Ritz Cracker Mock Apple Pie

Name: Ritz Cracker Mock Apple Pie
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup hot water; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons cream of tartar; Juice of ½ lemon (about 1 tablespoon); 24 Ritz crackers, broken into quarters (do not crush); 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade); ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces; 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers; ⅓ cup brown sugar; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ⅓ cup melted butter

By:

Thomas

Published:

February 5, 2026

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Creating a Ritz Cracker Mock Apple Pie is like making magic happen right in your kitchen. With this recipe, you can whip up a delicious dessert that will surprise everyone. Imagine the sweet, nostalgic taste of traditional apple pie, but made with something as humble as Ritz Crackers. Yes, you read that right! This pie is a fantastic twist that brings an unexpected delight. It’s an approachable recipe, perfect for the busy cook or those who want something a little different without the fuss of peeling apples and baking for hours.

What I love most about this Ritz Cracker Mock Apple Pie is its ability to spark conversations at gatherings. Your friends and family will be amazed as they take their first bite and wonder, “What’s the secret ingredient?” With its simple prep and quick baking time, you’ll be serving up slices of happiness without the stress. So let’s roll up our sleeves and take this creamy, crunchy, and fantastically flavorful ride together!

Why This Recipe Works

The Unexpected Magic of Ritz Crackers

Ritz Crackers bring a unique flavor combination that mimics the sweetness and subtle tartness of traditional apple pie. It might sound unusual, but trust me—this unexpected twist creates a delightful surprise. The buttery, rich flavor of the crackers makes a beautiful base that binds the pie’s filling and gives it a comforting texture. When you bake it, the edges turn crispy while the filling gets just the right amount of gooeyness. You’ll never believe how these crackers do their magic!

Why You’ll Love This Ritz Cracker Mock Apple Pie

This recipe stands out because it captures that nostalgic taste with so much less effort than typical apple pie. Imagine having a dessert that impresses everyone, and they’ll only need a few minutes to prepare. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or random Tuesday nights when you need a little sweet cheer, this quick dessert will leave your guests guessing about its secret ingredient. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself wanting to share, not only because of the taste but also for how easy it is to make.

Ingredients

To make your own Ritz Cracker Mock Apple Pie, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 cup hot water
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
Juice of ½ lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
24 Ritz crackers, broken into quarters (do not crush)
1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
⅓ cup brown sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
⅓ cup melted butter

Gather all these ingredients before you start, so you’ll be ready to go!

How to Make Ritz Cracker Mock Apple Pie

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Filling

First, let’s warm things up! Preheat your oven to 425°F. In a medium saucepan, combine the hot water, granulated sugar, and cream of tartar. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Once it starts bubbling, let it boil for about 1 minute. This step creates a syrupy base that is essential for our pie.

Add the Lemon Juice and Ritz Crackers

After boiling, remove the saucepan from heat and add in the juice of half a lemon. This addition gives the pie that classic apple flavor. Then, gently fold in the quartered Ritz crackers—make sure not to stir. Let the mixture bubble on its own for another 2 minutes. You’ll see those crackers absorbing all the sweetness and flavor.

Assemble the Pie

Now it’s time to build your pie! Pour the delicious mixture right into the unbaked pie crust. Then, sprinkle ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon on top. Finally, dot the mixture with the small pieces of unsalted butter. This step adds richness to the pie, making every bite irresistible.

Make the Topping

In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of crushed Ritz crackers, ⅓ cup brown sugar, and another ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Mix these ingredients well, then pour in ⅓ cup of melted butter. Stir until everything is evenly coated and looks crumbly. This crumbly topping is what makes the pie delightful and adds a crunchy texture on top!

Add the Topping and Bake

Sprinkle the topping evenly over the pie filling. As the pie bakes, this topping will turn golden and crispy, creating a delightful contrast. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the crust and topping are golden brown and the filling starts bubbling. You’ll know it’s done when your kitchen starts to smell heavenly!

Cool Before Serving

After baking, resist the urge to slice right away. Let the pie cool completely at room temperature. This cooling process helps the syrup thicken, ensuring you get clean, beautiful slices when you cut into it.

Serving Suggestions

Now here comes one of the best parts! This Ritz Cracker Mock Apple Pie pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. The cold creaminess complements the warm, ooey-gooey filling perfectly. You could even sprinkle some chopped nuts on top for added flavor and crunch.

Tips for Success

To ensure your pie turns out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:

Make sure to break the Ritz Crackers into quarters but avoid crushing them too much. This way, they hold their shape and create that delightful texture.
Allow your pie to cool fully before slicing. Doing this prevents it from being runny and makes for nicely defined slices.

Variations

Want to mix things up a bit? Try adding a hint of nutmeg or even a splash of vanilla extract to the filling for an extra layer of flavor. You could also experiment with different types of pie crusts—homemade, graham cracker, or even chocolate crust could give this pie a fun twist!

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers (though I doubt it!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2 days, or pop them in the fridge for up to a week. They’re great to heat up for a quick dessert later on!

Pairing Ideas

Think about enjoying this mock apple pie with hot cider in the fall for warmth or sipping on refreshing lemonade during summer get-togethers. The combination of flavors will elevate your dessert experience even further!

FAQs

Can I use other types of crackers?

While Ritz Crackers deliver the best results due to their buttery taste, other buttery crackers can work if you’re in a pinch. It may alter the flavor, but it can still be a fun twist!

How do I know when the pie is done baking?

Look for a golden brown crust, a crispy topping, and bubbly filling. Your nose will help too; the aroma will change once it’s perfectly baked.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pie a day in advance. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

To keep the texture at its best, reheat the pie in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. This helps revive that lovely crunchy topping.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

You can freeze this pie before baking by wrapping it tightly. When you’re ready, just bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Creating this Ritz Cracker Mock Apple Pie isn’t just a recipe; it’s about memories and joy. Gather your loved ones, share a slice, share some laughter, and let this delightful dish become a staple in your cooking adventures. Enjoy the simple pleasures, cherish the flavors, and make this dish a highlight of your dessert table.

Ritz Cracker Mock Apple Pie