Million Dollar Pie Recipe

The Heavenly Million Dollar Pie Recipe Everyone Loves

Sweet memories dance through kitchens when million dollar pie enters the scene.

Southern charm whispers from every creamy slice of this classic dessert.

Generations of home cooks have passed down this delectable treat with pride.

Incredibly smooth textures and unexpected flavor combinations make people swoon at first bite.

Rich ingredients blend into a dreamy landscape of pure comfort.

Hints of tropical sweetness promise pure indulgence without complicated techniques.

Impressing guests with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

You’ll want to experience this legendary pie right now.

How To Store Million Dollar Pie In The Fridge

  • Refrigerate: Store the pie in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap. Keep chilled for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Freezing: Wrap the entire pie carefully in plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Reheating: Million Dollar Pie is best enjoyed cold. Avoid microwaving, as it can compromise the creamy texture. Simply remove from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
  • Serving Tip: For optimal taste and texture, consume within 2-3 days of preparation. Always use clean utensils when cutting and serving to prevent contamination.

What Goes Great With Million Dollar Pie

  • Pair with Creamy Champagne: Crack open a chilled bottle of champagne to complement the pie's sweet, buttery crust. The bubbly, crisp notes will cut through the richness and create a luxurious dessert experience.
  • Serve with Fresh Berries: Scatter a mix of fresh raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries around the pie slice. Their tart, bright flavors will balance the graham cracker's sweetness and add a pop of color to the dessert.
  • Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Scoop a generous dollop of premium vanilla bean ice cream alongside the pie. The smooth, cold cream will enhance the pie's texture and provide a classic dessert pairing that feels indulgent and comforting.
  • Accompany with Coffee Liqueur: Drizzle a small amount of coffee liqueur over the pie or serve a shot on the side. The rich, deep coffee notes will complement the pie's sweet profile and add a sophisticated adult twist to the dessert.

Ways To Switch Up Million Dollar Pie

  • No-Bake Coconut Crunch: Swap graham cracker crumbs with toasted coconut flakes and add sliced almonds for extra texture. Mix melted butter with shredded coconut and press into the pan for a tropical-inspired crust.
  • Chocolate Graham Decadence: Use chocolate graham crackers instead of regular ones. Incorporate cocoa powder into the crust mixture and add a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips for rich, chocolatey depth.
  • Nutty Pecan Base: Replace half the graham cracker crumbs with finely ground pecans. Mix in a touch of cinnamon and brown sugar to enhance the nutty flavor profile of the crust.
  • Gluten-Free Almond Option: Substitute graham crackers with gluten-free almond flour and ground almonds. Add a pinch of sea salt to bring out the nuttiness and create a crunchy, alternative crust.

FAQs About Million Dollar Pie

The name comes from its rich, decadent flavor and luxurious combination of ingredients that taste like a million bucks, despite being relatively simple to make.

  • Can I use a different type of crust instead of graham crackers?

Yes, you can substitute with crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers if graham crackers aren’t available. The key is maintaining a similar texture and sweetness.

  • How do I get a perfectly even graham cracker crust?

Use the back of a measuring cup or a flat-bottomed glass to press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly across the bottom and sides of the pie pan, ensuring a compact and uniform base.

  • Is it better to chill or bake the crust?

Both methods work well. Chilling sets the crust and helps it hold together, while baking creates a slightly firmer, more crisp texture. Choose based on your preference and time available.

Why Million Dollar Pie Feels Light And Luxurious

  • Craft a Perfectly Textured Crust: The graham cracker base delivers a delightful crunch with buttery richness, creating a satisfying foundation that complements the pie's smooth filling.
  • Super Simple Preparation: This no-fuss crust comes together in minutes, requiring just three basic ingredients and minimal kitchen skills, making it ideal for bakers of all experience levels.
  • Versatile Baking Technique: Enjoy flexibility with two crust options – a quick refrigerated set or a golden-baked version that adds extra depth and stability to your pie's foundation.
  • Customizable Comfort: Easily adapt the crust by switching graham crackers with other cookie crumbs like chocolate or vanilla wafers, letting you personalize the base to match different flavor profiles.

Ingredients Needed For Million Dollar Pie

Crust Ingredients:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet, slightly nutty foundation for the pie crust.
  • Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the crumbs together and adds rich flavor to the crust.
  • Granulated Sugar: Enhances the sweetness and helps the crust hold its shape.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: The creamy, thick base that gives the pie its signature smooth texture.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, tangy flavor and helps set the filling.
  • Whipped Cream, Cool Whip: Provides a light, airy texture and extra creamy sweetness to the pie.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Crushed Pineapple: Adds tropical sweetness and moisture to the pie.
  • Maraschino Cherries, Chopped Pecans: Provide colorful garnish and a delightful crunch to the pie's surface.

How To Put Together Million Dollar Pie In No Time

Step 1: Create Buttery Graham Cracker Base

In a mixing bowl, blend together graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir thoroughly until the mixture becomes uniformly moist and holds together when pressed. The goal is to create a sandy, cohesive texture that will form a delicious foundation for your pie.

Ingredients:
  • Graham cracker crumbs
  • Melted butter
  • Sugar

Tip: Use a fork or your fingers to ensure even mixing and eliminate any dry spots.

Step 2: Shape and Prepare Crust

Carefully transfer the graham cracker mixture into a 9-inch pie pan. Use the back of a spoon or your fingertips to press the crumb mixture firmly across the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Aim for an even, compact layer that will hold its shape.

Choose your crust preparation method:

Option A: Refrigerator Set

Chill the crust in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to help it firm up and set.

Option B: Oven-Baked Crust

Bake the crust in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. This method creates a crispier, more structured base. If choosing this option, allow the crust to cool completely before adding any filling.

Pro Tip: Gently press the crust with the back of a measuring cup for a smooth, professional-looking finish.

Tips For Creamy Million Dollar Pie

  • Customize Crust Texture: Decide between a no-bake or baked graham cracker crust based on your preference for crispness and structure.
  • Prevent Crumbly Edges: Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly against the pie pan's bottom and sides to create a compact, stable base.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Add a pinch of cinnamon or crushed nuts to the graham cracker crust for an extra layer of taste and complexity.
  • Simplify Preparation: Use pre-made graham cracker crumbs to save time, or quickly crush whole crackers in a food processor for a fresh texture.
  • Ensure Clean Slicing: Chill the crust for at least 20 minutes before adding filling to help it set and make cutting easier.
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Million Dollar Pie Recipe

Million Dollar Pie Recipe


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4.7 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Creamy Million Dollar Pie delivers sweet Southern charm with a buttery graham cracker crust and luscious pineapple-cream cheese filling. Chilled perfection promises cool refreshment that melts deliciously on your palate, inviting you to savor each luxurious spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Crust Ingredients:

  • 200 g (2 cups) graham cracker crumbs
  • 75 g (⅓ cup) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Main Filling Ingredients:

  • 1 can (397 g or 14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
  • 240 ml (1 cup) whipped topping
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 can (227 g or 8 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained

Additional Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • 1 pre-made graham cracker crust

Optional Garnish:

  • Whipped topping
  • Extra shredded coconut
  • Chopped pecans
  • Maraschino cherries

Instructions

  1. Crush graham crackers into fine, uniform crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin, ensuring no large chunks remain.
  2. Pour melted butter and sugar over the cracker crumbs, thoroughly blending until the mixture resembles damp sand with a consistent texture.
  3. Transfer the crumb mixture into a 9-inch pie pan, using the back of a spoon or flat-bottomed measuring cup to compact the base and sides evenly and smoothly.
  4. For a crisp foundation, refrigerate the crust for 20 minutes to set, or alternatively, bake in a preheated oven at 175C (350F) for approximately 10 minutes until edges turn golden brown.
  5. Remove the crust from the oven or refrigerator and allow it to cool completely to room temperature before adding pie filling, which prevents moisture absorption and maintains the crust’s structural integrity.

Notes

  • Toast graham cracker crumbs slightly before mixing to enhance the nutty, caramelized flavor and add extra depth to the crust’s taste profile.
  • Use a flat-bottomed measuring cup or glass to press the crust mixture evenly, ensuring a compact and uniform base that won’t crumble when serving.
  • Opt for unsalted butter to control the salt level, especially if using store-bought graham crackers which might already contain salt.
  • If avoiding gluten, substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for a similar texture and taste.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 370
  • Sugar: 27 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Jenna Stewart

Jenna Stewart

Head Chef & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-Table Cooking; Seasonal Menu Development; Visual Plating Techniques; Flavor Layering and Simple Prep Hacks.

Education

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern techniques, global cuisines, and flavor development, combined with real-world experience in restaurant operations, business management, and industry internships.

Jenna Stewart is the inventive spirit behind many of our standout dishes at Pro of Delicious Creations. A proud graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, she built her skills mastering both classic recipes and fresh, modern twists.

Now, Jenna celebrates the beauty of seasonal, local ingredients, often sourced from her garden and nearby markets, to create recipes that are bursting with flavor yet easy to follow. When she’s not experimenting in the kitchen, Jenna loves exploring nature on hikes and discovering new treasures at local co-ops.

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