Millionaire Pie

It only takes one bite to understand why this dessert is called Millionaire Pie. It’s so rich, it tastes like a million bucks!

Sure, it contains sweetened condensed milk, but thanks to the pineapple, whipped cream, and lemon, this pie is not too sweet. 

On the contrary, the balance of flavors creates a light, airy, and heavenly pie.

This dessert is the perfect representation of summer. I’m telling you, one slice will not be enough. 

Best of all, there’s no baking required. It’s perfect for non-bakers whose kids are craving dessert.

But don’t be fooled. Just because it’s easy does not mean it’s mediocre. This pie will blow your taste buds away!

Let’s get started, shall we?

Millionaire Pie

Millionaire pie is a light and refreshing dessert loaded with flavor.

The cream cheese, pineapple, pecans, and whipped topping complement each other beautifully, giving you an insanely addictive summer treat. 

While the origin of millionaire pie is unclear, it’s been around for decades.

The earliest recipe goes way back into the 1940s! And because it’s crazy delicious, it has been passed on from generation to generation.

The original recipe contains coconut, pineapple, pecans, and pineapple, but several variations have been formulated through the years.

I’m sure they’re all fantastic, but this recipe is my favorite.

Apart from the amazing flavor and texture combination, I also love how it’s so easy to make. It’s quite literally, as easy as pie! 

You’ll use a pre-made crust, so it only takes about 5 minutes of hands-on prep. The rest is up to the fridge.

As long as you give it time to set, it’s impossible to mess up. 

Don’t you just love no-bake recipes? I certainly do!

Ingredients

Cream Cheese – Traditional millionaire pie does not contain cream cheese, but it does make it taste significantly richer and creamier.

It also counterbalances the sweetness from the condensed milk, too! Use softened, room temperature cream cheese for a smooth, lump-free filling.

If you prefer authentic millionaire pie, simply take it out of the recipe. 

Sweetened Condensed Milk – To sweeten the pie. Since this is a no-bake recipe, using granulated sugar will make the filling grainy. 

Lemon Juice – Do not skip this ingredient! The condensed milk is super sweet, and the lemon juice contrasts the flavor, giving you a perfectly-flavored pie.

Whipped Topping – Usually, I’d tell you to opt for freshly whipped cream for recipes to get the best flavor and texture, but not in this case.

You’ll want the pie filling to set properly and whipped cream might hinder it from doing so.

So, for once, I highly recommend frozen whipped cream (Cool Whip) for the filling.

Don’t forget to thaw before use! It needs to defrost in the fridge, not on the countertop, overnight. 

Crushed Pineapple – Drain it well! You won’t want any juice in the pie filling, or it won’t set properly.

Chopped Pecans – The crunchy element provides a texture contrast to the smooth and silky cream cheese filling. Toast the pecans beforehand for a deeper flavor.

Graham Cracker Crust – Nothing beats a homemade crust, but nothing’s wrong with pre-made, either! Choose whichever one you prefer.

Tips for the Best Pie

• This pie should not be rushed. Give it at least 3 to 4 hours in the fridge to set. Otherwise, you’ll get a runny filling that will flow out of the crust once you slice into it. If you’re serving this at a party, be sure to make it in advance!
• Use a spatula – not an electric mixer – to stir it in the whipped cream. Gently sweep the spatula around the side of the bowl, then along the base, in a rotating motion. You’ve probably seen the phrase “folding in” in some recipes; that’s what it means! 🙂
• For a prettier pie, garnish it with whipped cream, chopped pecans, toasted coconut, and maraschino cherries. Apart from the look, these ingredients also add texture to the pie.

Variations

This millionaire pie is absolutely stunning as it is. But there are several ways to switch it up for more fun and flavor. Here are some ideas:

• Add maraschino cherries to the pie filling for a more Hawaiian flavor. Not only does it improve the flavor and texture of the pie, but it also adds more color. You can also add the juice into the filling for more cherry goodness.
• This pie calls for pineapple, which gives it a sweet and tangy flavor. You know what pairs wonderfully with pineapple? Coconut. 

In fact, the original pie recipe calls for this tropical ingredient. So add some shredded coconut into the pie filling!

• For even more coconut flavor, add coconut cream into the filling.
• For citrus and zesty twist, add a can of drained mandarin oranges to the pie filling. It will make your pie even brighter, lighter, and more refreshing.
• Apart from pecans, you can also use almonds, macadamias, and other nuts for extra crunch. 
• Turn your millionaire pie into an ambrosia pie by simply adding mini-marshmallows. What a fun dessert mash-up!

Can This Be Turned Into Cupcakes?

Absolutely! You will need to make your own pie crust, though, but the extra effort is worth it.

To make pie cupcakes, just place the homemade crust mixture into muffin tins and pour over the filling.