If there’s ever a dessert that truly feels like striking it rich with every bite, it’s Millionaire Pie. This dreamy, no-bake Southern classic is a treasure trove of creamy, fruity, and nutty flavors that come together in minutes yet taste like absolute decadence. With its pineapple-cherry-coconut filling nestled in a crisp graham cracker crust and topped with a cloud of whipped topping, Millionaire Pie is the kind of recipe everyone clamors for at gatherings. It’s sweet, tart, cool, and so incredibly easy—making it a personal favorite to whip up whether I’m feeding a crowd or indulging my own sweet tooth!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 pre-made graham cracker crust (9-inch)
Filling:
- 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup maraschino cherries, chopped and drained
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed
How to Make Millionaire Pie
Step 1: Mix the Fruity Filling
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the drained pineapple, chopped pecans, sweetened coconut, sweetened condensed milk, maraschino cherries, and fresh lemon juice. Stir gently but thoroughly, making sure all those vibrant ingredients are evenly distributed for the first layer of flavor in your Millionaire Pie.
Step 2: Fold in Whipped Topping
The next step is what gives this pie its signature airy feel. Carefully fold in the thawed whipped topping, taking care not to deflate it. The filling should be fluffy, creamy, and almost mousse-like. This is where everything comes together, so don’t rush—gentle mixing is key!
Step 3: Fill the Crust
Spoon the dreamy filling into your pre-made graham cracker crust, spreading it right to the edges and smoothing out the top with a spatula. The crust creates the perfect contrast, adding a satisfying crunch to the soft, creamy filling of your Millionaire Pie.
Step 4: Chill Until Set
Cover the pie and pop it in the refrigerator for at least four hours, though overnight is even better if you can wait that long! Chilling is what firms up the filling into those clean, picture-perfect slices that hold together beautifully when you serve.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Once the Millionaire Pie is fully set, all that’s left is to slice it up and enjoy. Use a sharp knife, wipe it between cuts, and marvel as you reveal gorgeous layers of fruit, nuts, and coconut in every slice.
How to Serve Millionaire Pie
Garnishes
A few thoughtful touches can make this pie feel truly special. Try sprinkling extra chopped pecans or toasted coconut over the top for a little texture and flair. A few extra maraschino cherries dotting the center look beautiful and echo the flavors inside. If you want to add a fancy touch, a swirl of whipped cream or some delicate lemon zest completes the show-stopping look.
Side Dishes
While Millionaire Pie is absolutely the star at any dessert table, it’s lovely paired with something simple and light to balance its richness. Fresh mixed berries, sliced kiwi, or a citrus salad are great choices. For a celebration, a glass of sweet tea, lemonade, or sparkling wine always has a way of making this Southern treat feel even more festive.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to shake things up from the traditional wedge, try making individual Millionaire Pie parfaits in mason jars or small glasses—layer crust crumbs, filling, and garnishes for a fun, personal touch. You can even turn the filling into adorable tartlets using mini graham crusts for a delightful bite-sized take. For potlucks, cutting the pie into bars is always a hit and makes for easy sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Millionaire Pie should be covered tightly and refrigerated. It keeps well for up to four days, and the flavors actually meld and improve over time. Be sure to store it on a flat shelf to avoid any toppling or smushing—though if your household is anything like mine, leftovers rarely last long!
Freezing
If you want to get a jump on hosting or preserve the pie for later, Millionaire Pie freezes surprisingly well. Wrap the entire pie or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving, and you’ll have an effortless, elegant dessert ready whenever a craving strikes.
Reheating
Millionaire Pie is best enjoyed chilled right out of the fridge, so there’s no need to reheat. In fact, a cold slice is part of the whole appeal! Just allow a frozen pie to thaw overnight in the refrigerator. If you want a softer consistency, let the slice sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before digging in.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Fresh pineapple can be used, but make sure to finely chop and thoroughly drain it to avoid excess moisture that can make the filling too watery. Canned pineapple is used for convenience and consistent texture, but fresh will give a slightly brighter flavor if you’re up for the prep.
Is it possible to make Millionaire Pie nut-free?
Absolutely! If you’re dealing with nut allergies, simply leave out the pecans. The pie will still have plenty of flavor and texture thanks to the coconut and fruit, and you can add a few extra cherries or use crushed pretzels for a little crunch if you’d like.
Can I make Millionaire Pie ahead of time?
Yes, and it’s actually encouraged! Prepping this pie a day in advance lets the flavors come together beautifully and ensures it’s fully chilled and set when you’re ready to slice and serve. Just keep it well-covered in the refrigerator until show time.
What’s the best way to keep the crust from getting soggy?
Be sure to thoroughly drain the pineapple and cherries before adding them to the filling—excess juice is the number one culprit for soggy crusts. If you want to go the extra mile, you can brush the crust with a thin layer of melted chocolate and let it set before adding the filling for a hint of flavor and a moisture barrier.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
Definitely! If you prefer homemade whipped cream over store-bought whipped topping, just whip 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar until stiff peaks form, then fold it into the filling as you would with the topping for a slightly fresher taste and a little more elegance.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried Millionaire Pie, I can’t recommend it enough—it’s such a joyful, nostalgic recipe that celebrates everything we love about easy, no-bake desserts. Whether you serve it for a summertime barbecue or a holiday gathering, it’s always met with smiles and second helpings. Go ahead and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to a slice of Southern hospitality; you’ll see why Millionaire Pie is truly worth its name!
PrintMillionaire Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Millionaire Pie is a lusciously creamy and tropical no-bake dessert that is a perfect sweet treat for any occasion. This pie features a delicious blend of pineapple, pecans, coconut, cherries, and sweetened condensed milk, all enveloped in a fluffy whipped topping, nestled in a graham cracker crust.
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 pre-made graham cracker crust (9-inch)
Filling:
- 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup maraschino cherries, chopped and drained
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pineapple, chopped pecans, coconut, sweetened condensed milk, cherries, and lemon juice. Stir until fully combined.
- Gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is light and creamy.
- Spoon the filling into the graham cracker crust and smooth the top.
- Cover and chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until set.
- Slice and serve cold.
Notes
- For extra flavor and crunch, lightly toast the pecans before mixing.
- This pie can be made a day ahead and kept chilled until serving.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *