Mock Apple Pie

This Mock Apple Pie is the ultimate dessert trickery—it looks and tastes just like the classic, but with a fun twist! Instead of apples, Ritz crackers are the secret ingredient that creates a surprisingly delicious cinnamon-spiced filling. Topped with a buttery sweet crumble, this pie is as irresistible as the original.

Mock Apple Ritz Cracker Pie

Even though this recipe may not replace your favorite apple pie, I have been convinced that it comes close. It has a buttery and flaky crust with softened Ritz crackers in the filling flavored with lemon juice and cinnamon to create a similar texture and flavor as cooked apples. It may sound a little crazy, but I’ve made it several times and it’s SO good! Even my kids like it and they are huge apple pie fans.

What is Mock Apple Pie?

Mock apple pie or “Depression Era Pie” mimics a traditional apple pie without using apples. During the Great Depression, apples were scarce and expensive so Ritz crackers were used as an alternative. When combined with lemon juice, cinnamon, sugar, and softened, they have the same texture and flavor as apples! It was very popular in the 1930s and has made its way to TikTok recently.

Why You’ll Love This Mock Apple Pie

• Budget-friendly. This recipe is meant to accommodate a tight budget. It’s a tasty alternative to a real apple pie using inexpensive ingredients that are accessible all year. I highly recommend that you give it a try if you want to make a cheap dessert.
• Easy to make. Preparing mock apple pie couldn’t be easier. It takes minimal time and effort to get it ready for the oven and then it’s baked to golden brown perfection in just 30 minutes.
• Crowd pleaser. I have tried serving this pie at parties and it’s a hit! I find that kids enjoy it even if they don’t like apple pie. I often don’t have any leftovers when I bring this pie to share.

What You’ll Need

Below are the ingredients needed for the pie filling and the cracker crumble topping. I kept them separate so you can tell what is used for each component. They are easily accessible ingredients because that is the point of “depression pie.”

For the pie

• Pie crust: I like to use a store-bought crust for an easy shortcut. You may use any refrigerated variety that you like. Try this No Roll Pie Crust if you prefer homemade.
• Water: This is needed to dissolve the sugar and cream of tartar as well as soften the Ritz crackers.
• Sugar: I use simple white granulated sugar as the sweetener for the pie filling. It’s inexpensive and I always have it on hand.
• Cream of tartar: This prevents the simple syrup from crystallizing and helps the crackers keep their shape.
• Ritz crackers: I have tried other brands of crackers they don’t work the same. Original Ritz is key in this recipe. I crush some for the filling and add a layer of whole crackers.
• Lemon juice: The tart flavor and acidity help the crackers take on that classic “apple” flavor. I prefer fresh lemon juice but bottled may be used as well.
• Cinnamon: Any good apple pie has cinnamon so of course we use it in this pie. Feel free to use other warm spices like nutmeg for more flavor.

For the topping

• Ritz crackers: I use more crackers to make a crumble topping similar to a Dutch apple pie. When crumbled and added with the other ingredients, it gets perfectly golden brown in the oven.
• Brown sugar: This adds tasty caramel and molasses notes to add depth to the Ritz. It also helps make the crumbly texture.
• Cinnamon: I add cinnamon as well to further enhance the cinnamon flavor in the whole pie.
• Butter: Ensure the butter is melted but not hot. You want it to coat the other ingredients but not completely melt the sugar. I go for unsalted because the crackers are fairly salty.

How to Make Mock Apple Pie

Here are the instructions on how to prepare and bake this mock apple pie. These steps will help you create a pie that is as close to a real apple pie as possible.

• Prep the oven and pie pan. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and grease a 9-inch pie pan.
• Add the crust. Place the refrigerated crust into the pan.

• Boil water, sugar, and cream of tartar. Add water, sugar, and cream of tartar to a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
• Add crackers and simmer. Stir in the Ritz and bring it to a simmer over medium-low heat for 5 minutes.
• Fill the crust. Pour half of the mixture into the pie crust and layer Ritz crackers on top. Then, pour the rest of the mixture onto the crackers.
• Add cinnamon and lemon. Sprinkle cinnamon and drizzle lemon just on top.

• Make the topping. Combine the crushed crackers, brown sugar, remaining cinnamon, and melted butter in a small bowl. 
• Sprinkle on top. Cover the top of the pie with the crumble topping.
• Bake. Put it in the oven and bake it for 10 minutes.

• Reduce heat and cover. Remove it from the oven and cover the edges with foil. Reduce the oven to 350 degrees F and bake it for an additional 20 minutes.
• Cool. Allow the pie to cool for a few minutes to ensure it has set.
• Serve. Slice and enjoy!

Proper Storage

Store leftover pie in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I do not recommend freezing this pie because the extra moisture may cause the filling to become runny and watery.

More Apple Pie Recipes to Try

• Apple Pie Cookies
• Bourbon Apple Pie
• Dutch Apple Pie
• Apple Pie Cake
• Apple Hand Pies