If you adore the classic charm of apple pie but want to surprise your taste buds with something uniquely delightful, the Faux Ritz Cracker Apple Pie Recipe is your new go-to dessert. This inventive pie uses Ritz crackers in place of traditional apples, creating a luscious, caramelized filling that’s buttery, sweet, and satisfyingly nostalgic. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels both comforting and refreshingly different, perfect for cozy afternoons or special gatherings where you want to impress with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is what makes the Faux Ritz Cracker Apple Pie Recipe so approachable. Each component plays a crucial role, from the crispy golden Ritz crackers that mimic apple texture to the balance of sugars and spices that give it that iconic pie warmth.
- 2 cups water: The base for boiling the crackers to create that soft, luscious pie filling.
- 1 cup sugar: Essential for the sweet syrup that binds everything together and caramelizes beautifully.
- 2 tsp cream of tartar: Adds a bit of acidity that deepens flavor and helps stabilize the syrup.
- 36 Ritz crackers: The star ingredient, bringing buttery notes and a delicate crunch that mimics apple slices.
- ½ tsp cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic spice to enhance the traditional apple pie taste.
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice: Brightens the filling with a subtle tang and keeps the flavors vibrant.
- 1 (9-inch) frozen deep-dish pie crust: A flaky, buttery foundation that holds all the deliciousness perfectly.
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers: Used in the topping to add extra texture and buttery flavor.
- ½ cup packed brown sugar: Gives the topping a rich molasses sweetness and a delightful chew.
- ½ tsp cinnamon: Repeated in the topping to layer on that inviting spice.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Binds the topping ingredients together, creating a golden, crispy finish.
How to Make Faux Ritz Cracker Apple Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 400ºF. While the oven warms, combine the water, sugar, and cream of tartar in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring this mixture to a vigorous boil. Once boiling, carefully add the whole Ritz crackers and let them cook for 5 minutes. This step softens the crackers and infuses them with sweetness, creating the pie’s luscious “apple-like” filling.
Step 2: Add Flavor
After the crackers have boiled, stir in the lemon juice and cinnamon. The lemon juice adds a subtle acidity that balances the sweetness, while the cinnamon introduces that familiar warm spice associated with apple pies. Pour this fragrant mixture into the prepared pie crust, letting those buttery crackers nestle in perfectly.
Step 3: Make the Topping
Mix together the crushed Ritz crackers, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a small bowl until combined. This mixture will form a golden-crisp topping, reminiscent of a traditional crumb topping but with the signature buttery crunch that only Ritz crackers can provide.
Step 4: Bake the Pie
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the pie filling. Place the pie in the oven and bake for 10 minutes at 400ºF to start that beautiful browning process. Then reduce the heat to 350ºF and cover the edges of the pie crust with foil to prevent overbrowning. Bake for an additional 18 to 20 minutes, or until the filling is set and doesn’t jiggle when you gently shake the pie. Allow the pie to cool completely to let the filling thicken and flavors meld.
How to Serve Faux Ritz Cracker Apple Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A generous scoop of vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing, melting slowly over warm slices and enhancing the sweet, buttery flavors. For a festive touch, sprinkle a little ground cinnamon or nutmeg on top, or drizzle with caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
Pair this pie with a simple cup of freshly brewed coffee or a fragrant tea like chai or cinnamon-spiced black tea. If you want to go savory, serve it alongside a light cheese plate, especially with mild cheddar or gouda, to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, serve individual portions in mini pie crusts or ramekins topped with crushed Ritz crackers and a sprig of fresh mint. You can also plate it ala mode with a dusting of powdered sugar and a few sliced tart apples for that extra apple pie illusion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pie covered loosely with foil or plastic wrap at room temperature for up to one day, or in the refrigerator for up to three days. Refrigeration helps preserve the pie’s topping crispness while preventing the filling from becoming overly soft.
Freezing
You can freeze this pie for up to two months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil before placing it in the freezer. To enjoy later, thaw the pie overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in a low oven (around 300ºF) for 10 to 15 minutes to warm through without drying out the crust or topping. Avoid using a microwave if possible, as it can make the topping soggy and the texture less appealing.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade pie crust instead of frozen?
Absolutely! A homemade pie crust adds a wonderful personal touch, and since this recipe uses a deep-dish crust, opt for a sturdier homemade crust to hold the filling well.
What makes this pie “faux”?
The “faux” part comes from using Ritz crackers instead of apples. The crackers mimic the texture and buttery flavor of baked apples, making it a clever and unexpected twist on the classic pie.
Is cream of tartar necessary in this recipe?
While cream of tartar helps stabilize the syrup and enhances the texture, if you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute with a pinch of lemon juice for acidity, though cream of tartar is preferred.
Can I make this pie gluten-free?
You would need to use gluten-free Ritz cracker alternatives and a gluten-free pie crust. The technique remains the same, but be sure to check that all your ingredients meet gluten-free standards.
How sweet is this pie compared to a traditional apple pie?
This pie is fairly sweet due to the sugar and brown sugar, but the lemon juice and cinnamon add balance. It’s a bit richer and more buttery than a traditional apple pie, making it a decadent treat.
Final Thoughts
If you love the idea of an easy dessert that tastes both familiar and exciting, the Faux Ritz Cracker Apple Pie Recipe is a must-try. It’s one of those delightful recipes that brings people together, sparks conversation, and satisfies those sweet cravings like a warm hug in pie form. Give it a go and watch how it quickly becomes a cherished favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Print
Faux Ritz Cracker Apple Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Faux Ritz Cracker Apple Pie is a delightful twist on traditional apple pie, substituting apples with Ritz crackers simmered in a sweet and tangy syrup. Featuring a buttery, brown sugar topping and a flaky deep-dish pie crust, it’s a quick and easy dessert that mimics the comforting flavors of apple pie with a unique and creative approach.
Ingredients
Pie Filling
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tsp cream of tartar
- 36 Ritz crackers
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
Pie Crust
- 1 (9-inch) frozen deep-dish pie crust
Topping
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400ºF to prepare for baking the pie.
- Prepare Syrup and Crackers: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine 2 cups of water, 1 cup sugar, and 2 teaspoons cream of tartar. Bring this mixture to a boil.
- Boil Crackers: Carefully drop in the whole Ritz crackers into the boiling syrup and boil them for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors and soften. Stir in 1 tablespoon lemon juice and ½ teaspoon cinnamon to add brightness and spice. Then pour this mixture into the frozen pie crust shell.
- Make Topping: In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers, ½ cup packed brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Stir in ½ cup melted unsalted butter until the mixture is well combined and crumbly.
- Assemble and Bake: Sprinkle the prepared topping evenly over the pie filling in the crust. Bake the pie in the preheated oven at 400ºF for 10 minutes. Afterward, reduce the oven temperature to 350ºF, cover the edges of the pie crust with foil to prevent burning, and bake for an additional 18-20 minutes, or until the filling has set and does not jiggle when moved.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool before serving to let the filling fully set and flavors meld.
Notes
- Be careful when boiling the crackers to prevent sticking and breaking apart too much; gentle stirring is suggested.
- Covering the edges of the crust with foil reduces the risk of crust burning during the longer baking period.
- Allowing the pie to cool properly ensures the filling firms up for clean slicing.
- This pie is a creative alternative for those who may not have apples on hand but want similar flavors in a unique form.
