Millionaire Pie Recipe

Millionaire Pie is the stuff of Southern potlucks and dreamy summer get-togethers—a no-bake dessert that delivers creamy, fruity, nutty, and just-barely-tangy perfection in every nostalgic slice. With its fluffy filling swirled with pineapple, pecans, and maraschino cherries all nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust, this classic treat comes together in minutes (then chills while you go about your day). There’s no need for an oven and every bite feels luxuriously indulgent, yet beautifully light. If you’re craving something cool, colorful, and guaranteed to disappear at any gathering, this Millionaire Pie is not just a dessert, it’s an occasion.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Graham Cracker Crust:

  • 1 pre-made graham cracker crust (9-inch)

  Filling:

  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple (drained)
  • ½ cup chopped pecans
  • ½ cup maraschino cherries (chopped and patted dry)
  • 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
  • Extra whipped topping and cherries for garnish (optional)

How to Make Millionaire Pie

Step 1: Mix Sweetened Condensed Milk and Lemon Juice

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl—something with plenty of room for folding. Pour in the entire can of sweetened condensed milk, then add the tablespoon of lemon juice. Stir together well; this citrusy addition will thicken the milk ever so slightly and set the stage for that signature bright, creamy flavor in Millionaire Pie.

Step 2: Add Pineapple, Pecans, and Cherries

Fold in the crushed pineapple (make sure every drop is drained!), the chopped pecans, and the cherries that have been drained and patted dry. This step is where the magic happens: bursts of color, pops of tart-sweet, and that unmistakable tropical vibe all come together. Gently stir until everything looks evenly combined and every bite will have a good mix of fruit and nuts.

Step 3: Fold in the Whipped Topping

Grab your tub of whipped topping and use a spatula to gently fold it into the mixture. The goal is a fluffy, airy filling—so keep your movements light and don’t overmix. The whipped topping transforms the dense mix into a luscious mousse-like texture that makes this Millionaire Pie absolutely irresistible.

Step 4: Fill the Crust and Smooth the Top

Carefully spoon the creamy mixture into your pre-made graham cracker crust. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth out the surface, filling all the way to the edges for a full, picture-perfect pie. It should look like a soft, puffy cloud packed with colorful bits of pineapple and cherry.

Step 5: Cover and Chill

Loosely cover the pie with plastic wrap or the included dome, then slide it into the fridge. Let it chill for at least 4 hours—overnight is even better if you can wait! For Millionaire Pie to set up beautifully and slice cleanly, patience is your secret ingredient.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, dollop or pipe extra whipped topping over the chilled pie and top with a few extra maraschino cherries. This final touch makes each wedge look irresistible and party-ready. Now, slice, serve, and prepare for applause.

How to Serve Millionaire Pie

Garnishes

A garnish isn’t just about looks—it adds that satisfying final flourish to a well-loved classic. Go for a swoosh of whipped topping and a glossy cherry or two right before serving. If you’re feeling fancy, a scatter of chopped pecans or a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs brings extra texture and crunch. Let your creativity shine!

Side Dishes

Because Millionaire Pie is creamy and sweet, keep side dishes light and refreshing to balance things out. Try serving with fresh fruit salad, a bowl of berries, or even little cups of iced lemon tea for a breezy summer vibe. It’s also wonderful alongside a simple shortbread or vanilla wafer cookie.

Creative Ways to Present

Thinking beyond the classic slice? Spoon Millionaire Pie filling into small mason jars or parfait glasses for fun, portable servings. Pipe tiny portions into mini phyllo cups for easy party bites. Or, make a “pie trifle” by layering cubes of pound cake, the filling, and extra cherries in a large glass bowl for a playful twist that wows a crowd.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover slices of Millionaire Pie (if you’re lucky enough to have any!) should be wrapped tightly in plastic or stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep for up to 3 days, staying creamy and dreamy—but odds are, it’ll disappear long before that.

Freezing

Good news: Millionaire Pie freezes beautifully! To freeze, cover your whole pie (or individual slices) tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then place in the freezer for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving, and it’ll taste as fresh as the day you made it—if not better.

Reheating

Since this is a no-bake, chilled dessert, there’s no need to reheat! Simply enjoy straight from the fridge for maximum creaminess. If eaten from the freezer, let slices sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

It’s best to stick with canned crushed pineapple for this Millionaire Pie recipe—fresh pineapple contains enzymes that can break down the creamy filling and prevent it from setting up properly. If you’re craving a bit of extra zing, add some finely diced, well-drained fresh pineapple on top just before serving.

Is there a substitute for pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts or sliced almonds make great alternatives in Millionaire Pie, offering a different but equally delicious crunch. If you have nut allergies, simply skip them—the pie will still turn out wonderfully creamy and flavorful.

Can I make Millionaire Pie ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, making Millionaire Pie a day in advance is encouraged. The chilling time helps everything set and gives the flavors time to meld, so you can pull it out of the fridge and serve effortlessly when your guests arrive.

How do I prevent my filling from being runny?

Draining the pineapple thoroughly and patting the maraschino cherries completely dry is key to a firm, sliceable Millionaire Pie. Excess moisture is the main culprit behind a loose filling, so take your time with those steps for the perfect set.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought whipped topping?

You can use freshly whipped cream, just be sure it’s whipped to stiff peaks to hold the pie together. However, keep in mind that whipped topping (like Cool Whip) is more stable and will keep the texture of your Millionaire Pie cloud-like for longer, especially if making ahead.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a crowd-pleaser that’s easy, festive, and unforgettable, this Millionaire Pie deserves a spot in your dessert rotation. Every creamy, fruity, nutty bite feels like a little celebration. Give it a try—the only thing you’ll regret is not making two!

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