Millionaire Pie

There's no easier (or more delicious) way to feel like a million bucks than digging into a slice of this easy no-bake millionaire pie! With just a few simple ingredients and less than 10 minutes of prep, you'll be enjoying this dessert in no time.

What Is Millionaire Pie?

Millionaire pie is a no-bake pie consisting of a rich base of sweetened condensed milk, Cool Whip, and cream cheese that's combined with crushed pineapple and pecans. The filling is then poured into a graham cracker crust and chilled in the refrigerator until set. Also called Million Dollar Pie, this recipe is said to have originated in South Carolina.

A type of icebox pie, millionaire pie first became popular in the 1930s and 1940s when home refrigerators became more common throughout the U.S. Not all millionaire pie recipes contain cream cheese, which was most likely a later addition to the recipe. If you're looking for a millionaire pie with cream cheese, this is the recipe for you!

What’s the Difference Between Millionaire Pie and Billionaire Pie?

Sometimes confused for millionaire pie, billionaire pie has all of the same ingredients as millionaire pie but also includes either cherry pie filling or maraschino cherries along with shredded coconut. You can add 1/2 to 1 cup of shredded coconut and 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries to this recipe to take it from million- to billion-dollar status!

Millionaire Pie Pro Tips

Add Lemon JuiceWhile this recipe doesn't call for it, you may want to consider adding 3 to 4 tablespoons of lemon juice to the filling, which will help the pie set nicely. Lemon juice acts as a thickener when combined with sweetened condensed milk.

Consider Salted NutsIf you're a fan of sweet-and-salty desserts, you might want to try using salted pecans to give this pie a 21st-century upgrade!

Don't Forget the ToppingAdd a little flair to the finished pie by topping with additional Cool Whip, crushed pecans, or toasted coconut. You could also try topping with whole maraschino cherries.

Can You Freeze Millionaire Pie?

Yes! You can freeze millionaire pie easily. This recipe yields two pies, so you may want to consider making both pies and freezing the second pie for another day. To freeze millionaire pie, let it set in the fridge as directed, then cover in aluminum foil and plastic wrap. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost the pie in the refrigerator, then add any toppings, if desired.

Cookdap Community Tips & Praise

"Everyone loves when I make this pie. I add vanilla to mine, and put it in a shortbread crust," says Othniel McClinic.

"I have been making this for my family every Thanksgiving and Christmas for the past several years. Needless to say it is a huge hit. Always turns out perfect," says reviewer Cat.

"I also added about 1/4 cup of shredded coconut and followed a reviewer’s suggestion of adding 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. I also would make sure to drain/strain the pineapple, then drying it completely on a kitchen towel or paper towel before putting in the cream cheese mixture. It makes a huge difference!" advises Tina Young Llopis.

Editorial Contributions by Diana Moutsopoulos