Ritz Cracker Mock Apple Pie
A playful and sweet mock apple pie using Ritz crackers, with a tart lemon syrup, cinnamon, and buttery topping, ideal for a nostalgic dessert or quick treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Roll out the bottom pastry crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan.
- Bake the coarsely crushed Ritz crackers in the pastry-lined pan until lightly toasted.
- Combine water, sugar, and cream of tartar in a saucepan and boil gently for 15 minutes to make the syrup.
- Add lemon juice and grated lemon rind to the syrup and allow to cool.
- Pour the cooled syrup over the crushed crackers in the pie shell.
- Dot generously with butter and sprinkle with cinnamon, then cover with the top crust.
- Trim and flute the edges to seal the pie.
- Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake in a 425°F oven for 30 to 35 minutes until the crust is crisp and golden.
- Serve the pie warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the sugar with brown sugar. If you want a more authentic apple pie taste, consider adding a tablespoon of apple pie spice. Make sure to crush the Ritz crackers coarsely for the right texture. If you don't have cream of tartar, you can use lemon juice as a substitute, but the result may vary slightly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Ritz Cracker Mock Apple Pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful contrast. It pairs beautifully with a cup of La Madeline Tomato Soup for a cozy meal. For an extra touch, drizzle a bit of caramel sauce over the top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ritz Cracker Mock Apple Pie contains roughly 393 calories, with 8g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (91% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. It also contributes 11g 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 use a different type of cracker for this recipe?
While Ritz crackers give a unique flavor, you can use other buttery crackers as a substitute. Keep in mind that the taste and texture may vary slightly. Avoid using salty crackers, as they can alter the sweetness of the pie.
How can I make this pie gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, use gluten-free crackers that mimic the texture of Ritz. Additionally, ensure that the sugar and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. The flavor may differ slightly, but the pie will still be delicious.
Can I prepare the pie in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the pie a day in advance. Assemble it without baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh the next day. This allows the flavors to meld while keeping the crust crisp when baked.
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).