Mock Apple Pie

Mock Apple Pie began as a thrifty way to make a sweet treat from pantry staples in the late 1800s, but became popular during the privations of the 1930s. It stayed popular, though, because of its homey, comforting deliciousness.

Mock Apple Pie

What’s more American than apple pie? I’d say the only thing that comes close is ingenuity in the face of scarcity!

I served this pie to my husband a few nights ago and he loved it. The look on his face was priceless when I later told him there was no fruit in it. The flavor is reminiscent of a combination of pecan pie and apple pie and the whole family agrees it is delicious.

While there is a little bit of disagreement about the origins of mock apple pie, we do know that one of the first times it appeared in print was in about 1887. What everyone agrees about is that it exploded in popularity in the thirties when apples were expensive and hard to find.

The texture of the pie is so close to apples, that unless you say it is “mock apple pie” people may assume it’s an apple pie. I’m pretty sure that this is one I’ve tasted and enjoyed without knowing it before!

Mock Apple Pie Recipe

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this recipe:

Pie Ingredients

• prepared pie crust, store-bought or homemade
• water
• sugar
• cream of tartar
• buttery round crackers (i.e. Ritz crackers)
• ground cinnamon
• lemon juice

Topping Ingredients

• crushed buttery round crackers (i.e. Ritz crackers)
• packed brown sugar
• ground cinnamon
• butter

Ritz Cracker Mock Apple Pie

Place the pie crust in a pie pan and crimp the edges. Prick the bottom of the crust a few times with a fork. Set aside.

To make the filling: Combine the water, lemon juice, sugar, cream of tartar, and cinnamon in a medium saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.

Drop in whole crackers and boil for 3 minutes.

Remove from the heat and carefully pour the mixture into the pie shell.

To make the topping: Place the crushed crackers, brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon in a medium-sized bowl. Stir to combine. Sprinkle the topping over the pie filling.

Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F. Reduce the heat to 375°F and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes. Serve warm.

Want a few more great apple desserts to bake this year? Bursting with the sweetness of fresh apples and spiced up with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, these old-fashioned Apple Cookies take you right back to grandma’s kitchen.

Baked Apple Fritters are an easy donut shop favorite that you can make at home now. These fritters are baked instead of fried, making them an easy treat to whip up on a whim.

Warm and fluffy cinnamon rolls are kicked into high gear with rich, creamy caramel and tart apples in these Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls.

Apple Blondies with Brown Sugar Frosting are packed with delicious fall flavors in a soft, cinnamon apple blondie. Tart apples and sweet caramel are fabulous together in these heavenly Apple Crumb Bars. You won’t believe how easy they are to make.

Skip the traditional fried donuts and make these Apple Cider Muffins at home! With a sugary coating reminiscent of their namesake, these muffins offer a delightful twist on a beloved classic.

A French Apple Pie meets a Dutch Apple Crumb topping to create the ultimate apple pie dessert. Once you’ve made this apple streusel pie, you may never try another recipe.

And for a quick and easy dessert that is fancy enough for company, these Caramel Apple Puff Pastries are great with ice cream.