Mock Apple Pie is a unique dessert that has its roots in the Great Depression era. With simple ingredients and ingenuity, this pie became a surprise hit among guests, as they were astounded that soda crackers could be transformed into convincing “apples.” Made with a double crust and a filling that mimics the taste of apples, this pie offers a delightful and nostalgic treat. Whether you’re looking to explore Depression-era recipes or simply intrigued by the idea of a pie that uses crackers as a substitute for apples, Mock Apple Pie is a must-try.
INGREDIENTS:
- Pastry for double-crust pie
- 18 saltines, halved
- 1½ cups sugar
- 1¼ cups water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ to 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ to 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
PREPARATIONS:
- Place the bottom pastry in a 9-inch pie plate.
- Layer the halved saltines in the pie shell and set aside.
- In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, water, lemon juice, cream of tartar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and carefully pour it over the saltines in the pie shell. Note that the filling will be very thin.
- Allow the pie to cool for 10 minutes.
- Cut lattice strips from the remaining pastry and place them over the filling.
- Seal and flute the edges of the pie.
- Bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
- Cool the pie on a wire rack.
YIELD:
- Makes 8 servings.
BAKING TIME:
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Bake: 25-30 minutes
- Cooling time: 10 minutes
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Using a pastry for the double crust ensures a traditional pie appearance.
- Layering the halved saltines in the pie shell creates the illusion of apple slices.
- The filling will be thin, but it will thicken as the pie cools.
- Adding cream of tartar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg to the filling enhances the flavor and aroma, contributing to the apple-like experience.
- For an appealing presentation, create a lattice design with the remaining pastry.
- Ensure that the edges of the pie are sealed and fluted to prevent the filling from leaking out during baking.
Mock Apple Pie is a unique dessert that emerged during the Great Depression when creative substitutions were necessary. Despite the absence of apples, this pie manages to captivate guests with its surprising flavor and convincing illusion of apple slices made from soda crackers. With a double crust and a flavorful filling, this pie offers a delightful and nostalgic treat.
To create the illusion of apple slices, layer halved saltines in the pie shell. The thin and flavorful filling, made with sugar, water, lemon juice, cream of tartar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg, is poured over the saltines. As the pie cools, the filling thickens, contributing to the overall apple-like experience.
The lattice design created with the remaining pastry adds an appealing visual element to the pie. Properly sealing and fluting the edges ensures a beautiful and intact pie during baking.
While the taste and texture of this pie may differ from a traditional apple pie, it offers a unique and enjoyable experience that transports you back to a time when resourcefulness was key in the kitchen. Whether you’re exploring Depression-era recipes or seeking a creative and unexpected dessert, Mock Apple Pie is a must-try.
As you savor each bite, appreciate the ingenuity and flavor that soda crackers bring to this surprising and delightful dessert. Despite its unconventional nature, Mock Apple Pie has stood the test of time, capturing the curiosity and delight of generations.
