If you’re hunting for a breezy, crowd-pleasing dessert that brings back the sweet nostalgia of summer potlucks and family gatherings, Million Dollar Pie is the one that delivers every single time. Imagine creamy, tropical filling bursting with pineapple, coconut, cherries, and pecans, all nestled in a golden graham cracker crust. With no oven required and just a cool slice away from happiness, this Million Dollar Pie earns its name with layers of irresistible flavor and a lush, velvety texture that feels truly luxurious—yet anyone can whip it up in minutes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Pie Filling:
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping
- 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained well
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1/4 cup maraschino cherries, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 (9-inch) prepared graham cracker pie crust
How to Make Million Dollar Pie
Step 1: Mix the Creamy Base
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and combining the sweetened condensed milk with the lemon juice. Give it a good stir until the mixture begins to thicken slightly. This is the foundation of your Million Dollar Pie—the lemon juice not only adds zing but also helps “set” the filling for a creamy, sliceable texture.
Step 2: Fold in the Flavors
Next, gently fold in the whipped topping until everything looks light and smooth. Now, sprinkle in the drained crushed pineapple, chopped pecans, shredded coconut, and those charming pops of chopped maraschino cherries. Use a spatula (not a whisk) for this step; you want to keep as much fluffiness as possible while making sure everything is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Fill and Smooth
Spoon the luscious filling into your prepared graham cracker crust. Spread it evenly with a spatula, smoothing the top so your finished pie looks just as beautiful as it tastes. If you’re like me, you might sneak a little Taste Test Spoon just to preview what’s in store.
Step 4: Garnish Like a Pro
Sprinkle a few extra maraschino cherries, chopped pecans, and a touch more shredded coconut over the top. Not only does this make your pie look completely irresistible, but it also hints at all the flavors inside. This is Million Dollar Pie, after all—don’t hold back on the glamour!
Step 5: Chill and Set
Cover your masterpiece with plastic wrap or the included pie lid and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better if you can stand the wait!). This resting time ensures every slice holds together like a dream, with a cool, creamy bite that’s pure bliss.
How to Serve Million Dollar Pie
Garnishes
Finish your Million Dollar Pie off with a flourish! Extra maraschino cherries dotted on top look downright celebratory, and a light shower of pecans and coconut adds a fun contrast in color and texture. You can even pipe rosettes of whipped topping around the edges for an elegant touch without any fuss.
Side Dishes
This pie stands tall as a star dessert, but it pairs beautifully with fresh fruit salad, sweet iced tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re in the mood for something extra decadent. If you’re hosting a summer barbecue, try serving it alongside grilled peaches for a fresh, sweet contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Individual servings in small mason jars or parfait glasses are always a hit at parties—just layer graham crumbs and filling for portable (and adorable) treats! You could also make a tray of mini pies using tart pans for bite-sized magic. Looking for a holiday twist? Arrange green and red cherries on top for a festive look no one will forget.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover Million Dollar Pie (which is a rare feat in my house), just cover the pie with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days—the flavors meld and become even more swoon-worthy with a little extra time.
Freezing
Million Dollar Pie is one of those dreamy desserts that holds up quite well in the freezer. Wrap the whole pie or individual slices tightly with plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving, and you’ll have a cool treat ready whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
No need to reheat—Million Dollar Pie is best enjoyed chilled, straight from the fridge (or even slightly frozen for a firmer, ice cream pie vibe). If you accidentally left it in the freezer too long, just let it sit on the counter for 15–30 minutes until perfectly sliceable.
FAQs
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
Absolutely! Homemade whipped cream works deliciously, just make sure to whip it until stiff peaks form so the filling holds its shape. Keep in mind that store-bought whipped topping tends to be a bit more stable if you plan on making your Million Dollar Pie ahead of time.
Is it possible to make Million Dollar Pie nut-free?
Yes! Simply skip the pecans, or swap in toasted sunflower seeds or more coconut for crunch. The pie will still be rich, creamy, and full of those wonderful fruity flavors.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Fresh pineapple is wonderful, but make sure to finely chop it and drain it very well—excess juice can make the filling runny. Canned crushed pineapple is just convenient and always consistent, which is why it’s a classic choice for Million Dollar Pie.
What’s the difference between Million Dollar Pie and Millionaire Pie?
These pies are very similar and often the names are used interchangeably. Sometimes Millionaire Pie includes extra ingredients like cream cheese or different nuts, but at heart both are irresistibly creamy, no-bake treats packed with pineapple and cherries.
Can I make Million Dollar Pie gluten-free?
Absolutely—just use a store-bought or homemade gluten-free graham cracker crust. The filling itself is naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for sharing at gatherings with gluten-sensitive friends.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a fun, easy, and totally craveable dessert, you’ll fall in love with Million Dollar Pie. Its blend of creamy, fruity, and nutty layers is just as delightful as the memories it creates—so grab your ingredients, whip up a pie, and watch as every forkful disappears. You (and your lucky taste-testers) won’t be able to resist coming back for another slice!
Print
Million Dollar Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy, tropical flavors of this classic Million Dollar Pie. With a luscious filling of whipped topping, pineapple, pecans, and coconut in a graham cracker crust, this no-bake dessert is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Pie Filling:
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping
- 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained well
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1/4 cup maraschino cherries, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 (9-inch) prepared graham cracker pie crust
Instructions
- Prepare Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk and lemon juice. Stir until slightly thickened. Fold in whipped topping, drained pineapple, pecans, coconut, and cherries.
- Assemble Pie: Spoon filling into graham cracker crust, smooth the top, and garnish with additional cherries, pecans, or coconut.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours until firm. Serve cold.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use light whipped topping and reduced-fat sweetened condensed milk.
- This pie can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
