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Million Dollar Pie Recipe

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3.9 from 9 reviews

Million Dollar Pie is a luscious dessert featuring a crunchy graham cracker crust filled with a creamy and tropical mixture of pecans, coconut, crushed pineapple, and sweetened condensed milk. Topped with whipped cream and maraschino cherries, this pie is a delightful treat perfect for any occasion, offering a balance of sweet and tangy flavors with a creamy texture chilled to perfection.

Ingredients

For the crust

  • 12 whole graham crackers (180g)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 8 tablespoons (113g) unsalted butter, melted

For the filling and topping

  • 1 cup (113g) chopped pecans
  • 1 cup (85g) sweetened desiccated coconut
  • 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple
  • 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
  • 8 to 10 maraschino cherries, optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the oven racks in the lower and upper thirds to prepare for baking the crust.
  2. Make the graham cracker crumbs: Using a food processor, grind the 12 whole graham crackers into fine crumbs to produce about 1 1/2 cups. Alternatively, place the graham crackers into a 1-gallon zip-top bag and crush them finely with a rolling pin.
  3. Prepare the crust mixture: In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
  4. Add melted butter and form crust: Pour in 8 tablespoons melted unsalted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish to form the crust.
  5. Bake the crust: Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until it is golden and set. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before filling.
  6. Prepare the pie filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup chopped pecans, 1 cup sweetened desiccated coconut, 1 (20-ounce) can crushed pineapple (drained if preferred), 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk, and 3 tablespoons lemon juice. Mix thoroughly to blend all ingredients.
  7. Make the whipped cream topping: In a separate bowl, beat 4 ounces softened cream cheese with 3 tablespoons powdered sugar until smooth. In another bowl, whip 2 cups heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well incorporated.
  8. Assemble the pie: Pour the filling evenly into the cooled graham cracker crust and smooth the top. Spread the whipped cream mixture evenly over the filling as a topping.
  9. Garnish and chill: Decorate the pie with 8 to 10 maraschino cherries as desired. Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 to 4 1/2 hours, preferably overnight, until set.
  10. Serve: Once chilled and set, slice the Million Dollar Pie into 8 servings and enjoy the creamy, crunchy flavors and tropical sweetness.

Notes

  • You can swap whole graham crackers for 1 1/2 cups of store-bought graham cracker crumbs to save prep time.
  • For a less sweet pie, drain the crushed pineapple before mixing into the filling.
  • Chilling time is critical for the pie to set properly and develop the best texture.
  • The whipped cream topping adds lightness to balance the richness of the filling.
  • Make sure the cream cheese is softened at room temperature for smooth mixing.
  • Use a food processor for faster, finer graham cracker crumbs, but a rolling pin can suffice.
  • Maraschino cherries are optional but add a classic decorative touch.