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A million dollar pie is a delightful no bake dessert that will steal the show at any gathering! This classic icebox pie combines the luscious flavors of crushed pineapple, tangy cream cheese, and crunchy pecans, all nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust. Best of all, you can whip this creamy dessert in just 15 minutes, making it the perfect sweet treat for summer cookouts or holiday festivities. This irresistible dessert truly lives up to its name!
Million dollar pie is a wonderfully easy recipe to make and it really delivers on sweet, satisfying flavor. This simple no bake dessert is a real winner.
Looking for more no bake desserts? Also take a look at drumstick pie, Oreo pie, homemade Snickers bites, and tiramisu cheesecake.
Why You’ll Love It
So simple to whip up: Combine the ingredients for the filling, spoon the mixture into a graham cracker crust and chill the dessert. That’s about all you have to do!
No baking required: This is a no bake recipe.
Tastes so good: The creamy, fruity flavors in this million dollar pie are so satisfying and delicious.
Grandma’s Million Dollar Pie Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Crushed pineapple: This needs to be very well drained (you don’t want a watery pie!)
Sweetened condensed milk: For sweetness and creaminess.
Cream cheese: Full fat cream cheese offers the best flavor.
Powdered sugar: For more sweetness.
Pecans: For a nutty taste and contrasting texture.
Shredded coconut: Use sweetened or unsweetened coconut flakes.
Frozen whipped topping: For a rich and luxurious result.
Graham cracker crust: Grab one from the store (using a readymade crust makes the recipe so quick and easy!)
How to Make Million Dollar Pie
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Prepare the pie filling: Beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together in a large bowl, then beat in the sweetened condensed milk. Stir in the drained pineapple, chopped pecans and coconut flakes. Fold in the thawed Cool Whip or thawed whipped topping of choice.
Fill the pie crust: Spoon the sweetened condensed milk mixture into a graham cracker pie crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
Chill and slice: Refrigerate the pie overnight, or for at least 4 hours, so it can set, then slice and serve chilled.
Substitutions and Variations
Gluten-free option: If you want a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free graham crust (this one is good!)
Crushed pineapple: Freshly chopped pineapple can be used as long as it’s well-drained. If the pineapple is not very well drained, you may have issues with your pie not setting completely. Make sure to get all of the liquid out of the pineapple before adding it to the other ingredients. Another idea is swapping the pineapple for well-drained cherry pie filling or mandarin oranges.
Chopped pecans: Walnuts or almonds offer a similar crunch.
Whipped topping: Use Cool Whip, fresh whipped cream or your favorite whipped topping to achieve a creamy texture.
Shredded coconut: Desiccated coconut is a great substitute if shredded isn’t available.
Whipped topping: Freshly whipped homemade whipped cream sweetened with powdered sugar is an excellent option.
Lemon juice: A splash of lemon juice balances out the flavor if you find it too sweet.
Graham cracker crust: A shortbread crust or vanilla wafer crust can add a unique flavor. Or you can make your own homemade graham cracker crust using graham cracker crumbs and melted butter.
Serving Suggestions
Appetizers: Begin your meal with turkey and veggie soup or an antipasto farro salad.
Main dishes: Next up, enjoy Mediterranean steak bowls or a herb-crusted prime rib with homemade au jus.
Desserts: Serve a slice of million dollar pie for dessert. You might like to pair this delicious pie with a scoop of ice cream or some whipped cream.
How to Store Millionaire Pie
Store: Store the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to keep it fresh.
Freeze: Wrap the entire pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months
Thaw: Defrost it in the refrigerator overnight.
Top Tips
Drain the canned pineapple: Drain the pineapple tidbits or crushed pineapple very well, using the back of a wooden spoon to push it against the sieve. If there’s any moisture left, your pie might come out watery.
Room temperature cream cheese: You’ll find it easier to mix when softened, so give it 45 minutes on the counter to come to room temperature.
Chill for several hours: Chill the pie for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight, so it sets perfectly.
Million Dollar Icebox Pie FAQs
Also known as billion dollar pie, millionaire pie, billionaire’s pie and Hawaiian million dollar pie, this icebox pie recipe dates back to the 1930s when refrigerators became popular in the United States. From the name of this recipe, it sounds like fridges were quite costly back then!
Yes, you can make this pie your own by swapping in your favorite ingredients. You can swap out pecans for another favorite nut like macadamia nuts or add a handful of mini chocolate chips for a sweeter twist. For a fruity variation, try adding dried cherries or chopped mango for an extra burst of flavor. Just make sure you are keeping roughly the same proportion of textures and ingredient amounts to ensure that your pie sets properly with your substitutions.
No Bake Million Dollar Pie Recipe
Million Dollar Pie
Ingredients
- ½ Cup crushed pineapple, very well drained
- 1 Cup sweetened condensed milk
- 8 Ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- ½ Cup powdered sugar
- ¾ Cup pecans, finely chopped, measure before chopping
- 1 ¼ Cups shredded coconut
- 8 Ounces whipped topping, such as Cool Whip
- 1 graham cracker crust, 10-Inch
Optional Toppings:
- 8 maraschino cherries, with stems
- whipped cream
- ground cinnamon, or nutmeg
- pecans, finely chopped
Instructions
Prepare the Pie Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Beat with a hand mixer until smooth and well combined.
- Add the sweetened condensed milk and beat until fully incorporated.
- Stir in the drained crushed pineapple, chopped pecans, and shredded coconut. Mix well with a wooden spoon until everything is evenly distributed.
- Gently fold in the whipped topping until fully incorporated into the mixture.
Assemble the Pie:
- Pour the mixture into the graham cracker crust and spread it out evenly with a rubber spatula.
- Add whipped cream around the border of the pie if liked and/or maraschino cherries. You could also sprinkle some ground spice around the border or some finely chopped nuts.
Chill for Several Hours:
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to set.
- Once set, slice and serve chilled.
Notes
Room temperature cream cheese: You’ll find it easier to mix when softened, so give it 45 minutes on the counter to come to room temperature.
Chill for several hours: Chill the pie for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight, so it sets perfectly.
Nutrition
You’re going to love this delicious Hawaiian million dollar pie. The creamy filling and prepared graham cracker crust are so good together and the toasted coconut is the icing on the cake. If you don’t want to bake pie recipes, try this easy no bake dish. Old fashioned million dollar pie never disappoints.
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Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
This creamy, no-bake dessert was a hit. So easy and absolutely delicious!