Millionaire Pie

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Millionaire Pie is the epitome of a decadent dessert—sweet, creamy, and with a satisfying crunch from the pecans. It brings together the perfect combination of flavors with a rich filling, tropical pineapple, and a buttery graham cracker crust. This no-bake pie is incredibly easy to prepare, making it the ideal treat for busy days when you want to impress your guests. It’s cool, refreshing, and oh-so-creamy, making it a perfect dessert for summer gatherings or holiday dinners. You won’t believe how simple it is to make a dessert that tastes like a million bucks!

Ingredients

• 1 pre-made graham cracker crust (or homemade)

• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened

• 1 (8 oz) container of whipped topping (like Cool Whip)

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

• 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)

• 1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut

• 1/4 cup maraschino cherries, chopped (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this step.

2. Add whipped topping: Gently fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined, creating a fluffy filling.

3. Mix in pineapple and coconut: Stir in the drained crushed pineapple and shredded coconut. Make sure the pineapple is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

4. Add the pecans: Fold in the chopped pecans (or walnuts). If you prefer a smoother texture, you can skip the nuts, but they add a delightful crunch that complements the creamy filling.

5. Assemble the pie: Spoon the filling into the prepared graham cracker crust. Spread it out evenly, smoothing the top with a spatula.

6. Chill the pie: Refrigerate the pie for at least 3-4 hours, or until the filling is firm and set.

7. Garnish and serve: Garnish the pie with chopped maraschino cherries (optional) or extra coconut and pecans for a decorative touch. Slice and serve chilled!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes 8 slices.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Chill Time: 3-4 hours

• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes

Variations

• Fruit Variations: Add other fruits like mandarin oranges or diced peaches for a fruity twist on this classic.

• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle some melted chocolate over the top of the pie for an extra layer of flavor.

• Nut-Free Version: If you have nut allergies, you can omit the pecans and use extra coconut for crunch.

• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute the cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese and use a non-dairy whipped topping like coconut whipped cream for a dairy-free version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Reheating: This pie is best served chilled and does not require reheating. Simply remove it from the fridge when ready to serve.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

You can use fresh pineapple, but it’s important to chop and drain it well to avoid excess moisture. Canned pineapple is often used because it’s already drained and easy to work with.

2. Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes! This pie is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it the day before and let it chill in the refrigerator overnight.

3. Can I use a different type of nut?

Yes! You can substitute the pecans with walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts depending on your preference. You can also omit the nuts entirely for a smoother filling.

4. Can I use a different type of crust?

Yes, you can use a pre-made cookie crust (such as an Oreo crust) or a homemade shortbread crust for a different flavor. Graham cracker crust, however, is traditional and complements the tropical flavors well.

5. Can I freeze this pie?

Yes, you can freeze the pie for up to a month. Just make sure to wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Let it thaw in the refrigerator for several hours before serving.

6. Can I make this pie without whipped topping?

Yes, if you prefer not to use whipped topping, you can substitute it with freshly whipped cream or use a homemade whipped cream recipe.

7. How do I prevent the filling from being too watery?

The key is to make sure the crushed pineapple is well-drained. After draining, gently press the pineapple to remove any excess liquid before adding it to the filling.

8. Can I add a layer of fruit on top?

Yes! You can top the pie with extra pineapple, berries, or other fresh fruits for added flavor and decoration.

9. How do I make the pie firmer?

For a firmer filling, you can increase the amount of cream cheese or add a bit of unflavored gelatin to the filling to help it set. Be sure to chill it long enough for the filling to firm up properly.

10. Can I omit the coconut?

Yes, if you’re not a fan of coconut, you can leave it out and add more crushed nuts or even extra pineapple for flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Millionaire Pie is the ultimate indulgent, no-bake dessert that combines the rich flavors of cream cheese, coconut, pineapple, and pecans, all encased in a buttery graham cracker crust. This pie is perfect for any occasion and is sure to impress with its creamy, tropical flavors. With minimal prep time and no baking required, it’s an easy yet impressive dessert that your guests will love. The best part? It’s super easy to make ahead, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the delicious results!