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Ritz

Ritz Mock Apple Pie

Adapted from the original Ritz Crackers Box packaging. Back of the Bag is not affiliated with Ritz.

"The Depression-era pie made of crackers that fools everyone."

Prep 20 min Cook 35 min 8 servings
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Ritz Mock Apple Pie

The Story

Printed on the Ritz Crackers box during the Great Depression, this pie uses crushed crackers, sugar, and cinnamon to convincingly impersonate a real apple pie. People still bake it for the novelty — and it's still on the box.

From the back of Crackers Box — since 1935

Ingredients

  • 36 Ritz Crackers, coarsely broken (about 1 3/4 cups crumbs)
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
  • Pastry for two-crust 9-inch pie
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Grated peel of 1 lemon (optional)

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 425°F. Roll out half of pastry and line a 9-inch pie pan.

  2. 2

    In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, and cream of tartar; bring to a boil. Simmer 15 minutes. Add lemon peel; cool.

  3. 3

    Place cracker crumbs in pie shell. Pour cooled syrup over crumbs. Dot with butter and sprinkle with cinnamon. Cover with top crust; seal and flute edges. Cut slits in top crust.

  4. 4

    Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Serve warm.