Millionaire Pie Recipe That Tastes Like Pure Gold
If you’ve never tried millionaire pie before, let me tell you—you’re in for a treat. The first time I made this, I didn’t even know it would turn out this good.
It’s creamy, fruity, sweet, and so easy that you’ll feel like you’re cheating the dessert world.
I call it my “lazy-day miracle dessert” because it takes almost no effort but tastes like something you spent hours making. Trust me, if I love it, you will too.
What Is Millionaire Pie?
Millionaire pie is an old-fashioned Southern no-bake dessert that’s been around for decades. It usually has a graham cracker crust filled with a creamy, sweet mixture made with crushed pineapple, sweetened condensed milk, whipped topping, and sometimes pecans or maraschino cherries. It’s chilled until firm, making it the perfect cold and refreshing dessert.
The name “millionaire” comes from the fact that it feels so rich and fancy, but it’s actually super cheap and easy to make.
Why You’ll Love This Pie
There are hundreds of pies out there, but this one stands out. Here’s why:
- No baking needed – Just mix and chill.
- Inexpensive ingredients – Everything you need is simple and affordable.
- Creamy and fruity – The pineapple and cherries add the best burst of flavor.
- Crowd-pleaser – Everyone always asks me for the recipe.
- Great for holidays or hot days – Perfect when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need anything fancy to make millionaire pie. Just grab these simple items:
- 1 prepared graham cracker crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional but amazing)
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped (plus extra for topping)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
That’s it—just a handful of ingredients that you probably already have at home.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the sweetened condensed milk and lemon juice. The lemon juice thickens the milk a bit and gives it a fresh flavor.
2. Add the Fruit
Fold in the crushed pineapple (make sure it’s well-drained) and the chopped cherries. These bring all the sweetness and fruity goodness.
3. Mix in the Nuts
Add the pecans for a little crunch. If you’re not a nut fan, you can skip this step, but trust me—it makes the pie extra good.
4. Fold in Whipped Topping
Gently fold in the whipped topping until everything is smooth and creamy. Don’t overmix—just fold until blended.
5. Fill the Crust
Pour the mixture into your graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
6. Chill Until Set
Refrigerate for at least 3–4 hours, or overnight if you can. The longer it chills, the better it tastes.
Tips for the Best Millionaire Pie
- Drain your pineapple well – Too much juice will make the filling runny.
- Chill overnight – It gets firmer and tastier the longer it sits.
- Use homemade crust if you want extra flavor – Crush graham crackers with butter and sugar for a stronger base.
- Make it pretty – Garnish with extra cherries, pecans, or whipped cream before serving.
Variations to Try
What I love most about millionaire pie is how easy it is to customize. Here are some fun twists:
- Tropical Pie – Add shredded coconut for an island vibe.
- Chocolate Lover’s Pie – Mix in chocolate chips or drizzle chocolate syrup on top.
- Banana Split Style – Add sliced bananas before serving.
- Mini Pies – Use cupcake liners with graham cracker crumbs for individual servings.
Storing Millionaire Pie
- Refrigerator: Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Yes, you can freeze it! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Why This Pie Stays a Family Favorite
The reason I keep coming back to millionaire pie is simple—it feels special but doesn’t stress me out. Every time I serve it, people light up. It’s one of those desserts that just brings happiness without requiring you to be a master baker. Honestly, once you try it, I think you’ll add it to your go-to list too.
FAQs About Millionaire Pie
Q: Why is it called Millionaire Pie?
A: Because it tastes rich and fancy, but it’s actually cheap and easy to make.
Q: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
A: I wouldn’t recommend it. Fresh pineapple has enzymes that keep the pie from setting properly. Stick with canned.
Q: Can I make this pie ahead of time?
A: Yes! It actually tastes better when made a day before.
Q: What can I use instead of pecans?
A: Walnuts, almonds, or even leaving out nuts completely works fine.
Q: Does millionaire pie need to be refrigerated?
A: Yes, always keep it chilled so it stays firm and fresh.
