February 22 at 4:00 PM · Million Dollar Pie... because it tastes THAT GOOD! RECIPE: https://www.lemontreedwelling.com/million-dollar-pie/ Old Fashioned Million Dollar Pie… just like you remember from childhood! This creamy concoction is loaded with the flavors of crushed pineapple, toasted coconut, mandarin oranges, and chopped pecans in a sweet treat that’s as easy as it is delicious! There are some desserts that everyone needs in their repertoire… and Million Dollar Pie is one of them. Also known as Millionaire Pie or Millionaire’s Pie, it’s a super quick and easy recipe that’s always a crowd favorite. And once you try it… you’ll understand why! Between the deliciously creamy filling and the feelings of nostalgia it evokes, it’s pretty much a guaranteed crowd pleaser. And the fact that it’s SO incredibly easy to make? Well, that’s just a bonus. It should come as no surprise that this dessert was given the name Million Dollar Pie because of its rich, creamy filling. And it should also come as no surprise that it’s been around forever and it’s STILL a popular choice for picnics, parties, or any celebration! what’s in a million dollar pie? For the crust: Graham cracker crumbs – I used boxed graham cracker crumbs, which can be found in the baking aisle at any grocery store. You can also make your own crumbs using any of your favorite flavors of graham crackers. Butter – I used salted butter in the crust to help balance out the sweetness of the filling. You can use salted or unsalted. Sugar – All you need is a little bit of sugar to give this crust the sweetness it needs. I used granulated, but brown sugar would work too. For the filling: Sweetened flaked coconut – Coconut is used in the filling mixture and also as a topping. For the filling I left it raw, but for the topping I toasted it for a little bit of crunch. Sweetened condensed milk – Sweetened condensed milk is the magic ingredient in the filling. I used full fat, but you can use any variety you prefer. Lemon juice – Lemon juice is the perfect complement to the crushed pineapple and mandarin oranges, and it gives a bright, fresh flavor to the creamy filling. Crushed pineapple & Mandarin oranges – Well-drained canned fruit is what gives this pie its delicious fruit flavor. Chopped pecans – Chopped pecans add a little bit of crunch. You can feel free to substitute walnuts or any crushed nuts. Cool Whip – Although this recipe can be made with fresh whipping cream, Cool Whip has become more popularly used for ease and stability. how to make million dollar pie Make the crust – Combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix together, then press firmly into a 9 inch deep dish pie plate and bake at 325° F for 10 minutes. Toast the coconut – While the crust is baking, toast 1/3 cup of coconut. Make the filling – In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and lemon juice and mix well. Stir in the drained pineapple, oranges, and pecans, reserving 1-2 tablespoons of pecans. Fold in the Cool Whip and the untoasted coconut. Assemble the pie – Spoon the filling into the prepared pie crust; sprinkle with toasted coconut and reserved pecans. Refrigerate, garnish & serve – Refrigerate for at least 4 hours to set, then garnish with marashino cherries & enjoy! recipe variations Add maraschino cherries or cherry pie filling to the filling Use a shortbread crust in place of a graham cracker crust Add softened cream cheese to the filling Toast all or none of the coconut Substitute fruit cocktail for the pineapple and mandarin oranges Omit the mandarin oranges for a more traditional pie
