Million Dollar Pie Recipe

Sweet Million Dollar Pie Recipe: A Heavenly No-Fuss Dessert

Sweet memories dance through my million dollar pie, whisking me back to grandma’s sunny kitchen.

Creamy layers promise pure indulgence with every delectable bite.

Southern kitchens often showcase legendary desserts that become instant conversation starters.

Delightful textures and rich flavors merge in this decadent creation that feels both nostalgic and luxurious.

Unexpected ingredients spark curiosity and guarantee a memorable dessert experience.

Silky smooth filling nestled in a buttery crust beckons you to savor each spectacular spoonful.

This recipe guarantees culinary magic that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Why Million Dollar Pie Has Timeless Appeal

  • Packed with sweet pineapple, creamy condensed milk, and crunchy nuts, this pie offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors that will win over both kids and adults at any gathering.
  • Prepare this pie ahead of time and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, making it an ideal make-ahead dessert for parties, potlucks, or weekend celebrations. The advance preparation means less stress on the day of serving.
  • Easily customizable with optional garnishes like whipped cream, coconut, pecans, and maraschino cherries, this Million Dollar Pie adapts to different tastes and can be dressed up or down for any occasion.

What You’ll Need for This Easy No-Bake Favorite

Crust Ingredients:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides the base and crisp texture for the pie's foundation.
  • Butter: Helps bind the crust and adds rich flavor.
  • Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to the graham cracker base.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk, Pineapple: Creamy base that brings tropical sweetness and smooth consistency.
  • Shredded Coconut: Adds tropical texture and distinct nutty flavor.
  • Nuts: Optional ingredient for extra crunch and depth of flavor.
  • Lemon Juice: Provides bright acidity and helps balance the sweetness.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Whipped Topping: Creates light, airy, and creamy texture.
  • Maraschino Cherries: Optional garnish for color and sweet touch.
  • Additional Shredded Coconut: Extra garnish for texture and visual appeal.
  • Chopped Pecans: Optional crunchy topping for added texture and nuttiness.

How to Prepare a Million Dollar Pie with a Light Touch

Step 1: Create Crispy Crust

Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl until evenly combined. Press mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie pan, covering bottom and sides. Chill in refrigerator for 20 minutes or bake at 350F for 10 minutes for extra crispness. Let crust cool completely.

Step 2: Blend Creamy Filling

Gather these ingredients:
  • Sweetened condensed milk
  • Drained pineapple
  • Shredded coconut
  • Chopped nuts (optional)
  • Lemon juice
  • Whipped topping

Combine condensed milk, pineapple, coconut, and nuts in a large mixing bowl. Stir in lemon juice until well incorporated. Gently fold whipped topping into mixture to maintain lightness.

Step 3: Fill and Chill

Pour creamy filling into prepared crust, spreading evenly across surface. Refrigerate pie for minimum 4 hours until completely set.

Step 4: Decorate and Serve

Top pie with additional whipped topping, sprinkle shredded coconut, scatter chopped pecans, and garnish with maraschino cherries if desired. Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy this luxurious dessert!

Tips for the Best Creamy, Fruity Texture

  • Chill Crust Perfectly: Refrigerate the graham cracker crust for 20 minutes to help it set and prevent crumbling when slicing the pie.
  • Drain Pineapple Thoroughly: Remove excess moisture from pineapple chunks to keep the pie filling firm and prevent watery texture.
  • Fold Whipped Topping Gently: Use a light folding technique to maintain the pie's airy and creamy consistency without deflating the mixture.
  • Customize Nut Options: Swap pecans with almonds or walnuts for different flavor profiles or omit nuts entirely for nut-free diets.
  • Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare the pie a day in advance and store in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and making party prep easier.

Storage Advice to Keep This Pie Cool and Set

  • Store the Million Dollar Pie in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain its fresh flavor and texture.
  • Wrap the pie tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for best results.
  • This pie is best enjoyed cold. Avoid microwaving or heating, as it will change the creamy texture and potentially separate the ingredients.
  • Remove from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Use a clean, sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean, smooth slices.

What Pairs Nicely with a Slice of Million Dollar Pie

  • Select a crisp, slightly sweet Riesling with tropical fruit notes that complement the pie's pineapple and coconut flavors, enhancing the dessert's creamy texture.
  • Brew a rich, smooth espresso with vanilla undertones that cut through the pie's sweetness and provide a bold, contrasting flavor profile that refreshes the palate.
  • Create a light, refreshing coconut mocktail using coconut water, lime juice, and a touch of mint to echo the pie's tropical ingredients and cleanse the taste buds.
  • Drizzle a smooth caramel cream liqueur alongside the slice, which adds depth and richness that harmonizes with the pie's creamy, nutty elements.

Different Takes on This Classic No-Bake Dessert

  • No-Bake Nutty Variation: Replace graham cracker crust with crushed almond cookies for a gluten-free option. Use almond flour to make the base more diet-friendly.
  • Tropical Fruit Swap: Substitute pineapple with mango chunks or passion fruit for a different tropical flavor profile. Add extra coconut for enhanced sweetness.
  • Dairy-Free Dream: Use coconut condensed milk instead of regular sweetened condensed milk. Replace whipped topping with coconut cream for a vegan-friendly version.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Utilize stevia-sweetened condensed milk and reduce overall sugar content. Choose sugar-free whipped topping to create a diabetic-friendly dessert.
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Million Dollar Pie Recipe

Million Dollar Pie Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Southern charm meets creamy indulgence in this million dollar pie, a luscious dessert that whispers sweet promises of grandma’s kitchen. Cool, silky layers meld perfectly, promising pure bliss in each heavenly spoonful that will melt hearts faster than butter on a warm skillet.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 can (397 g or 14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 can (227 g or 8 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained

Complementary Ingredients:

  • 1 cup whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip), plus more for garnish
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Crust Ingredients (optional):

  • 200 g (2 cups) graham cracker crumbs
  • 75 g (⅓ cup) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 pre-made graham cracker crust (or homemade if preferred)

Garnish (optional):

  • Whipped topping
  • Extra shredded coconut
  • Chopped pecans
  • Maraschino cherries

Instructions

  1. Craft a delectable crust by thoroughly blending graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar until the mixture reaches a uniform consistency.
  2. Carefully press the crumb mixture into a 9-inch pie pan, ensuring complete coverage of bottom and sides. Chill for 20 minutes or briefly bake at 175C (350F) for a crispier texture, then allow to cool completely.
  3. In a spacious mixing bowl, unite sweetened condensed milk with drained pineapple, shredded coconut, and optional chopped nuts, creating a harmonious base.
  4. Incorporate fresh lemon juice, stirring until ingredients are well integrated.
  5. Gently fold whipped topping into the mixture, maintaining a light and airy texture to preserve the pie’s delicate structure.
  6. Transfer the creamy filling into the prepared crust, smoothing the surface to create an even layer.
  7. Refrigerate the pie for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing the filling to set and flavors to meld completely.
  8. Prior to serving, embellish with additional whipped topping, a sprinkle of shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and vibrant maraschino cherries for an elegant presentation.
  9. Slice and serve the chilled pie, savoring each decadent, creamy bite of this irresistible dessert.

Notes

  • Customize the crust by using gluten-free graham crackers for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Swap pecans with almonds or omit nuts entirely for those with nut allergies.
  • Reduce sweetness by using light whipped topping and unsweetened coconut flakes.
  • Enhance tropical flavors by adding a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top before serving for extra crunch and depth.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
Daves Miller

Daves Miller

Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • American Southern cuisine with a modern twist.
  • Instruction in culinary fundamentals and advanced techniques.
  • Development of recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce.​
  • Mastery of artisanal bread and pastry techniques, from laminated doughs to decorative sugar artistry.

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky

  • Degree: Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Specialized in cooking techniques and culinary sciences, hands‑on externships, professional kitchen lab training, and career preparation for restaurants, entrepreneurship, and global culinary opportunities.

White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Arts degree
  • Focus: Specialized in comprehensive baking and pastry arts, including bread making, artisan breads, cake decorating and design, chocolates, confections, and decorative centerpieces; product development and baking theory; and career preparation for baker and pastry chef roles in many places.

Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals. 

He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.

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