Granny’s Million Dollar Pie is the ultimate throwback dessert that always steals the show at family gatherings and potlucks, thanks to its creamy, dreamy filling packed with fruit, nuts, and coconut, all nestled in a graham cracker crust. Every bite is a delicious burst of tropical flavors and nostalgic charm, with no baking required! It’s a sweet, satisfying treat that looks gorgeous with cherries and pecans on top, and it never fails to bring smiles and happy memories—truly a recipe that earns its million-dollar reputation.

Granny’s Million Dollar Pie Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up Granny’s Million Dollar Pie—all you need are some simple, classic ingredients that come together to create pure magic. Each ingredient brings its own special touch to the flavor, texture, or colorful appeal of this vintage favorite.

Graham cracker pie crust: A ready-made base that adds a sweet, crunchy foundation and makes the whole recipe a breeze.
Cream cheese (softened): Gives the filling its luxurious creaminess and just the right hint of tang.
Sweetened condensed milk: Adds smoothness and a rich, milky sweetness, binding all the flavors together.
Whipped topping (thawed): Lightens up the filling, making it irresistibly fluffy and easy to spread.
Crushed pineapple (well-drained): Delivers juiciness and bright, tropical flavor—you don’t want excess liquid, so draining is key.
Chopped pecans: Bring a nutty crunch to each slice and a bit of that Southern charm.
Sweetened shredded coconut: Adds chewy, sweet texture and a little island flair you’ll love.
Maraschino cherries (chopped, plus extra for garnish): Pretty pops of color and classic sweetness, making every slice extra special.
Lemon juice: Offers a fresh, zesty kick that keeps the filling lively and bright, balancing all the sweetness nicely.

How to Make Granny’s Million Dollar Pie

Step 1: Beat the Cream Cheese

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and beating the softened cream cheese until it’s totally smooth and creamy. This step is pure satisfaction—no lumps means your filling will be velvety and luxurious, so take a minute to get it just right.

Step 2: Blend in the Sweetened Condensed Milk and Lemon Juice

Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and the lemon juice, and mix them into the cream cheese. The condensed milk will lend that classic pie sweetness, while the lemon juice adds an amazing brightness that cuts through the richness. Mix until silky and well blended!

Step 3: Fold in the Whipped Topping

Using a spatula, gently fold in the thawed whipped topping. You want to keep things light and airy, so don’t over-mix—just enough so everything is fully incorporated and the mixture is ultra-fluffy.

Step 4: Add the Pineapple, Pecans, Coconut, and Cherries

Here’s where the magic of Granny’s Million Dollar Pie happens! Stir in the well-drained crushed pineapple, chopped pecans, shredded coconut, and chopped maraschino cherries. Each bite will be a confetti of tropical sweetness and chewy, crunchy goodness.

Step 5: Fill and Chill

Pour your beautiful, colorful mixture into the graham cracker crust and smooth the top with a spatula. It should look like a party in a pie shell! Add a few extra cherries and pecans for a finishing touch if you like. Pop it in the fridge and chill for at least 4 hours—or overnight is even better—until it’s firm and sliceable.

How to Serve Granny’s Million Dollar Pie

Garnishes

For that classic look, scatter a few extra maraschino cherries and chopped pecans on top of Granny’s Million Dollar Pie just before serving. The cherries add a burst of joyful red and that vintage feel, while a sprinkle of pecans creates the perfect finishing crunch. If you want to go all out, a little extra coconut also makes for a dazzling presentation.

Side Dishes

You really can’t go wrong serving Granny’s Million Dollar Pie solo, but if you want to make your dessert spread even more memorable, try pairing slices with fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a cup of hot coffee. The fruity flavors play beautifully with simple, creamy sides.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress? You can make individual mini pies in mason jars or ramekins for a picnic or party, or use a square pan and cut the pie into bars for grab-and-go treats. Serve with whipped cream and a cherry on top, or even drizzle a little chocolate sauce for a fancy twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover Granny’s Million Dollar Pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay wonderfully fresh for up to 4 days, and the flavors deepen as it sits—if you’re lucky enough to have any left over!

Freezing

For longer storage, pop the entire pie (or slices) in the freezer. Wrap well to prevent freezer burn, and it’ll keep for up to a month. To serve, just let it thaw in the fridge—some folks even love eating it slightly frozen for an extra-cool summer treat.

Reheating

You don’t need to reheat Granny’s Million Dollar Pie at all—this dessert is best served chilled! If you happen to prefer a softer filling, just let your slice sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I make Granny’s Million Dollar Pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, this pie is even better when it’s had time to chill and the flavors meld. You can make it the night before and just add garnishes before serving for maximum wow factor.

What if I can’t find pre-made graham cracker crust?

No problem at all! You can easily make your own by mixing about 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs with 1/3 cup melted butter and a few tablespoons of sugar. Press it into a pie dish and chill (or bake for a few minutes for more crunch) before filling.

Can I swap out the nuts or fruit?

Definitely! Feel free to substitute walnuts or leave out the nuts entirely for allergies. You can use mandarin oranges or even fresh berries in place of pineapple—Granny’s Million Dollar Pie is super flexible.

Is there a dairy-free option for this pie?

You can try a dairy-free cream cheese, non-dairy whipped topping, and coconut condensed milk for a vegan twist. The texture may change a bit, but the flavors will still be incredible.

Why does my pie filling seem runny?

The most common culprit is not draining the pineapple well enough. Make sure to press out as much juice as you can! If you want a firmer filling, you can chill the pie overnight or even pop it in the freezer for a while before serving.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, Granny’s Million Dollar Pie is one of those desserts you’ll make again and again—simple, nostalgic, and incredibly delicious. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and let it become a family favorite in your own kitchen, too!

Granny’s Million Dollar Pie Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 22 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Granny’s Million Dollar Pie is a classic no-bake dessert that combines creamy, sweet, and tangy flavors in every delicious bite. This vintage recipe is a sure crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Graham Cracker Crust:

1 (9-inch) graham cracker pie crust

Filling:

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (8 oz) container whipped topping, thawed
1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, well-drained
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1/4 cup maraschino cherries, chopped, plus extra for garnish
2 tablespoons lemon juice

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Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.

Add sweetened condensed milk and lemon juice, and mix until well combined.

Fold in the whipped topping until fully incorporated.

Gently stir in the drained crushed pineapple, chopped pecans, shredded coconut, and chopped cherries.

Pour the mixture into the graham cracker crust and smooth the top.

Garnish with additional cherries and pecans if desired.

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set before slicing and serving.

Notes

Make sure the pineapple is well-drained to avoid a runny filling.
You can freeze the pie for a firmer texture or make it a day ahead—it gets better as it chills.
For a crunchier crust, bake the graham cracker crust for 5 minutes at 350°F before filling.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American