Million Dollar Pie Recipe

A Million Dollar Pie, also known as Millionaire Pie or Millionaire’s Pie, is an easy to make treat you’ll love for those warm summer months. Or really, anytime of year.  

million dollar pie recipe

If you’re not familiar with this popular no-bake dessert, the best way to describe a Million Dollar Pie is if a trifle and a cream pie had a baby. This dessert features a delicious combination of sweet and fruity flavors.

The pie is typically made with a graham cracker or cookie crust  (the pie part) and a rich, creamy filling. The filling usually consists of crushed pineapple, whipped cream or whipped topping, cream cheese or sweetened condensed milk, pecans or walnuts, maraschino cherries, and shredded coconut (the trifle part). See what I’m getting at? 

This delicious no-bake pie recipe has been a family favorite for years and is perfect for those days when you just don’t feel like turning on the oven. 

What You’ll Need

Graham Cracker Crust. A crunchy, sweet base for the pie that adds a delightful contrast to the creamy filling. You can either make your own graham cracker crust from scratch using graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar or purchase a ready-made crust at the store.

Cream Cheese. This ingredient adds richness and a smooth, creamy texture to the pie filling.

Sweetened Condensed Milk. Brings a touch of sweetness and helps bind the filling ingredients together.

Crushed Pineapple. Adds a fruity, tropical flavor to the pie, balancing out the sweetness of the other ingredients.

Pecans or Walnuts. These nuts add a delightful crunch to the pie, enhancing its texture. You can use either pecans or walnuts, depending on your preference.

Shredded Coconut. Another tropical addition that adds both flavor and texture to the pie.

Cool Whip. This whipped topping lightens the pie’s texture and adds an airy, fluffy quality to the filling.

Maraschino Cherries. A classic garnish that adds a pop of color and a touch of sweetness to the pie.

million dollar pie cream mixture in bowl

How to Make Million Dollar Pie Recipe

Prep time: 10 minutes

Chill time: 4 hours

Ingredients

  • 1 prepared graham cracker crust (9-inch)
  • 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 1 (8 oz) container Cool Whip, softened
  • 1/4 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  2. Fold in the drained crushed pineapple, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, and maraschino cherries (if using).
  3. Gently fold in the Cool Whip until fully incorporated.
  4. Pour the mixture into the prepared graham cracker crust, smoothing the top.
  5. Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to set.
  6. When ready to serve, garnish with additional Cool Whip, cherries, or nuts if desired. Enjoy!
million dollar pie recipe
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Million Dollar Pie

Try Million Dollar Pie for a tasty and satisfying dessert with creamy filling, chopped fruit, and nuts. Perfect for any sweet craving.
Prep Time8 mins
Chill Time4 hrs
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cream pie, million dollar pie, millionaire pie
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 535kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 graham cracker crust 9-inch
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 20 oz crushed pineapple drained
  • 1 cup chopped nuts
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 8 oz Cool Whip room temperature
  • ¼ cup maraschino cherries drained and chopped

Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk. Stir until smooth and creamy.
    million dollar pie cream mixture in bowl
  • Fold in the drained crushed pineapple, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, and maraschino cherries (if using).
    an open can of canned pineapple
  • Gently fold in the Cool Whip until fully incorporated.
  • Pour the mixture into the prepared graham cracker crust, smoothing the top.
  • Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to set.
    million dollar pie recipe
  • When ready to serve, garnish with additional Cool Whip, cherries, or nuts if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 535kcal | Carbohydrates: 65g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 302mg | Potassium: 458mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 49g | Vitamin A: 350IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 219mg | Iron: 2mg

Tip for the Tastiest Pie Millionaire Pie

  1. Use high-quality ingredients: Choose fresh, premium-quality ingredients for your pie, such as real butter for the crust, full-fat cream cheese, and high-quality canned pineapple. The quality of the ingredients will have a significant impact on the overall flavor and texture of the pie.
  2. Soften your cream cheese: To achieve a smooth, creamy filling without lumps, make sure to soften the cream cheese before mixing it with the sweetened condensed milk. You can do this by leaving it at room temperature for about an hour or microwaving it in 10-15 second intervals until softened.
  3. Drain pineapple well: Before adding the crushed pineapple to the filling mixture, make sure to drain it thoroughly to remove excess liquid. This will help prevent the pie from becoming soggy and maintain its desired consistency.
  4. Taste as you go: Before adding the filling to the crust, taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness or flavors if necessary. You can add more sweetened condensed milk, a pinch of salt, or additional fruit to suit your taste preferences.
  5. Let your pie set: For the best texture and flavor, refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours or, ideally, overnight before serving. This will give the pie enough time to set and allow the flavors to meld together, resulting in a tastier, more cohesive dessert.

Substitutions

Nut substitution: If you prefer a different type of nut or have an allergy, you can replace the pecans or walnuts with almonds, or cashews, or simply omit the nuts altogether.

Whipped topping substitution: If you’re not a fan of Cool Whip, you can substitute it with homemade whipped cream, which can be made by whipping heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

Fruit substitution: Instead of using crushed pineapple, you could experiment with other fruits such as mango, peach, or a combination of berries to give the pie a unique twist. Just make sure to drain any canned fruits properly to avoid making the filling too watery.

Variations on Million Dollar Pie

Make Your Own Crust

For a homemade graham cracker crust, combine 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1/3 cup melted butter, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar in a bowl. Press the mixture into a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.

Make it More Tropical

To enhance the tropical flavor of the pie, try adding a 1/2 cup of drained mandarin oranges or a 1/2 cup of diced strawberries to the filling mixture.

Mix Up the Flavor Profile

For a different flavor profile, substitute the graham cracker crust with a chocolate cookie crust or a shortbread crust.

Get Creative on Top

To create an even more visually appealing dessert, reserve some of the nuts, cherries, and coconut flakes to sprinkle on top of the pie as a garnish before serving.

Million Dollar Pie FAQs

Can I substitute any ingredients in the Million Dollar Pie recipe?

Yes, there are several possible substitutions for this recipe. For example, you can replace the pecans or walnuts with your favorite nut, use coconut flakes instead of shredded coconut, or use whipped cream instead of Cool Whip.

How long can I store the Million Dollar Pie in the refrigerator?

You can store the pie in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container.

Can I make a Million Dollar Pie without nuts?

Absolutely! If you have a nut allergy or simply prefer not to include nuts, you can omit the pecans or walnuts without any issues. The pie will still be delicious, though the texture will be slightly different.

Can I add other fruits to the Million Dollar Pie?

Yes, you can experiment with adding other fruits to this pie. Mandarin oranges, strawberries, or even fresh lemon juice can add a new twist to the classic recipe. Just make sure to drain any canned fruits properly to avoid making the filling too watery.

Can I make a Million Dollar Pie in advance?

This pie is great for preparing ahead of time. Actually, it’s even better if you put it in the fridge for at least 4 hours or leave it overnight so it sets perfectly. And hey, if you need to freeze it for later, you totally can! Just make sure you wrap it up really well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to serve it, just let it thaw in the fridge for a few hours first.

What’s the difference between Million Dollar Pie and Ambrosia Pie?

While both Million Dollar Pie and Ambrosia Pie are no-bake desserts that feature fruity and creamy elements, there are some differences between the two.

Million Dollar Pie:

  • Typically has a graham cracker or cookie crust.
  • The filling is made with cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, crushed pineapple, chopped pecans or walnuts, shredded coconut, and whipped topping (such as Cool Whip).
  • Maraschino cherries are often added to the filling or used as a garnish.
  • The pie has a richer, creamier texture due to the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk in the filling.

Ambrosia Pie:

  • May have a graham cracker or cookie crust, or it can be a crustless dessert, served in a bowl.
  • The filling is generally lighter and more fruit-forward, consisting of whipped cream or whipped topping, mini marshmallows, mandarin oranges, pineapple tidbits, shredded coconut, and sometimes maraschino cherries or other fruits like grapes or sliced bananas.
  • Nuts are sometimes added, but they are not a key ingredient like in the Million Dollar Pie.
  • Ambrosia Pie has a lighter, fluffier texture, with more emphasis on the fruit and marshmallow components.

Where did Millionaire Pie come from?

The name “Million Dollar Pie” likely comes from the pie’s indulgent taste and the idea that the combination of ingredients creates a dessert that is “rich” and “valuable” in terms of flavor.

What are the 4 types of pies?

Here are the four broad types of pies:

  1. Fruit pies: These pies typically have a flaky pastry crust and are filled with sweetened fruit, such as apple, cherry pie, peach, or blueberry.
  2. Cream pies: Cream pies have a soft, custard-like filling made from ingredients like milk, sugar, and eggs. Examples include chocolate cream pie, blueberry cream pie, and banana cream pie.
  3. Savory pies: These pies are filled with savory ingredients like meat, vegetables, and gravy. Examples include chicken pot pie, shepherd’s pie, and quiche.
  4. Nut pies: Nut pies have a sweet, nut-based filling, often combined with corn syrup or other sweeteners. Examples include pecan pie, walnut pie, and almond pie.

More Desserts Inspiration

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