Imagine a dessert so rich and delightful that it feels like a luxury with every bite. That’s exactly what Million Dollar Pie delivers—a creamy, tropical treat that combines the best of both worlds: a buttery graham cracker crust and a luscious, airy filling packed with sweet and tangy flavors. This pie is perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual family dinners, and it’s bound to impress anyone who tries it.
The first time I made Million Dollar Pie was during a family reunion. My aunt, who was renowned for her exceptional desserts, brought this pie along. As soon as it was served, it was met with gasps of delight and curiosity. The name alone intrigued everyone, and once we dug in, the deliciously creamy texture and tropical flavors made it a fast favorite. It became the highlight of the meal, with everyone asking for the recipe. The pie was a perfect blend of textures and flavors—crunchy, creamy, tangy, and sweet, with each bite revealing a new layer of taste. It was the kind of dessert that brought smiles and satisfied sighs all around.
This recipe for Million Dollar Pie is incredibly simple to prepare but yields a result that feels like a million bucks. It combines a crunchy graham cracker crust with a fluffy, fruit-filled filling that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Whether you’re looking to impress at a potluck or just want a delicious dessert to enjoy at home, this pie is sure to be a hit.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
Crust:
– 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
– ½ cup salted butter, melted
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Filling:
– 1 can sweetened condensed milk
– 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
– ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
– 20-ounce can crushed pineapple, well drained
– 11-ounce can mandarin oranges, well drained
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– 8-ounce container Cool Whip
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This step ensures the crust will bake evenly and achieve that perfect crispness.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Use a spoon or your fingers to mix the ingredients until they resemble coarse sand.
Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate. Make sure to press it down well to create a solid, uniform base.
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. This will help set the crust and give it a nice golden color. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely.
Step 2: Toast the Coconut
While the crust is baking, take 1/3 cup of sweetened flaked coconut and spread it out on a rimmed baking sheet.
Place the sheet in the oven and toast the coconut for 4-6 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. The coconut should turn a light golden brown.
Remove the toasted coconut from the oven and let it cool. This step adds a delicious crunch and a deeper flavor to your pie.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the can of sweetened condensed milk and the fresh lemon juice until well combined. This mixture will form the base of your pie filling.
Stir in the drained crushed pineapple and mandarin oranges. Ensure the fruit is well-drained to avoid excess liquid, which can make the pie filling too runny.
Add the chopped pecans to the mixture, reserving a small amount for garnishing the top of the pie later.
Gently fold in the Cool Whip and the untoasted sweetened flaked coconut. This will give the filling a light, airy texture and blend the flavors together beautifully.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Spoon the prepared filling into the cooled graham cracker crust. Spread it out evenly with a spatula, making sure it reaches the edges of the crust.
Sprinkle the top of the pie with the toasted coconut and the reserved pecans. This adds a nice texture and a bit of crunch, complementing the creamy filling.
For an extra touch, you can garnish with maraschino cherries if desired. They add a pop of color and a sweet contrast to the pie’s tropical flavors.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours before serving. This chilling time allows the filling to set properly and enhances the flavors.
Before serving, you may want to add additional garnishes if you like. A few extra pecans or a sprinkle of coconut can make the pie look even more enticing.
Slice and serve this decadent pie, and be prepared for it to disappear quickly!
Variations and Substitutions
For a Nut-Free Version: You can omit the pecans if there are nut allergies. The pie will still be delicious without them.
Coconut Substitute: If you’re not a fan of coconut, you can replace it with additional crushed graham crackers or even mini marshmallows for a different texture and flavor.
Fruit Variations: Feel free to experiment with different fruits. Chopped strawberries, blueberries, or mangoes can add new dimensions to the pie.
Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free whipped topping and ensure the sweetened condensed milk is replaced with a non-dairy alternative.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
Million Dollar Pie is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration in a pie dish. Its combination of creamy, fruity, and nutty elements creates a flavor experience that’s both refreshing and indulgent. The graham cracker crust provides a perfect, slightly sweet base that contrasts beautifully with the rich filling. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just because, this pie is sure to bring joy and satisfaction to anyone who tries it. It’s easy to make, looks impressive, and tastes like a million bucks—making it a must-have recipe in any dessert repertoire. Enjoy the process of making it, and savor the delight of sharing it with others!
Million Dollar Pie
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup salted butter melted
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
For the Filling:
- 1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 can 20 oz crushed pineapple, well drained
- 1 can 11 oz mandarin oranges, well drained
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 container 8 oz Cool Whip
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
- For added flavor, toast 1/3 cup of the sweetened flaked coconut on a rimmed baking sheet in the preheated oven for 4-6 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Let it cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and lemon juice until well combined. Stir in the drained crushed pineapple, mandarin oranges, and chopped pecans (reserve some pecans for garnish). Gently fold in the Cool Whip and untoasted coconut until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Spoon the prepared filling into the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the top with the toasted coconut and reserved pecans for garnish. Optionally, add maraschino cherries for a colorful touch.
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours before serving to allow the filling to set. Slice and serve this decadent pie, and enjoy the creamy, tropical flavors.
