If you have a sweet tooth and love creamy, tropical pies, you are going to adore this Millionaire Pie Recipe. It’s a delightful combination of textures and flavors—crisp graham cracker crust, buttery richness, luscious pineapple, and a fluffy, tangy filling folded with whipped topping. This pie is a nostalgic crowd-pleaser that brings sunshine to any table, making it a perfect treat for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply when you want to spoil yourself a bit. Trust me, once you try this Millionaire Pie Recipe, it will become one of your favorite go-to desserts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this pie lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays an essential role. From the buttery graham cracker crust that provides a satisfying crunch to the tropical coconut and pineapple that add bright, fresh flavors—the ingredients come together in perfect harmony.
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs: These form the base and sides of the crust, adding a sweet, slightly nutty crunch.
- 6 Tablespoons butter (melted): Melted butter binds the crust crumbs and adds richness.
- ⅓ cup sugar: Sweetens the crust just enough without overpowering the filling.
- 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes: Creates a tropical texture and adds a subtle chewiness.
- 20 ounces crushed pineapple (well drained): Offers a juicy, tangy burst that complements the sweetness perfectly.
- 1 cup maraschino cherries (drained & chopped): Adds vibrant color and a sweet, fruity pop in every bite.
- ½ cup chopped pecans: Brings a toasty crunch and nutty depth to the pie filling.
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk: The secret to the pie’s creamy and decadent texture.
- 5 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Adds brightness and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- 1 Tablespoon maraschino cherry juice: Enhances the cherry flavor and adds a subtle tang.
- 1 ½ cups whipped topping: Lightens the filling and creates that signature fluffy finish.
How to Make Millionaire Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust
Start by mixing the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar together in a medium bowl. The key is to get the butter evenly distributed so the crumbs stick together well. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate. This forms a golden, buttery crust that will hold the luscious filling. Pop it in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling to let it firm up.
Step 2: Combine the Filling Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the coconut flakes, drained crushed pineapple, chopped maraschino cherries, and chopped pecans. These ingredients provide a perfect balance of sweetness, tropical flavor, and crunch. Add the sweetened condensed milk, fresh lemon juice, and maraschino cherry juice. The lemon juice cut through the richness, while the cherry juice adds a subtle fruity tang that lifts the whole filling.
Step 3: Fold in the Whipped Topping
Gently fold in the whipped topping to your filling mixture. This step is essential to ensure the filling stays light and fluffy, which contrasts beautifully with the denser crust and chunky mix-ins. Be careful not to overmix to keep that airy texture intact.
Step 4: Assemble and Chill
Pour the filling into the chilled crust and smooth it out evenly. Refrigerate your Millionaire Pie for at least 3 hours—this chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and the pie to set perfectly. After it’s firm, your pie is ready to slice and enjoy!
How to Serve Millionaire Pie Recipe
Garnishes
While the pie looks stunning on its own, adding a few garnishes can really elevate the presentation. Sprinkle extra toasted coconut flakes or chopped pecans on top for added texture. A few whole maraschino cherries placed artfully around the edges can add a pop of festive color. For an extra touch, a light drizzle of cherry syrup or a dollop of fresh whipped cream can make every slice irresistible.
Side Dishes
This pie is rich and flavorful on its own, so it pairs wonderfully with some light and refreshing side choices. Consider serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad with berries or citrus segments to complement the tropical flavors. A simple cup of coffee or tea is also perfect to balance the sweetness and round out your dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow guests at a party, try individual servings in mini mason jars or clear dessert cups layered with a sprinkle of chopped pecans and a cherry on top. Alternatively, turn the filling into cupcake-sized treats using a cookie crust base for bite-sized fun. The Millionaire Pie Recipe is versatile, so get creative and let your presentation shine just like the flavors!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Millionaire Pie keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing any fridge odors and to keep the crust from softening too much.
Freezing
This pie freezes well, though the texture of the whipped topping might change slightly upon thawing. Wrap the pie securely in multiple layers of plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for the best results.
Reheating
Since Millionaire Pie is best served chilled, reheating is generally not necessary. If you prefer a slightly softer texture, allow it to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. This will soften the crust just enough while maintaining the creamy filling.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pineapple will add a bright, natural sweetness, but just be sure to drain it well to keep the filling from getting too watery.
Is it possible to make this pie gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for the crust to keep this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
How long should I chill the pie before serving?
Chilling for at least 3 hours is crucial to let the flavors meld and the filling firm up beautifully, giving you clean slices and perfect texture.
Can I substitute the whipped topping with homemade whipped cream?
Definitely! Homemade whipped cream will add a fresh touch and can be flavored slightly with vanilla for an extra layer of taste.
What if I don’t have maraschino cherry juice?
No worries! You can omit it or replace it with a small amount of cherry syrup or even a splash of lemon juice, though the cherry juice does add a unique tang that complements the pie nicely.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Millionaire Pie Recipe that makes it a treasure to keep in your dessert repertoire. Its balance of tropical flavors, creamy texture, and crunchy crust creates a dessert that is as delightful to make as it is to eat. I encourage you to give it a try soon—you might just find that it becomes your new favorite way to celebrate the sweeter moments in life.
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Millionaire Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Millionaire Pie is a creamy, no-bake dessert featuring a crunchy graham cracker crust filled with a tropical mixture of sweetened coconut, crushed pineapple, maraschino cherries, pecans, and whipped topping. This chilled pie combines refreshing citrus notes with rich sweetness, making it a perfect treat for gatherings and warm weather.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 Tablespoons butter, melted
- ⅓ cup sugar
Filling
- 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes
- 20 ounces crushed pineapple, canned and well drained
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 5 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 Tablespoon maraschino cherry juice
- 1 ½ cups whipped topping
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until the mixture is evenly moistened and holds together when pressed.
- Form the crust: Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate to create an even crust layer.
- Chill the crust: Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling, allowing it to firm up.
- Mix the filling ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sweetened coconut flakes, drained crushed pineapple, chopped maraschino cherries, chopped pecans, sweetened condensed milk, fresh lemon juice, and maraschino cherry juice. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Fold in whipped topping: Gently fold the whipped topping into the fruit and condensed milk mixture until fully incorporated, taking care not to deflate the whipped texture.
- Assemble the pie: Pour the prepared filling mixture into the chilled graham cracker crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Refrigerate the pie: Set the assembled pie in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours to chill and allow the filling to set properly.
- Serve: Once chilled and firm, slice the pie and serve chilled for a refreshing dessert.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly to avoid a soggy crust.
- For best results, use freshly whipped topping or thaw frozen whipped topping completely before folding into the filling.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
- Store leftover pie covered in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
