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.
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.