Silky Million Dollar Pie Recipe

Million Dollar Pie Recipe: The Dreamy Treat Worth Every Bite

Dessert enthusiasts crave a slice of this million dollar pie recipe that promises pure indulgence.

Rich, creamy textures blend seamlessly with a buttery graham cracker crust.

Sweet layers of decadent filling create a nostalgic treat that melts in your mouth.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this simple yet luxurious dessert.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of smooth cream cheese and tangy pineapple.

The no-bake technique makes this pie a stress-free crowd-pleaser for any gathering.

Dive into this irresistible dessert and experience why it’s called million dollar pie.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 7

What Goes Into Million Dollar Pie

For Crust Base:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides the foundational crunch and sweet undertone for a classic pie crust.
  • Butter: Helps bind the crumbs together and adds rich, golden flavor while creating a smooth texture.
  • Sugar: Enhances sweetness and helps the crust hold its shape during baking or chilling.
For Binding and Moisture:
  • Butter: Melted butter acts as the crucial glue that transforms dry crumbs into a cohesive pie crust.
For Texture Enhancement:
  • Sugar: Contributes to a slightly crisp texture and balances the buttery richness of the crust.

Best Tools For Putting Together Million Dollar Pie

  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining graham cracker crust ingredients.
  • 9-inch pie pan: Standard size for creating the delicious pie base.
  • Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure graham cracker crumbs, butter, and sugar.
  • Measuring spoons: Ensures precise sugar measurements.
  • Spatula or wooden spoon: Great for mixing crust ingredients thoroughly.
  • Rolling pin (optional): Can help crush graham crackers evenly if needed.
  • Oven: Required for optional crust baking method.

How To Build And Chill Million Dollar Pie Fast

  • Crust Foundation

Crush graham crackers into fine, sandy particles. Drizzle melted butter and sprinkle sugar, blending until the mixture feels like damp beach sand.

  • Crust Shaping

Gently press the crumbly mixture into a pie dish, creating a smooth, even layer that hugs the bottom and curves up the sides. Slide the pan into the refrigerator for a quick 20-minute chill, or if you prefer a crispier base, bake at 175C (350F) for 10 minutes. Let the crust cool completely before adding the filling.

Easy Swaps For Million Dollar Pie Filling

  • Crust Perfection: Ensure graham cracker crumbs are finely ground for a smooth, even texture that holds together beautifully when sliced.
  • No-Bake Magic: Skip baking the crust for a softer, more delicate base that melts in your mouth, perfect for warm summer days.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional graham crackers with gluten-free graham-style crackers or almond flour crumbs to make this dessert celiac-friendly.
  • Nutty Twist: Experiment by adding finely chopped pecans or almonds to the crust mixture for an extra layer of crunch and rich, toasted flavor that complements the sweet filling.
  • Make-Ahead Genius: Prepare the crust up to 2 days in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, saving you precious time when ready to assemble the full pie.

Serving Million Dollar Pie With Style

  • Tropical Fruit Paradise: Top the pie with fresh pineapple chunks, mandarin orange segments, and toasted coconut flakes for a vibrant and refreshing tropical twist.
  • Chocolate Drizzle Delight: Melt dark or white chocolate and create artistic zigzag patterns across the pie's surface, adding a luxurious and decadent touch to the dessert.
  • Whipped Cream Elegance: Pipe delicate swirls of homemade whipped cream around the pie's edges, garnishing with a light dusting of graham cracker crumbs for a classic, elegant presentation.
  • Nutty Crunch Topping: Sprinkle chopped macadamia nuts or sliced almonds over the pie to introduce a delightful crunch and enhanced nutty flavor that complements the graham cracker base.

Keeping Million Dollar Pie Firm And Tasty

  • Refrigerator Storage Magic: Keep your Million Dollar Pie covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness for up to 4-5 days. The creamy texture stays delightful when stored in the coldest part of your refrigerator.
  • Make-Ahead Brilliance: Prepare the graham cracker crust and filling up to 2 days before serving, allowing flavors to meld and intensify. This strategy saves precious time during busy meal preparations.
  • Freezing Success: Wrap the entire pie tightly in plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen pies remain delicious for 1-2 months, perfect for advance party planning or unexpected sweet cravings.
  • Serving Temperature Trick: Remove the pie from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly. This gentle warming enhances the creamy texture and allows the flavors to shine more vibrantly, creating a more enjoyable dessert experience.
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Silky Million Dollar Pie Recipe

Silky Million Dollar Pie Recipe


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4.5 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Million dollar pie brings Southern charm to dessert tables with creamy, dreamy layers of sweetness. Pecans, coconut, and whipped cream create a heavenly treat that southern families have cherished for generations.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 200 g (2 cups) graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 pre-made graham cracker crust
  • 240 ml (1 cup) whipped topping
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 can (397 g or 14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 can (227 g or 8 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
  • 75 g (⅓ cup) unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 tbsps lemon juice
  • 2 tbsps granulated sugar
  • ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • Whipped topping (for garnish)
  • Extra shredded coconut (for garnish)
  • Chopped pecans (for garnish)
  • Maraschino cherries (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Crust Preparation: Pulverize graham crackers into fine, uniform particles using a food processor or rolling pin, ensuring a consistent, smooth texture without large fragments.
  2. Binding Mixture: Combine melted butter and sugar with cracker crumbs, thoroughly incorporating until the mixture resembles moistened, compact sand with cohesive consistency.
  3. Crust Molding: Press the crumb blend into a 9-inch pie pan, utilizing a spoon or flat-bottomed tool to create an even, compact base and sturdy sides, ensuring uniform coverage.
  4. Crust Stabilization: Chill the crust in the refrigerator for 20 minutes or bake in a preheated oven at 175C (350F) for 10 minutes until edges achieve a delicate golden hue, enhancing structural integrity.
  5. Cooling Phase: Allow the crust to reach room temperature completely, creating an ideal foundation for subsequent filling and preventing moisture penetration.

Notes

  • Crumb Consistency Matters: Ensure graham cracker crumbs are finely ground without large chunks for a smooth, uniform crust texture that holds together perfectly.
  • Compact Crust Technique: Use steady, even pressure when pressing crust into pan to create a solid, stable base that won’t crumble when slicing the pie.
  • Cooling is Crucial: Let crust cool completely before adding filling to prevent soggy bottom and maintain a crisp, structured foundation.
  • Baking vs. Chilling Option: Choose between baking (for golden, toasted crust) or refrigerating (for no-bake convenience) depending on time and desired texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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