into the prepared pie crust, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, toast ¼ cup chopped pecans and ¼ cups sweetened shredded coconut until lightly golden, if desired, then allow to cool completely before sprinkling over the pie.
- Top with whipped cream and maraschino cherries immediately before serving.
Notes
- Do not skip the lemon juice. It helps the filling thicken.
- Drain the pineapple very well so the pie sets properly.
- This pie can be made 1 day ahead. Add whipped cream, cherries, toasted coconut, and pecans just before serving.
- Rinse and dry maraschino cherries before garnishing to keep the juices from dripping onto the whipped cream.
Nutrition
Storage
Refrigerator: Cover tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. The crust may soften a bit as it sits, but the pie will still taste great.
Freezer: Wrap the pie in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
For the prettiest topping, wait to garnish until right before serving.
More No-Bake Pie Recipes
If you love easy chilled desserts like Million Dollar Pie, these creamy no-bake pies are perfect for holidays, potlucks, and summer parties too.
- No Bake Peach Chiffon Pie
- Lemon Raspberry No Bake Pie
- Grasshopper Pie
- No Bake Peanut Butter Pie
- No Bake Pistachio Pie
- Creamsicle Chiffon Pie
- Lime Jello Pie
