Introduction
Million Dollar Pie is a delightful, no-bake dessert that combines the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors. Its creamy filling, paired with a crunchy graham cracker crust.
makes it a hit for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday gathering, a summer barbecue, or a family dinner.
this pie is sure to impress with its rich texture and indulgent taste. The unique combination of pineapple, coconut, and nuts gives the pie a tropical flair that’s both refreshing and comforting.
Ingredients
Pie Filling:
-1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
-1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
-1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
-½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
-½ cup maraschino cherries, chopped (optional)
-3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
-1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
Crust:
-1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
-⅓ cup sugar
-6 tbsp melted unsalted butter
Garnish:
Whipped cream
Chopped pecans
Maraschino cherries
Toasted coconut (optional)
Instructions
Start by preparing the crust. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is well-moistened and crumbly.
Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie pan to form an even crust. Set it aside to allow it to firm up as you prepare the filling.
Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, drained crushed pineapple, shredded coconut.
chopped nuts, and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly to combine all the ingredients.
Gently fold in the whipped topping, being careful not to deflate the mixture. The whipped topping adds a light and airy texture to the filling, so ensure it’s evenly distributed without over-mixing.
Once the filling is well-mixed, pour it into the prepared graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top for an even finish.
Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the filling to set and the flavors to meld together.
Before serving, garnish the pie with whipped cream, chopped pecans, maraschino cherries, and toasted coconut for a decorative and flavorful touch.
Slice and serve the pie chilled, ensuring each piece holds its shape. Enjoy the rich, creamy, and crunchy layers of this delectable dessert.
How to Make
To begin making this pie, the crust should be your first priority. Begin by combining the graham cracker crumbs with sugar in a bowl. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
Press the mixture into a pie dish and make sure it’s tightly packed to prevent it from falling apart. The crust should then be left to cool while you work on the filling.
For the filling, combine all the wet ingredients—sweetened condensed milk and lemon juice—into a large mixing bowl. Drain the pineapple well to avoid excess moisture.
then stir it into the milk mixture along with the coconut and chopped nuts. If you’re using maraschino cherries, add them as well for added sweetness and color.
The whipped topping is the last ingredient to fold into the filling. Be gentle while incorporating it to preserve the airy texture. Once all the ingredients are combined, pour the filling into the prepared crust.
After assembling the pie, it needs time in the fridge to set properly. A few hours should suffice, but overnight chilling.
will allow the flavors to come together more deeply. The pie is ready to be garnished right before serving for an elegant touch.
Tips
For a firmer crust, try baking it for 8-10 minutes at 350°F before adding the filling. Let it cool completely before filling it to maintain a sturdy texture.
If you’re not a fan of coconut, you can skip it or substitute it with another nut or even a sprinkle of chocolate chips for a twist on the classic recipe.
When draining the pineapple, make sure to press out as much liquid as possible. This helps avoid a soggy filling and ensures the pie maintains its texture.
Toasting the coconut before using it in the pie can bring out its natural flavors and add a nice depth of taste to the filling.
If you want a lighter pie, use a reduced-fat whipped topping or opt for a sugar-free sweetened condensed milk.
The pie will still be delicious, though the texture may be slightly different.
For extra crunch, you can increase the amount of nuts in the filling. Adding a handful of chopped almonds or hazelnuts will give the pie a unique twist.
Make sure to refrigerate the pie for at least a few hours to ensure the filling sets properly. If you don’t chill it long enough, the texture may not be as firm as desired.
Conclusion
Million Dollar Pie is a fantastic dessert that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
With its no-bake simplicity and irresistible combination of flavors, it’s perfect for any celebration or as a sweet treat for everyday enjoyment.
Whether you stick to the classic ingredients or personalize it with your favorite additions, this pie will always be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!