Mock Apple Pie (Made with Crackers!): A Taste of 1930s Dessert

During the Great Depression (1929–1939), families had to get creative with limited ingredients to make meals and desserts that resembled their pre-crash favorites. Mock Apple Pie, made with crackers instead of apples, became a beloved solution when fresh fruit was scarce and expensive.

Despite having no apples at all, this pie mimicked the flavor, texture, and appearance of a traditional apple pie using buttery crackers, sugar, and spices. It became a staple in thrifty households, proving that with a little ingenuity, a satisfying dessert could be made from pantry staples.

The History Behind Mock Apple Pie

The concept of mock fruit desserts wasn’t new—the idea of using breadcrumbs or crackers to simulate fruit pies dates back to the 1800s. However, the Great Depression popularized Mock Apple Pie, as apples were often too costly or unavailable.

This recipe became a household classic thanks to the Ritz Cracker company, which published a famous version of Mock Apple Pie on their cracker box in the 1930s. Even during World War II, when food rationing limited sugar and fresh produce, this recipe remained a go-to dessert for many families.

Interesting Facts:

  • Mock Apple Pie was featured on Ritz Cracker boxes for decades, cementing its place in American food history.
  • Vinegar or lemon juice was often added to mimic the tartness of real apples.
  • Variations of mock fruit pies date back to Civil War-era cookbooks when apples were unavailable.
  • Despite sounding odd, many people can’t tell the difference between mock and real apple pie!

The Original Recipe (As Written in History)

This authentic 1930s recipe comes from early Ritz Cracker packaging and Depression-era cookbooks:

Mock Apple Pie (1930s Version)

Ingredients:

  • 36 Ritz crackers (or any buttery cracker)
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
  • 1 ¾ cups water
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 double pie crust (homemade or store-bought)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
  2. Roll out half of the pie dough and place it in a pie pan.
  3. In a saucepan, combine sugar, cream of tartar, and water, bringing to a boil.
  4. Add crackers (lightly crushed) and lemon juice, then remove from heat.
  5. Pour the mixture into the pie crust, sprinkle with cinnamon, and dot with butter.
  6. Cover with the second pie crust, crimp edges, and cut slits in the top.
  7. Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
  8. Cool before serving to allow the filling to set.

(Original terminology preserved for historical authenticity.)

Modern Adaptation for Today’s Kitchen

This version retains the nostalgic flavors while adjusting the sweetness and spices for a well-balanced pie.

Mock Apple Pie (Modernized Version)

Mock Apple Pie (Made with Crackers!)

A delicious Depression-era dessert that tastes just like apple pie—without apples! A perfect way to experience vintage recipes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 280 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 36 buttery crackers such as Ritz (Can use saltine crackers for a less buttery flavor)
  • 1 3/4 cups water
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar Reduce to 1 ¼ cups for a less sweet version
  • 2 teaspoons cream of tartar Essential for the tart “apple” flavor!
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice Adds brightness and mimics apple tartness
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Adjust to taste!
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg Optional, but adds warmth
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 double pie crust Homemade or store-bought

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 425°F and prepare a 9-inch pie dish.
  • Roll out half of the pie dough and fit it into the dish.
  • In a saucepan over medium heat, combine water, sugar, and cream of tartar, stirring until sugar dissolves.
  • Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Stir in lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  • Lightly crush crackers and add them to the mixture. Remove from heat.
  • Pour the filling into the pie crust, dot with butter, and cover with the second crust.
  • Crimp the edges, cut slits for steam, and bake for 30 minutes, until golden brown.
  • Let the pie cool completely before slicing—this helps the filling set.

Notes

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the best flavor.
For a sugar-free version, substitute monk fruit sweetener for sugar.
For a gluten-free option, use GF crackers and pie crust.
Keyword Depression-era, vintage recipes

Tasting Notes & My Experience

Surprisingly, this really tastes like apple pie! The lemon juice and spices create a tart, fruity flavor, while the crackers absorb the syrupy filling, mimicking the soft texture of baked apples.

Compared to a real apple pie, this version is:
✅ Slightly softer but just as flavorful
✅ Less tart but well-balanced with cinnamon and lemon
✅ A fun, nostalgic alternative that surprises guests!

Suggestions for Variations:

  • For extra crunch, sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
  • For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of white sugar.
  • For a nutty twist, add chopped pecans to the filling.

Final Thoughts

If you love historical recipes or enjoy surprising vintage desserts, Mock Apple Pie is a must-try! It’s a budget-friendly, pantry-staple dessert that truly captures the ingenuity of the Great Depression era.

💬 Would you try a pie made from crackers? Have you ever had a vintage recipe surprise you? Let me know in the comments!

🍽️ Looking for more forgotten recipes? Check out:
👉 [Depression-Era Peanut Butter Bread – A No-Egg Wonder]
👉 [World War II Victory Garden Soup – A 1940s Classic]

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