Mama'S Ritz Pie
A light and crunchy pecan meringue pie with Ritz crackers, offering a sweet, nutty flavor perfect for dessert lovers and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Gradually add a scant cup of sugar and vanilla, and continue beating until well combined.
- Crush 23 Ritz crackers and fold into the egg white mixture.
- Add one cup of chopped pecans and gently fold in.
- Pour the mixture into a well-greased 9-inch pie plate.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
- Allow to cool thoroughly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your egg whites are at room temperature before beating them to stiff peaks. If you're out of pecans, walnuts or almonds can be great substitutes. To make the pie even richer, consider adding a pinch of salt to the egg mixture. You can also use crushed graham crackers instead of Ritz for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pie chilled or at room temperature for the best texture. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top. For a complete dessert experience, consider serving it alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This pie is perfect for potlucks or as a sweet ending to any meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the pie in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, just until warmed through. Be careful not to overbake, as it can dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mama'S Ritz Pie contains roughly 1943 calories, with 31g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 190g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (96% of the Daily Value), protein (62% of the Daily Value), and iron (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. It also contributes 27g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pie a day in advance. Just bake it, let it cool completely, and then refrigerate. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. However, for the best texture, whip the cream just before serving to keep it fresh and fluffy.
What can I use instead of whipping cream?
If you're looking for a lighter alternative, you can use whipped coconut cream or a whipped topping. For a dairy-free option, almond or soy whipping creams work well, though they might alter the flavor slightly.
Is it necessary to grease the pie plate?
Yes, greasing the pie plate is important to prevent the pie from sticking. Use a light coating of cooking spray or butter to ensure easy removal after baking. This will help maintain the pie's structure when serving.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).