Granny’s Million Dollar Pie

Granny’s Million Dollar Pie is a classic, no-bake dessert that combines the sweet, creamy goodness of a rich filling with the crunch of a buttery graham cracker crust. This pie is the ultimate crowd-pleaser with its smooth, velvety texture and sweet, tropical flavor. Topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nuts, it’s a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious—perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or just because!

this Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No-Bake – This pie is incredibly easy to make and requires no baking, making it perfect for a quick dessert.
• Creamy and Sweet – The combination of cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and pineapple creates a luscious filling that’s hard to resist.
• Refreshing and Light – Despite its richness, this pie has a refreshing taste, thanks to the citrusy pineapple and tangy lemon.
• Crowd-Pleaser – Whether it’s a holiday gathering, family dinner, or casual get-together, this pie is always a hit!

Ingredients

• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
• 1 graham cracker crust (9-inch)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy using a hand mixer or stand mixer.

2. Add Sweetened Condensed Milk and Lemon Juice: To the cream cheese, add the sweetened condensed milk and fresh lemon juice. Continue mixing until everything is well-combined and smooth.

3. Fold in Pineapple and Coconut: Gently fold in the drained crushed pineapple and shredded coconut (if using) until evenly mixed.

4. Fold in Whipped Topping: Carefully fold the whipped topping into the mixture until it’s fully incorporated, creating a light and fluffy filling.

5. Fill the Pie Crust: Pour the creamy mixture into the graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly.

6. Chill: Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to let it set.

7. Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish the pie with chopped pecans or walnuts (optional), and add extra whipped topping if desired. Slice and serve chilled.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (or overnight)

Variations

• Fruit Variation: If you don’t like pineapple, try using other fruits like mango, peaches, or berries for a different flavor.
• Nut-Free: Omit the coconut and nuts for a nut-free version of this pie, or swap in graham crackers crushed into crumbs for added texture.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut whipped cream in place of the regular cream cheese and whipped topping for a dairy-free option.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s best served chilled.
• Freezing: You can freeze this pie for up to 2 months. To freeze, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
• Reheating: This pie is meant to be served chilled, so there’s no need to reheat it. Simply slice and enjoy!

FAQs

Can I use a homemade graham cracker crust instead of a store-bought one?

Yes, a homemade graham cracker crust works perfectly in this recipe. Just be sure to let it cool before filling it with the pie mixture.

Can I make this pie in advance?

Yes, this pie is perfect for making ahead of time. It needs several hours to chill in the fridge, so making it the day before is ideal.

What can I substitute for whipped topping?

You can use fresh whipped cream as a substitute for whipped topping if you prefer a more homemade touch.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

While canned pineapple is typically used for convenience, fresh pineapple works just fine. Be sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture in the pie.

How can I make this pie even richer?

For an extra indulgent pie, add a layer of caramel or chocolate ganache on top before garnishing with whipped cream.

Can I use a different type of crust?

Yes! While graham cracker crust is traditional, you can use an Oreo crust, vanilla wafer crust, or even a shortbread cookie crust for a unique twist.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Make sure to refrigerate the pie long enough to set the filling properly. If you want to prevent the crust from becoming too soft, bake it for 5-10 minutes before filling.

Can I use regular milk instead of sweetened condensed milk?

Sweetened condensed milk gives this pie its rich sweetness and creamy texture. It’s best to use it as called for, but you can try substituting with a mix of regular milk and sugar, although the texture may be a bit different.

Can I make this pie without coconut?

Yes, you can omit the coconut and still have a delicious pie. It’s optional and just adds extra texture and flavor.

Can I add more fruit to the pie filling?

Yes, you can add other fruits such as diced peaches, mandarin oranges, or berries for a fruity twist. Just make sure to drain any extra liquid before adding them to the filling.

Conclusion

Granny’s Million Dollar Pie is an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy filling, buttery graham cracker crust, and refreshing pineapple flavor, it’s the ultimate no-bake treat. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or simply because you want a sweet and simple dessert, this pie is sure to become a beloved favorite in your household!

Granny’s Million Dollar Pie

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 1 from 2 reviews

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (or overnight)
• Yield: -10 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Bake
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Granny’s Million Dollar Pie is the perfect no-bake dessert with a rich, creamy filling, refreshing pineapple flavor, and a buttery graham cracker crust. This easy, crowd-pleasing pie is perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or any occasion when you’re craving a tropical treat. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this pie will become your new go-to dessert!

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Ingredients

• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
• 1 graham cracker crust (9-inch)

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Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy.

2️⃣ Add Sweetened Condensed Milk and Lemon Juice: Add the sweetened condensed milk and fresh lemon juice to the cream cheese. Continue mixing until everything is well combined and smooth.

3️⃣ Fold in Pineapple and Coconut: Gently fold in the drained crushed pineapple and shredded coconut (if using) until evenly mixed.

4️⃣ Fold in Whipped Topping: Carefully fold the whipped topping into the mixture until it’s fully incorporated, creating a light and fluffy filling.

5️⃣ Fill the Pie Crust: Pour the creamy mixture into the graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly.

6️⃣ Chill: Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to let it set.

7️⃣ Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish the pie with chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) and add extra whipped topping if desired. Slice and serve chilled.

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Notes

• Chill Time: It’s crucial to allow the pie to chill for at least 4 hours (or preferably overnight) so the filling has time to set properly. This gives the pie its creamy, firm texture and allows the flavors to meld together.

• Fresh vs. Canned Pineapple: While canned pineapple is traditionally used for convenience, fresh pineapple can be used as well. Just be sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture, which could affect the pie’s texture.

• Coconut: The shredded coconut is optional but adds a wonderful texture and flavor to the pie. If you’re not a fan of coconut, you can leave it out, and the pie will still taste delicious.

• Whipped Topping Alternatives: If you don’t have whipped topping (like Cool Whip), you can easily substitute it with fresh whipped cream. Just beat heavy cream with a little sugar until it forms stiff peaks. This will give the pie a slightly richer, homemade feel.

• Crust Options:

  • While graham cracker crust is the traditional choice, you can easily swap it out for an Oreo crust, vanilla wafer crust, or even a shortbread cookie crust for a twist on the flavor.
  • If you want to prevent the graham cracker crust from becoming too soggy, bake the crust for 5-10 minutes before filling it. This will help it hold up better when the filling is added.

• Making Ahead: This pie is perfect for making ahead. It needs several hours to chill in the refrigerator, so making it the day before is ideal. It will hold up well and even taste better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

• Storage: Store the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to keep it covered to maintain its freshness and prevent the crust from drying out.

• Freezing: You can freeze this pie for up to 2 months. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

• Customizing the Fruit: While pineapple is traditional, you can use other fruits like mango, peaches, or even berries to create a different fruity flavor. Be sure to drain any extra liquid if using fresh fruit, or the pie might get too watery.

• Garnishing: Feel free to garnish the pie with more than just the nuts. You can also add extra whipped cream, or for a fun twist, drizzle some chocolate or caramel sauce on top before serving.

• Sweetness Level: If you prefer a less sweet pie, you can adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk or cut back on the brown sugar to your liking.