RITZ Mock Apple Pie
No apples were harmed in the baking of this pie.
Here’s a tried and true recipe for good ol’ apple-less pie. I originally published it back in 2008, but from time to time, I receive an e-mail from a curious reader who found the recipe via Google Search and wants to tell me about how wonderfully it turned out. Hence, I’ve decided to share the head-scratching recipe once again.
For this recipe, we’ll be substituting perhaps the most important ingredient – APPLES! – and will still produce a delicious result.
Intrigued? (At first, I thought “Stupidest Idea Ever”. But read on…)
Food historians believe that the concept of mock apple pie was developed by the pioneers during the 19th century. Constant travel did not allow for proper food storage conditions, and apples were not readily available. With a little improvisation, these pioneers created an apple pie-like dessert out of crackers, sugar, and spice. It wasn’t until the Depression years that we saw the emergence of this unique recipe on RITZ Cracker boxes, when apples were once again scarce and very expensive.
(Fully aware that apples are available by the bushel now, and I do recommend using real apples when available. However, I thought this would be a nice way to have fun with the kiddos! How often do you cook with crackers?!)
While it won’t save you much money going the cracker route today, it’s still a fun and yummy recipe that’s sure to bring a smile to your face (plus it’s sooo much easier to prepare, and is ready in less than half the time of the authentic stuff). The kicker: you WILL think you’re eating apple pie. Promise! I normally make this dessert after a party, when I’ve got loads of leftover RITZ crackers. Enjoy!
INGREDIENTS
1 3/4 cups water
1 cup white sugar
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
36 Original RITZ crackers
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 9-inch single crust pie (to be a time-saving ninja, opt for Tenderflake)
1 cup crushed Original RITZ crackers
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/3 cup butter, melted
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 425°F.
In a saucepan over medium high heat, combine the water, sugar and cream of tartar; bring to boil. Drop in whole crackers and boil for 5 minutes. Pour mixture into pie shell; sprinkle with cinnamon and lemon juice.
Mix together the crushed crackers, brown sugar, cinnamon and butter; sprinkle over pie filling. Bake for 15 minutes; reduce heat to 375°F and continue to bake for 15 to 20 minutes longer. Serve warm. Serves 6-8.
Weird
For some reason I LOL’ed at this!
I can’t believe this would actually tase like apple pie.. It sounds excellent, but I am in shock :-)
Thanks for sharing – I will have to give this one a try!
Definitely try it at least once!
Oh goodness, I would walk a thousand miles for a taste of this! Looks great, keep up the awesome work! :)
Hahaha, no need to walk a thousand miles, I’m sure you can find the ingredients close to home!
Never heard of this kind of dramatic substitution before! interesting !! :)
I know, right? But trust me, it works!
I made this many years ago and it was a hit!
AWESOME to hear!
Sounds yummy. Ever try Ritz Skor bar dessert. So simple. 1 can sweetened condensed milk, one box salted Ritz and 1 package of Skor chips (chocolate chip section).
In a pie plate take full package of crushed Ritz crackers and spread evenly over bottom. Spread package of skor chips over top. Open can of condensed milk and drizzle over mixture. Refridgerate over night. Cut and serve.
Ooooh… I totally MUST try this! Thanks so much for sharing!!
I came across this recipe years ago and have been looking for it ever since. Thank you so much for posting it.
NP! Enjoy!
Sounds easy will have to try .
This sounds absolutely delicious and I have never heard of using Ritz in this way! Thanks for the great recipe.
You’re welcome Trisha! If you try it, please do let me know what you think!
Omg that looks yummy
I read this and furrowed my brow lol I agree with the first poster “Weird” lol
Hahaha it’s a bit weird, I agree :)
I actually have all the ingredients for this right now! Definitely will be trying!
That is so odd. No apples!
I am very intrigued I have to try it
This is so intriguing. I am tempted to make it just to see how it tastes. Definitely not low in carbs though :(