Millionaire Pie is a classic Southern dessert that’s creamy, sweet, and packed with delightful textures and flavors. If you’ve been wondering how do you make a millionaire pie, you’re in for a treat! This no-bake pie combines tropical pineapple, toasted pecans, coconut, and a luscious sweetened condensed milk base, all nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust. It’s a perfect dessert for any occasion—whether it’s a family gathering, holiday celebration, or a simple weekend treat.
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to create this nostalgic and crowd-pleasing pie.
What Is Millionaire Pie?
Millionaire Pie is a vintage dessert beloved in Southern kitchens. It’s known for its rich, creamy filling made from cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and marshmallow fluff or whipped topping, mixed with crushed pineapple, coconut flakes, and chopped pecans. The pie is chilled to set, making it refreshing and easy to slice. The name “Millionaire Pie” hints at its decadence and the “million-dollar” flavor it delivers without requiring complicated baking skills.
Ingredients You’ll Need
– Crust:
– 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 4 tablespoons melted butter
– Filling:
– 8 oz softened cream cheese
– 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
– 1/4 cup pineapple juice (reserved from crushed pineapple)
– 8 oz marshmallow fluff or 8 oz frozen whipped topping (thawed)
– 20 oz can crushed pineapple (well-drained)
– 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
– 1 cup toasted pecans (plus extra for garnish)
– 8 oz maraschino cherries (chopped, with some reserved for garnish)
– Additional whipped topping for garnish
How to Make Millionaire Pie: Step-by-Step
1. Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch deep dish pie pan. Bake for 12-14 minutes until the crust is set and golden. Let it cool completely before adding the filling.
2. Toast the Pecans
Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and toast them for 6-8 minutes until fragrant and golden. Allow them to cool before adding to the filling.
3. Make the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and pineapple juice until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the marshmallow fluff (or whipped topping) just until combined.
4. Add the Mix-Ins
By hand, fold in the crushed pineapple, coconut flakes, toasted pecans (reserve some for garnish), and chopped maraschino cherries. Add about two-thirds of the whipped topping and mix well to combine everything evenly.
5. Assemble the Pie
Spread the filling evenly into the cooled graham cracker crust. Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the filling to set properly.
6. Garnish and Serve
Before serving, spread the remaining whipped topping over the pie. Garnish with the reserved pecans and additional cherries for a beautiful presentation. Keep the pie chilled until ready to enjoy.
Tips for the Perfect Millionaire Pie
– Drain the pineapple well to avoid a soggy crust or watery filling.
– Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother filling.
– Don’t skip toasting the pecans; it brings out their flavor and adds a nice crunch.
– Chill the pie overnight if possible—it improves the texture and flavor melding.
– Feel free to customize by adding or substituting nuts, or using fresh pineapple if available.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– It’s incredibly easy and quick to prepare, with no complicated baking required for the filling.
– The combination of creamy, fruity, nutty, and sweet flavors is irresistible.
– It’s a nostalgic dessert that brings back memories of family gatherings and Southern hospitality.
– Perfect for warm weather since it’s served chilled and refreshing.
Millionaire Pie is a dessert that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to make. It’s a great way to impress guests or enjoy a slice of sweet comfort at home.
Give this recipe a try and discover why Millionaire Pie has earned its place as a beloved classic dessert!