Million Dollar Pie Recipe Like My Grandma Used To Make

This million dollar pie recipe has the perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors, all wrapped up in a creamy, dreamy filling that’s as indulgent as it sounds. It combines a silky-smooth base with whipped cream, crushed pineapple, maraschino cherries, and a buttery graham cracker crust to make one of the easiest and most irresistible no-bake desserts you can make. Every bite is rich, tropical, and perfectly refreshing — a true crowd-pleaser that feels nostalgic yet timeless.

Why I Love This Million Dollar Pie Recipe

This pie will always have a special place in my heart because it reminds me of my grandma. She used to make a pie just like this every summer, and once in a while, for Thanksgiving, it was everyone’s favorite at family gatherings. It had that perfect mix of tangy pineapple, creamy filling, and a buttery graham cracker crust — but I never got her exact recipe before she passed.

A few years ago, I decided to recreate what I remembered from her version, testing and tasting until it came as close as possible to Grandma’s. The first bite of this million dollar pie instantly took me back — it was creamy, cool, and just sweet enough, with that same tropical flavor I loved growing up.

I love this recipe not just because it tastes incredible but because it’s simple, nostalgic, and foolproof. There’s no baking involved, no fancy equipment — just a few ingredients mixed together to create a dessert that truly feels like something special. It’s my go-to pie for holidays, cookouts, and potlucks because it never fails to impress, and it always sparks a few “this tastes just like my grandma’s!” comments at the table.

Ingredients

One of my favorite things about this million dollar pie recipe is that it takes just over a handful of ingredients to make it. And, honestly, there's a good chance you probably have most of those ingredients at home already.

Anyway, here's what you'll need to make it:

• 1 Graham Crackers Pie Crust
• 1 can Condensed Sweetened Milk
• 1 can (16 or 20 ounces) Crushed Pineapple, drained
• ¼ cup Lemon Juice
• 1 8 oz. can Whipped Cream
• ¼ cup Chopped Pecans
• 1 cup Shredded Coconut
• Maraschino Cherries to garnish

Yup, it's as simple as that.

Now, just so you know, to save time I like to use premade graham cracker crusts from the store.  But, if you want to make one from scratch you can totally do that too. Just follow the directions for the one I used in my cherry cheesecake recipe. It will show you how to make a homemade graham cracker crust from scratch.

Also, two other things. One, if you don't have lemon juice on hand you can substitute it out with lime juice. I've done this a few times and the pie always comes out great. And number two, if you don't have chopped pecans you can always use chopped walnut - or chopped hazelnuts - in their place.

How to Make Million Dollar Pie

Step 1: Make the pie Filling

First, you'll want to get your graham cracker crust ready. So, if you're planning on using a homemade graham cracker crust, you'll want to make that now.

Next, in a large bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, drained pineapple, and lemon juice. Then mix all of these ingredients together until they're completely combined.

Now add the whipped cream to the mixture in the large bowl, and leave a bit for the topping. Save around ¼ of the can for the topping. Then, add the crushed pecans and shredded coconut to the same bowl and mix until everything is well combined.

Step 2: Build the Pie

Now that the filling ingredients are mixed, you'll want to pour the pie filling over the graham cracker pie crust.

Then, you can put the million dollar pie in the freezer and freeze itovernight. Freezing the pie will allow the sweetened condensed milk to thicken up and hold the shape of the filling. 

Step 3: Thaw and Serve

Finally, before serving, you'll want to remove the pie from the freezer and let it thaw for about 1 hour.

Then, before eating the pie I recommend topping it with whipped cream and maraschino cherries - or this strawberry compote. They really add a ton of deliciousness to it.

Also, if you have them, some pecans and a little toasted coconut go great on top of the pie as well! Finally, just slice it, serve it, and enjoy it! 

Expert Tips To Make The Best Million Dollar Pie

• Drain the pineapple well to prevent a runny filling: This is one of the most important steps for getting that thick, creamy texture. Canned crushed pineapple holds a lot of liquid, and if you skip draining it, your pie won’t set properly. Use a fine-mesh strainer or gently press the pineapple with a spoon to remove excess juice before mixing it with the sweetened condensed milk.
• Mix the condensed milk and lemon juice first: Combining the sweetened condensed milk and lemon juice before adding the other ingredients helps the filling thicken naturally. The acid from the lemon juice reacts with the milk, giving the pie that signature smooth, luscious texture without needing gelatin or eggs.
• Fold in the whipped topping gently: When adding the Cool Whip or whipped cream, fold it in slowly using a rubber spatula instead of stirring vigorously. This keeps the mixture light and airy and prevents the filling from becoming dense or deflated. You want the filling to be fluffy but stable enough to hold its shape after freezing.
• Use a homemade or deep-dish graham cracker crust: A 9-inch graham cracker crust works perfectly, but if you love extra filling, use a deep-dish crust or make your own. To make one from scratch, mix 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup sugar, and 6 tablespoons melted butter. Press it firmly into your pie dish and chill for 15 minutes before adding the filling.
• Add texture with mix-ins: The best million dollar pies have a little crunch and chewiness. Chopped pecans and sweetened shredded coconut add great contrast to the creamy filling. You can also add toasted coconut or chopped maraschino cherries for extra color and flavor.
• Freeze overnight for the best set: Freezing the pie for at least 8 hours or overnight ensures the filling firms up enough to slice cleanly. If you freeze it for less time, it might be too soft when cut. For a softer, mousse-like texture, refrigerate for 4–6 hours instead of freezing.
• Let it sit before serving: Take the pie out of the freezer about 1 hour before serving so it softens slightly for easy slicing. If it’s too frozen, let it rest at room temperature in 10–15 minute intervals until the texture is creamy but still firm.
• Top right before serving: Wait to add the whipped cream and maraschino cherries until just before serving so they stay fresh and vibrant. You can pipe or dollop the whipped topping around the edges for a classic vintage look. A sprinkle of toasted coconut or crushed pecans adds extra flair.
• Make it ahead for holidays or parties: This no-bake million dollar pie is an ideal make-ahead dessert. Make and freeze it up to 1 week ahead, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or foil. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight or on the counter for about an hour. It’s a stress-free dessert that looks impressive and tastes even better the next day.
• Customize the flavor: You can make small tweaks to suit your taste. Add a splash of vanilla extract for warmth, a tablespoon of maraschino cherry juice for color and sweetness, or substitute toasted almonds for pecans if you prefer a nuttier flavor. You can't go wrong with whatever you choose!

My Final Thoughts

That's how to make a no-bake million-dollar pie! This no-fuss, low-effort recipe makes a pie that grandma would be proud of. Serve it at your next family party and you'll see what I mean.

Anyway, I hope you like this million dollar pie recipe as much as I do.  Leave a comment below if you make it, and let me know how it went.

Oh, and as always, for more tasty recipes just like this one, be sure to check out our YouTube channel and Instagram page. We post new ones on them almost every day.

More Pie Recipes

If you're looking for more easy pie recipes to try next, you're in luck. We have a ton on the blog that are worth checking out next.

Here are some of my favorite ones:

• Grandma old fashioned apple pie recipe
• Biscoff cookie cheesecake
• Reese's peanut butter pie
• Pumpkin custard pie
• Sweet potato pie
• Custard pie
• No bake strawberry pie