Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! When you’re in the mood for a dessert that feels incredibly luxurious but is actually a total breeze to make, this Millionaire Pie is the answer. It’s a classic for a reason—it’s a no-bake, creamy, and fruity pie that is packed with flavor and texture. With a simple graham cracker crust, a rich, fluffy filling, and a mix of tropical fruits and crunchy pecans, this pie is pure perfection. It’s the kind of dessert that is perfect for a warm summer day, a holiday meal, or any time you want a sweet treat that requires no oven time.
I first came across this pie at a family reunion, and I was immediately hooked. It was so light, creamy, and packed with so many different textures and flavors. I knew I had to get the recipe. The secret to this pie’s incredible flavor is the perfect blend of creamy condensed milk and a fluffy whipped topping, with a mix of crushed pineapple, maraschino cherries, and crunchy pecans. It’s a dessert that feels nostalgic and new all at once, and it’s a total crowd-pleaser.
Why I Love This Recipe
What I love most about this Millionaire Pie is its sheer simplicity and fantastic flavor. The no-bake aspect is a huge win, especially during the summer. You just mix, pour, and chill. The combination of the rich, creamy filling with the sweet and tangy fruit and the nutty pecans is a perfect balance. It’s a dessert that is both light and decadent, and it’s always a huge hit with everyone who tries it.
This recipe is also a great make-ahead dessert. It needs several hours in the fridge to set up perfectly, which makes it an ideal solution for a party or a family gathering. You can prepare it a day in advance and just pull it out of the fridge when you’re ready to serve. For another great make-ahead no-bake dessert, my recipe for This Grasshopper Pie is My Favorite No-Bake Dessert with a Mint Chocolate Twist is also a total showstopper.
Ingredients
- 1 (9-inch) graham cracker crust
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained well
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
Swaps and Notes
- Graham Cracker Crust: A store-bought graham cracker crust makes this recipe incredibly easy. You can also make your own with graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and a little sugar.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is the key to the rich, creamy filling. Don’t use evaporated milk, as it won’t set up properly.
- Fruit: The combination of crushed pineapple and maraschino cherries is a classic, but you can also add other fruits like drained mandarin oranges or a little bit of banana.
- Pecans: Chopped pecans add a great crunch and a nutty flavor. You can also use walnuts or toasted almonds.
- Whipped Topping: Cool Whip is ideal for this recipe as it holds its shape well and gives you that perfect fluffy texture.
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and fresh lemon juice. Stir until it starts to thicken. This is a magic step where the citric acid in the lemon juice reacts with the milk to create a thick, creamy filling.
- Add the Mix-ins: Gently fold in the well-drained crushed pineapple, chopped maraschino cherries, and chopped pecans.
- Fold in the Whipped Topping: Using a spatula, gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep the mixture light and fluffy.
- Pour and Chill: Pour the filling into the graham cracker crust. Spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Chill: Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until it is well chilled and set.
Tips for Success
- Drain the Fruit Well: This is a crucial step. Make sure your crushed pineapple is drained very, very well. Excess liquid can prevent the pie from setting up properly.
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: The fresh lemon juice is what makes the magic happen. Don’t use bottled lemon juice, as it won’t have the same effect.
- Let It Set: Giving the pie a full 4 hours to chill is a crucial step. It allows the filling to set up completely, creating a firm but airy dessert.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Millionaire Pie is a complete dessert on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple garnish of a few extra pecans or a fresh cherry on top. It’s the perfect dessert to serve after a light meal. For another great crowd-pleasing dessert, you might also like my recipe for This Big Family Banana Pudding is My Favorite Classic Dessert to Feed a Crowd.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Please note: This is an approximation and can vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 450 per slice
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
This is a rich and decadent dessert, so it’s best enjoyed as an occasional treat.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This pie stores beautifully. You can store it, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld together, so it often tastes even better the next day. This pie does not freeze well.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you’re a fan of easy and delicious desserts, you’ll love some of my other creations. For a classic that’s always a hit, try my recipe for The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made and I’ve Made a Lot. For another easy and nostalgic treat, you can’t go wrong with my recipe for These Old School No-Bake Cookies Never Fail Me and I’ve Made Them 100 Times. And for another simple no-bake dessert, my This Easy Ice Cream Sandwich Cake is My Favorite No-Bake Summer Dessert is a winner.
Final Thoughts
This Millionaire Pie is a recipe that is sure to become a new favorite in your home. It’s simple, elegant, and incredibly delicious—a perfect way to get a rich, decadent dessert on the table without any of the fuss.
I’d love to know what your favorite no-bake desserts are! Let me know in the comments below. And don’t forget to follow me for more delicious recipes. Happy chilling!
Millionaire Pie: A Creamy, Fruity, and Easy No-Bake Dessert
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups maraschino cherries, drained
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping
- 1 (9-inch) graham cracker pie crust
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until well combined.
- Fold in the whipped topping until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the fresh lemon juice, maraschino cherries, and chopped pecans.
- Pour the filling into the graham cracker pie crust and spread evenly.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or until set.
- Slice and serve chilled, garnished with additional cherries or pecans if desired.
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