Ritz Cracker Pecan Pie
A sweet pecan pie with a crispy Ritz cracker crust, topped with whipped cream, perfect for holidays or special occasions, combining crunch and rich nutty flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease a 9-inch pie plate to rim.
- Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Crush Ritz crackers finely.
- Chop pecans finely.
- Add vanilla, sugar, crushed crackers, and chopped pecans to the beaten egg whites.
- Fold all ingredients together until well blended.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pie plate.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 45 minutes; cool.
- Cover the cooled pie and refrigerate overnight.
- When ready to serve, top with Cool-Whip.
- This recipe also makes approximately 30 mini tarts.
- Bake mini tarts at 300°F (150°C) for 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure the egg whites are beaten to stiff peaks, as this helps the pie rise and become fluffy. If you're out of pecans, walnuts can be a great substitute. You can also use saltine crackers instead of Ritz for a different flavor profile. If you prefer more sweetness, consider adding a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful pie with a dollop of Cool-Whip on top for extra creaminess. It pairs beautifully with coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside savory dishes like Brenda'S Zucchini Bread for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep it from getting soggy, place a piece of wax paper between the pie and the lid. The pie can also be served chilled or at room temperature, and it’s best enjoyed within the first 48 hours for optimal texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ritz Cracker Pecan Pie contains roughly 1519 calories, with 28g protein, 157g carbohydrates, and 80g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (70% of the Daily Value), protein (56% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1157mg per serving (50% of the Daily Value).
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, this pie can be prepared a day in advance. After baking, allow it to cool completely, then cover and refrigerate overnight. This resting period helps the flavors meld beautifully and enhances the overall taste.
Can I freeze the Ritz Cracker Pecan Pie?
Freezing the pie is not recommended as it can affect the texture. However, mini tarts can be frozen for up to a month. To do this, bake them as directed, cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.
What can I do if my egg whites won't whip up?
Ensure that your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and dry. Any grease or residue can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly. Adding a pinch of cream of tartar can also help stabilize the egg whites and improve their volume.
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).