Decadent Millionaire Cream Pie
Indulge in the delightful layers of this Decadent Millionaire Cream Pie, a recipe I discovered in 1998 that has become a staple at my gatherings. This luscious dessert showcases a perfect blend of creamy sweetened condensed milk, zesty lemon juice, crunchy pecans, and refreshing fruit cocktail, all nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust. It's an easier yet elegant dessert that impresses at any occasion. By using lighter ingredients, I’ve made it a guilt-free pleasure that doesn’t compromise on flavor. When served chilled, it becomes a refreshing end to any meal!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Prepared graham cracker pie crusts
2 (Baked and cooled)
Sweetened condensed milk
1 (14 ounce) can (Fat-free (optional))
Lemon juice
1/2 cup (Freshly squeezed or bottled)
Chopped pecans
1 cup (Chop into small pieces)
Fruit cocktail
1 (16 ounce) can (Drained, juice-packed preferred)
Cool Whip Lite
1 (8 ounce) container (Thawed)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and lemon juice until well combined.
2
Fold in the chopped pecans and drained fruit cocktail gently to incorporate without breaking the fruit.
3
Carefully fold in the Cool Whip Lite until the mixture is creamy and uniform in texture.
4
Evenly pour the mixture into the prepared, cooled graham cracker pie crusts, smoothing the top with a spatula.
5
Cover the pies with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 to 5 hours, or until set.
6
Slice and serve chilled, garnished with additional pecans or whipped topping if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Decadent Millionaire Cream Pie?
It is a luscious dessert featuring layers of sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, pecans, and fruit cocktail, all set in a buttery graham cracker crust.
Is this a no-bake recipe?
Yes, the filling itself requires no baking; you simply mix the ingredients and let the pie set in the refrigerator.
How many pies does this recipe make?
This recipe yields enough filling for two prepared graham cracker pie crusts.
Can I use fat-free sweetened condensed milk?
Yes, you can use fat-free sweetened condensed milk to make the dessert a lighter, guilt-free pleasure.
How long does the pie need to refrigerate?
The pies should be refrigerated for at least 4 to 5 hours, or until they are completely set.
What kind of fruit cocktail should I use?
A 16-ounce can of juice-packed fruit cocktail is preferred for this recipe.
Do I need to drain the fruit cocktail?
Yes, it is essential to drain the fruit cocktail thoroughly to prevent the filling from becoming too watery.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use either freshly squeezed or bottled lemon juice.
What type of crust is used for this pie?
The recipe calls for two prepared graham cracker pie crusts that have been baked and cooled.
Can I substitute the pecans with another nut?
Yes, you can use walnuts or omit the nuts entirely if you prefer.
What is the purpose of the lemon juice in the recipe?
The lemon juice reacts with the sweetened condensed milk to help thicken the mixture so it sets properly.
Should the Cool Whip be thawed before use?
Yes, the Cool Whip Lite should be completely thawed so it can be folded easily into the mixture.
How do I prevent the fruit from breaking apart?
Gently fold the fruit cocktail into the mixture using a spatula rather than whisking it vigorously.
Is this a good dessert for summer?
Yes, because it is served chilled and requires no oven time for the filling, it is a perfect refreshing summer treat.
Can I use real whipped cream instead of Cool Whip Lite?
While you can use real whipped cream, Cool Whip Lite is recommended for its stability and to keep the recipe lighter.
What is the best way to serve Millionaire Cream Pie?
Slice the pie while it is cold and serve chilled, optionally garnished with extra pecans or whipped topping.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be covered with plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, this is an excellent make-ahead dessert since it needs several hours to set in the fridge anyway.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
This recipe uses 6 main ingredients: pie crusts, condensed milk, lemon juice, pecans, fruit cocktail, and Cool Whip Lite.
What size can of sweetened condensed milk is needed?
You will need one 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk.
How much lemon juice do I need?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of lemon juice.
Is this a frugal recipe?
Yes, it uses affordable, shelf-stable ingredients making it an elegant yet budget-friendly dessert.
How do I prep the pecans?
The pecans should be chopped into small pieces before being folded into the filling.
Can I freeze this pie?
While it is typically served refrigerated, you can freeze it for a firmer texture; just let it sit for a few minutes before slicing.
What is the texture of the pie like?
The texture is creamy and uniform, with slight crunch from the pecans and softness from the fruit cocktail.
Do I need any special equipment?
No special equipment is needed beyond a large mixing bowl, a whisk, and a spatula.
Can I use a homemade graham cracker crust?
Absolutely! A homemade crust works perfectly as long as it is baked and completely cooled before adding the filling.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, kids usually love the sweet, creamy flavor and the colorful bits of fruit cocktail.
How much fruit cocktail is used?
The recipe calls for one 16-ounce can of fruit cocktail.
Why is it called 'Millionaire' pie?
It is named for its 'rich' flavor and the variety of decadent ingredients like nuts and fruit included in the filling.