There is something absolutely irresistible about this Millionaire Pie Recipe that makes it a standout dessert for any occasion. It’s a luscious, tropical treat that combines the creamy richness of whipped cream and cream cheese with the bright tang of lime and the tropical sweetness of pineapple, coconut, and cherries. This pie is a celebration of textures and flavors, from the crunch of pecans to the smooth graham cracker crust, all coming together in a dessert that feels both indulgent and delightfully fresh. If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s easy to prepare but will earn you endless compliments, this Millionaire Pie Recipe is your new best friend.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Putting together this Millionaire Pie Recipe is a breeze thanks to a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one brings a unique touch to the final flavor and texture, creating a beautifully balanced dessert that everyone will love.
- Graham cracker pie crust: This provides a buttery, crunchy base that perfectly complements the creamy filling.
- Sweetened condensed milk (14 oz can): Adds a rich sweetness and creamy texture that forms the foundation of the pie.
- Lime (zest and juice): Brings a bright citrus zing, balancing the sweetness and adding freshness.
- Crushed pineapple (15 oz can, drained): Offers tropical juiciness and a slight tartness to elevate the pie’s flavor.
- Chopped maraschino cherries (2/3 cup): Adds bursts of sweetness and eye-catching red color.
- Maraschino cherry juice (2 tablespoons): Enhances the cherry flavor throughout the pie filling.
- Sweetened shredded coconut flakes (1 cup): Provides chewiness and tropical flair that perfectly matches the pineapple.
- Chopped pecans (½ cup): Brings a satisfying crunch and nutty undertone to the pie.
- Heavy whipping cream (1 cup plus 1 cup for topping): Whipping this up creates a light, airy texture essential for the filling and the fluffy topping.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Adds richness and a slight tang that keeps the pie creamy without being overly sweet.
- Coconut extract (1 teaspoon): Amplifies the coconut notes, making the pie unforgettable.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
- Powdered sugar (¼ cup): Sweetens the whipped cream topping for a smooth finish.
- Maraschino cherries (for garnish): The perfect pretty pop of color and flavor on top.
How to Make Millionaire Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
Start by beating the softened cream cheese until it’s completely smooth and free of lumps. This creates a creamy base that will blend easily with the whipped cream. Next, add one cup of heavy whipping cream along with coconut and vanilla extracts. Beat this mixture together until you get medium to stiff peaks, but be careful not to overmix or it could become grainy. This step is key to the light and fluffy texture that makes the pie so delightful.
Step 2: Mix the Filling Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk with the freshly grated lime zest and lime juice. Stir these until smooth to infuse the pie with that irresistible citrus tang. Then, very importantly, strain the crushed pineapple well to avoid any excess moisture that might make your pie soggy. Fold in the pineapple, chopped maraschino cherries, cherry juice, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans. The melding of these flavors and textures is what sets this Millionaire Pie Recipe apart from ordinary pies.
Step 3: Combine Whipped Cream and Filling
Gently fold the cream cheese whipped cream mixture into the fruit and nut filling, combining them delicately to keep the airy texture intact. This is the creamy, dreamy filling that will make everyone ask for seconds. Once fully combined, spread the filling evenly into your graham cracker pie crust, smoothing the surface for a polished look.
Step 4: Chill the Pie
Pop the pie into the refrigerator for several hours, ideally at least four, to allow it to set properly. This chilling time lets the flavors meld together beautifully and the filling firm up, making the pie slice-able and perfect for serving.
Step 5: Prepare and Add the Topping
For the finishing touch, whip the remaining cup of heavy cream with the powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. You can choose to either pipe this luscious whipped cream on top for an elegant look or spread it thickly. Garnish the pie with a few maraschino cherries for a classic, colorful presentation that will make your dessert table shine.
How to Serve Millionaire Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A few maraschino cherries scattered on top add a sweet burst of flavor and a nostalgic pop of color that instantly make the pie more festive. You can also sprinkle a little extra shredded coconut or chopped pecans for added texture and visual appeal—these small touches take your presentation from lovely to absolutely irresistible.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with light, refreshing sides that won’t compete with its rich flavors. Think fresh fruit salad, a simple mint garnish, or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for extra indulgence. These sides refresh the palate and complement the tropical and creamy notes of the pie perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a twist, serve this Millionaire Pie Recipe in individual clear dessert cups to showcase the delicious layers. You can also create mini tartlets using graham cracker crust cups for a cute, bite-sized version at parties. Another fun idea is to drizzle a bit of pineapple juice reduction or a cherry syrup over the top before serving, adding a glossy finish and an extra layer of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Millionaire Pie can be covered tightly with plastic wrap and kept in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, allowing you to savor every last bite without worrying about it drying out or losing its creamy texture.
Freezing
While this pie is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it if needed. Wrap the pie well with plastic wrap and then foil to protect against freezer burn. When properly stored, it will keep for up to 1 month. Thaw the pie in the fridge overnight before serving to maintain its perfect consistency.
Reheating
Since this is a chilled dessert, reheating is generally not recommended; it’s best served cold. However, if your pie softens too much in the thawing process, simply give the filling a gentle stir and re-chill before serving to help it firm up again.
FAQs
Can I make Millionaire Pie Recipe in advance?
Absolutely! This pie actually benefits from resting in the fridge for several hours or overnight so the flavors can blend and the filling can set properly. It’s a great make-ahead dessert for busy days or special celebrations.
What can I substitute for the cream cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese on hand, mascarpone or ricotta cheese are good alternatives that will still provide a creamy texture, though the flavor might be slightly milder. Keep the cream cheese for the exact classic taste and texture of the Millionaire Pie Recipe.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, fresh pineapple works beautifully as long as you drain it thoroughly to avoid extra liquid in the filling. Fresh pineapple will add a lovely natural sweetness and texture, making the pie even more vibrant.
Is this pie gluten-free?
The filling and toppings are naturally gluten-free, but traditional graham cracker crusts contain gluten. For a gluten-free version, look for gluten-free graham cracker crusts or make your own using gluten-free cookies as the base.
How many servings does this pie make?
This recipe comfortably serves about 12 people, making it perfect for family gatherings or parties where you want enough dessert to go around with some to spare.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that feels like a tropical escape in every bite, you absolutely must try this Millionaire Pie Recipe. It’s wonderfully creamy, textured, and balanced with just the right hint of citrus and coconut magic. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because dessert calls your name, this pie will quickly become a beloved favorite. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll be planning your next slice!
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Millionaire Pie Recipe
Millionaire Pie is a luscious, no-bake dessert featuring a creamy filling made with sweetened condensed milk, lime, pineapple, cherries, coconut, and pecans, all folded into whipped cream and set in a graham cracker crust. Topped with fluffy whipped cream and maraschino cherries, this pie is perfect for a refreshing, tropical-inspired treat that requires minimal effort and refrigeration time.
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 graham cracker pie crust
Pie Filling
- 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- Zest and juice of 1 lime (about 2 ½ tablespoons)
- 15 oz can crushed pineapple, well drained
- 2/3 cup chopped Maraschino cherries
- 2 tablespoons Maraschino cherry juice
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut flakes
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- Maraschino cherries, for garnish
Instructions
- Mix Cream Cheese and Cream: Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth using a mixer. Add 1 cup of heavy whipping cream along with the coconut and vanilla extracts. Continue mixing until medium to stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overmix to maintain the airy texture.
- Prepare Pie Filling: In a separate large bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk with the lime juice and lime zest. Stir well to combine. Add the well-drained crushed pineapple, chopped Maraschino cherries, cherry juice, shredded coconut flakes, and chopped pecans. Gently fold in the whipped cream and cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated and creamy.
- Assemble Pie: Pour the filling mixture into the graham cracker pie crust. Smooth it out evenly to cover the entire crust in a uniform layer.
- Chill: Refrigerate the pie for several hours, ideally around 4 hours, to allow it to set properly and develop flavors.
- Prepare Topping: Whip 1 cup of heavy whipping cream with ¼ cup powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe this whipped cream on top of the chilled pie evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Decorate the pie topping with additional Maraschino cherries as desired. Slice and serve chilled for a refreshing dessert experience.
Notes
- Ensure pineapple is drained very well to prevent the filling from becoming too watery.
- Do not overmix the whipped cream with the cream cheese to maintain a light texture.
- The pie requires at least 4 hours of refrigeration to properly set; overnight chilling is best for optimal flavor.
- Use fresh lime zest and juice for the best tangy flavor.
- Optional: Add extra crushed pineapple or cherries on top for garnish instead of just cherries.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian