If you’re craving a dessert that hits all the right notes—creamy, tangy, sweet, with a delightful crunch—then you’re going to love making this Millionaire Pie Recipe. This no-bake wonder is a nostalgic crowd-pleaser, blending luscious whipped topping and sweetened condensed milk with zesty lemon juice and tropical pineapple. The addition of coconut, pecans, and cherries brings a satisfying texture and little bursts of flavor that make every bite feel like a celebration. And the best part? It’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it perfect for casual gatherings or an impressive yet effortless treat for family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Millionaire Pie Recipe means gathering a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a pivotal role—whether it’s the sweet creaminess from the condensed milk and whipped topping, the bright citrus zing from lemon juice, or the crunchy, tropical accents from coconut and pecans.
- Sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces): The creamy, sweet base that binds everything together beautifully.
- Whipped topping (8 ounces): This lightens the pie filling, making it fluffy and irresistible.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice (1/4 cup): Adds the perfect amount of tang to balance the sweetness.
- Crushed pineapple (20 ounces, drained): Brings juicy tropical sweetness and a bit of texture.
- Sweetened shredded coconut (1 cup): Provides a chewy, nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Chopped pecans (1/2 cup, optional): Adds a crunchy, buttery contrast to the smooth filling.
- Chopped maraschino cherries (1/2 cup, optional): These add a pop of color and a sweet cherry flavor that’s a classic addition.
- Pre-made graham cracker crusts (two 9-inch): Saves time and adds a buttery, slightly crunchy base for the pie.
How to Make Millionaire Pie Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Creamy Base
Start by combining the sweetened condensed milk and whipped topping in a large mixing bowl. Stir them gently until they’re thoroughly blended. This mixture forms the luxuriously smooth and sweet foundation of your pie, so make sure it’s well combined without losing the whipped topping’s fluffiness.
Step 2: Add Zesty Lemon Juice
Pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and fold it into the creamy mixture. This step is where the magic happens—the lemon juice thickens the filling slightly and gives the pie its signature tang, balancing out all the sweetness with a refreshing brightness.
Step 3: Fold in the Pineapple and Coconut
Gently fold in the drained crushed pineapple and shredded coconut. The pineapple brings tropical juiciness while the coconut adds a tender, chewy texture and a subtle sweetness that feels like a tropical breeze with every bite.
Step 4: Incorporate Pecans and Cherries (Optional)
If you’re using pecans and cherries, now’s the time to mix them in. Pecans provide a satisfying crunch and a nutty depth, while cherries add delightful bursts of sweetness and a gorgeous pop of color that makes the pie look just as good as it tastes.
Step 5: Assemble the Pies
Spoon the luscious filling evenly into the two prepared graham cracker crusts. Smooth the tops gently with a spatula so the filling is evenly distributed and ready to chill.
Step 6: Chill Until Set
Pop the pies in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld and the filling to firm up to the perfect sliceable consistency.
How to Serve Millionaire Pie Recipe
Garnishes
When it’s time to serve, a few thoughtful garnishes can elevate the pie’s presentation and flavor. Consider topping each slice with a sprinkle of extra toasted shredded coconut, a few pecan halves, or even a whole maraschino cherry. These simple additions add a beautiful finishing touch that makes every slice feel special.
Side Dishes
This pie is rich and sweet, so pairing it with light, refreshing sides works beautifully. Try serving it alongside fresh fruit, like sliced strawberries or kiwi, or a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette to balance the indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to wow guests, try serving individual portions of the Millionaire Pie Recipe in clear dessert cups or small mason jars. Layer the filling with crushed graham crackers and pineapples for a parfait-style treat that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat. You can also drizzle a bit of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra decadent touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once made, Millionaire Pie stores wonderfully in the refrigerator. Cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or keep them in an airtight container. The pie will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, giving you plenty of time to indulge in seconds—and maybe thirds.
Freezing
You can freeze slices of the pie if you want to save some for later. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to maintain the pie’s creamy texture.
Reheating
Since this is a chilled, no-bake dessert, reheating is not necessary and not recommended. The pie is best enjoyed cold, fresh from the fridge, where its creamy texture and refreshing flavors shine brightest.
FAQs
Can I make Millionaire Pie Recipe without pineapples?
Absolutely! While pineapples add a lovely tropical note, you can substitute with other fruits like mandarin oranges or diced peaches, or simply leave them out for a more classic lemon-coconut flavor.
Is it possible to make this pie dairy-free?
Yes, you can try using dairy-free whipped toppings and sweetened condensed milk alternatives found in many stores. Be sure to choose options that will set properly so you still get that signature pie texture.
How long does the pie need to chill?
For best results, chill the pie for at least 4 hours to allow it to firm up. Overnight chilling is ideal if you want to make it ahead of time and serve it perfectly chilled.
Can I use homemade graham cracker crust?
Definitely! Homemade crust made with crushed graham crackers, butter, and a touch of sugar adds a lovely buttery flavor and crunchy texture. Feel free to swap in your favorite recipe.
What if I don’t have maraschino cherries?
No worries! The cherries are optional and mainly add color and sweetness. You can skip them or substitute with fresh berries, dried cranberries, or even leave them out entirely without impacting the overall taste.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to impress with a dessert that’s delicious, nostalgic, and easy to whip up, I can’t recommend the Millionaire Pie Recipe enough. Its creamy, tangy, and sweet flavor combination will win over any crowd, and it’s perfect for any occasion where you want to share something truly special. So go ahead—give it a try, and prepare for the compliments to roll in!
Print
Millionaire Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 16 slices (2 pies, 8 slices each)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Millionaire Pie is a no-bake, creamy dessert featuring a luscious blend of sweetened condensed milk, whipped topping, zesty lemon juice, crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, and optional nuts and cherries, all set in a crunchy graham cracker crust. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for summer gatherings and can be prepared in just 15 minutes with no cooking required.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (8-ounce) tub whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip), thawed
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped (optional)
- 2 pre-made graham cracker crusts (9-inch)
Instructions
- Combine the base ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the sweetened condensed milk, thawed whipped topping, and freshly squeezed lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add the fruit and nuts: Gently fold in the drained crushed pineapple, sweetened shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and chopped maraschino cherries, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients throughout the mixture.
- Fill the graham cracker crusts: Spoon the mixture evenly into the two pre-made graham cracker crusts, spreading it out smoothly to the edges.
- Chill to set: Refrigerate the pies for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the filling to firm up and the flavors to meld.
- Serve and enjoy: Slice the pie into 8 pieces per pie and serve chilled for a refreshing and decadent dessert.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly squeezed lemon juice to enhance flavor.
- Draining the crushed pineapple well prevents the pie from becoming too soggy.
- The pecans and maraschino cherries are optional but add great texture and sweetness.
- Allow the pie to chill overnight for the best consistency.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
