If you’ve ever wanted to enjoy a classic apple pie but don’t have apples on hand, the Mock Apple Pie Recipe is an absolute game-changer. This nostalgic dessert uses buttery Ritz crackers to mimic that tender apple filling texture and flavor, creating a comforting, sweet pie that’s just as delightful as the original. It’s simple enough for a last-minute treat yet impressive enough to share with friends and family. Let me walk you through this charming recipe that’s pure magic in a crust.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this pie lies in its straightforward ingredients—the pantry staples that come to life in harmony. Each component plays a crucial role: from the flaky pie crust that holds it all together to the surprisingly apple-like Ritz crackers that create the filling’s authentic texture. The spices and lemon juice add that familiar warmth and tang, elevating the overall flavor.
- Pie crust (refrigerated): A 9-inch ready-made crust saves time and ensures a perfectly flaky base.
- Water: Essential to soften the crackers and combine all the sweet elements into a luscious filling.
- Sugar: Provides the necessary sweetness to replicate that classic apple pie taste.
- Cream of tartar: Adds a subtle tanginess and helps break down the crackers to mimic apple texture.
- Ritz crackers: The star of the show, these buttery crackers transform beautifully into the apple-like filling.
- Lemon juice: Offers a fresh brightness, balancing the sweetness and enhancing the pie’s flavor complexity.
- Cinnamon: A quintessential spice for warmth and depth in the filling and topping.
- Brown sugar: Gives the topping a rich, caramelized sweetness.
- Butter (melted): Binds the topping ingredients and adds richness and crispness.
- Additional crushed Ritz crackers for topping: Adds a delightful crunch and ties the flavors together.
How to Make Mock Apple Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pie Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Gently place your refrigerated pie crust into a 9-inch pie pan, pressing it evenly. This simple step sets the stage for a golden, buttery base that will crisp beautifully during baking.
Step 2: Create the Filling
In a large saucepan, combine 2 cups of water, 2/3 cup sugar, and 2 teaspoons cream of tartar. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low. Stir in 35 Ritz crackers carefully and let them simmer for about 5 minutes. This magic simmer softens the crackers, mimicking the tender texture of cooked apples while absorbing that deliciously sweet and slightly tangy syrup.
Step 3: Assemble the Filling in the Crust
Pour half of the cracker filling into your prepared pie crust. For an added touch of texture, sprinkle a few whole Ritz crackers over this layer. Then, cover them with the remaining filling. Finish by sprinkling 2 teaspoons of cinnamon and drizzling 1 1/2 tablespoons of lemon juice evenly over the top. These final touches will infuse the pie with that unmistakable apple pie aroma and flavor.
Step 4: Make the Topping
In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers, 2/3 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/3 cup melted butter. Stir until well combined. This crumbly topping will add a wonderful golden, crunchy layer that contrasts perfectly with the silky filling beneath.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the assembled filling in the pie crust. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes to set the topping. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees, cover the crust edges with foil to prevent burning, and bake for 20 more minutes. Once finished, remove from the oven and allow the pie to cool thoroughly to help the filling set up beautifully before serving.
How to Serve Mock Apple Pie Recipe
Garnishes
To enhance this comforting dessert, consider topping each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce adds extra indulgence that will impress anyone lucky enough to enjoy it. Fresh mint leaves can provide a pop of color and a subtle refreshing note.
Side Dishes
For a well-rounded dessert experience, serve your mock apple pie alongside a warm cup of coffee or spiced chai tea. If you’re enjoying it as part of a larger meal, fresh fruit salad or a simple bowl of mixed berries can add a bright and juicy contrast that complements the pie’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions of the Mock Apple Pie Recipe in mini tart pans or ramekins for a charming presentation at dinner parties. You can also create a deconstructed version by layering warmed filling with crumbly topping in clear glasses—perfect for showing off the textures and making it easier to enjoy without utensils.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover mock apple pie keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. When you’re ready for another slice, it’s best enjoyed slightly chilled or warmed up for a few moments.
Freezing
This pie can be frozen if you want to prepare it in advance. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To thaw, let it sit overnight in the fridge and then reheat gently in the oven to restore the fresh-baked texture.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes until the pie is warmed through and the crust regains its crispness. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the crust soggy and diminish the delicious textures that make this Mock Apple Pie Recipe so special.
FAQs
What makes this a mock apple pie?
This pie replaces traditional apples with Ritz crackers, which when cooked with sugar, water, and cream of tartar, transform into a tender, flavorful filling that closely mimics the texture and taste of apple pie.
Can I use homemade pie crust?
Absolutely! While a refrigerated crust is quick and convenient, a flaky homemade pie crust will make the pie even more special and delicious.
Is cream of tartar necessary?
Yes, cream of tartar helps break down the crackers and adds a subtle tanginess, giving the filling that authentic slight tartness of cooked apples.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, look for gluten-free Ritz-style crackers and a gluten-free pie crust to maintain the texture and taste without gluten.
How long should I let the pie cool before serving?
Allow the pie to cool for at least 1 hour so the filling sets properly, making slicing cleaner and ensuring the flavors meld beautifully.
Final Thoughts
The Mock Apple Pie Recipe is a delightful twist on a beloved classic, perfect for anyone seeking a quick, creative dessert that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. Whether you’re out of apples or simply craving something different, this pie promises comfort, nostalgia, and a happy surprise for your taste buds. Give it a try—you might just discover a new favorite to keep in your baking repertoire!
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Mock Apple Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Mock Apple Pie is a clever and delicious twist on traditional apple pie, using Ritz crackers to mimic the texture and flavor of apples. With a buttery, crunchy topping and a sweet, spiced filling, it’s an easy dessert that bakes quickly and satisfies your sweet tooth without actual apples.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 refrigerated pie crust
- 2 cups water
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 35 Ritz Crackers, plus a few more to add in the middle
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
Topping
- 1 cup crushed Ritz Crackers
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/3 cup melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the pie.
- Prepare the pie crust: Place the refrigerated pie crust into a 9-inch pie pan, ensuring it is evenly spread and pressed against the edges.
- Make the filling: In a large saucepan, combine the water, sugar, and cream of tartar. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
- Add crackers and simmer: Add the 35 Ritz crackers to the boiling mixture and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring only once or twice carefully to avoid breaking the crackers too much.
- Assemble the pie filling: Pour half of the cracker mixture into the prepared pie crust. Place a few additional whole crackers over this first layer, then cover with the remaining cracker mixture.
- Add lemon juice and cinnamon: Sprinkle the cinnamon and lemon juice evenly over the filling to add flavor and mimic the tartness of apples.
- Prepare the topping: In a bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Top the pie: Evenly sprinkle the topping mixture over the pie filling.
- Bake at 400°F: Place the pie in the oven and bake for 10 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit to set the topping.
- Reduce heat and cover crust edges: Lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cover the edges of the pie crust with foil to prevent over-browning.
- Continue baking: Bake the pie for an additional 20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing the filling to thicken and the crust to bake through.
- Cool the pie: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely so the filling can set before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute the refrigerated pie crust with a homemade pie crust if preferred.
- The cream of tartar helps replicate the tartness typically found in apple pies.
- Be gentle when stirring the crackers in the saucepan to maintain some texture resembling apple chunks.
- Covering the pie crust edges with foil protects them from burning during the longer baking time.
- Allow the pie to cool completely for the filling to firm up properly before slicing.
