Million-Dollar Pie

No matter what flavors you like (or don’t like), there’s a perfect no-bake pie recipe out there for you. Coconut and pineapple fans, in particular, will love million-dollar pie, a retro dessert made with just seven ingredients and a little patience. Learn how to make a million-dollar pie that some might say tastes like–ahem—a million bucks.

What is million-dollar pie?

Million-dollar pie is said to have originated in South Carolina in the late 1930s or ’40s, called either “million-dollar” or “millionaire” pie. The recipe likely received its name because of how decadent it is—similar to other million-dollar recipes.

A million-dollar pie recipe typically includes crushed pineapple, shredded coconut and crushed pecans, all held together by whipped topping and sweetened condensed milk. Maraschino cherries are common garnishes, as is a dollop of Cool Whip.

Million-Dollar Pie Ingredients

• Sweetened condensed milk
• Lemon juice
• Canned crushed pineapple
• Sweetened shredded coconut
• Chopped pecans, divided
• Frozen whipped topping
• Graham cracker crusts

Directions

Step 1: Beat the milk and lemon juice

In a large bowl, beat the sweetened condensed milk and lemon juice with a whisk until blended.

Test Kitchen Tip: Fresh lemon juice will amp up the flavor of this pie, but if you don’t have any on hand, store-bought lemon juice works just fine.

Step 2: Add the chunky bits

Stir in the drained pineapple, 3/4 cup toasted shredded coconut and 3/4 cup chopped pecans.

Step 3: Fold in the whipped topping

Fold the thawed frozen whipped topping into the mixture and stir until the coconut, pineapple and pecans are uniform throughout.

Step 4: Pour the filling into the crusts

Pour the million-dollar filling into the two graham cracker crusts. Cover and refrigerate until set, about two hours.

Step 5: Finish with toppings and serve

Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup toasted coconut and 1/4 cup chopped pecans before serving. If desired, top with additional whipped topping and garnish with maraschino cherries.

Million-Dollar Pie Variations

• Make it billionaire pie: If you love cherries, turn million-dollar pie into “billionaire” pie by adding cherry pie filling or chopped maraschino cherries to the filling.
• Add tanginess: Another option is to add cream cheese instead of sweetened condensed milk to million-dollar pie to create more of a cheesecake flavor.
• Swap garnishes: If you want to give your pie a fancier look before serving, top it with toasted coconut chips instead of the shredded coconut.

How to Store Million-Dollar Pie

Store your million-dollar pie in the fridge in a covered container and eat it within a few days, before the graham cracker crust starts to get soggy. If you’re putting a cut pie back in the fridge, press a piece of plastic wrap against the cut side to avoid dried-out edges.

Looking for more? Try our favorite millionaire bars.