3 Easy Mock Apple Pie Recipes You'll Love

3 Easy Mock Apple Pie Recipes You'll Love

Imagine the warm, comforting scent of freshly baked apple pie wafting through your kitchen, only to discover that it's not apple pie at all, but a delightful mock apple pie! If you're out of apples or just looking for a unique twist on a classic dessert, these three mock apple pie recipes will surely catch your attention. Each one brings its own special flair to the table, proving that the true essence of apple pie can be captured with ingredients that might surprise you.

1. Mock Apple Pie with Ritz Crackers

This iconic recipe dates back to the Great Depression era when apples were a luxury. Here's how you can make it:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups of water
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 2 teaspoons of cream of tartar
  • 20 Ritz crackers, finely crushed
  • 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
  • Pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon of butter
• Instructions:
  1. In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, and cream of tartar. Bring to a boil.
  2. Once boiling, stir in the crushed Ritz crackers. Let this mixture simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. While the mixture cooks, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line your pie tin with the bottom crust.
  4. Add cinnamon and nutmeg to the saucepan, then remove from heat.
  5. Stir in the lemon juice and butter until melted.
  6. Pour the cracker mixture into the pie crust, cover with the top crust, and seal the edges. Cut slits for steam to escape.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden.

📌 Note: The Ritz crackers absorb the syrup, giving it a texture and flavor surprisingly similar to apples.

2. Zucchini Apple Pie

Here's a savory twist to the traditional apple pie:

• Ingredients:
  • 6 cups of thinly sliced, peeled zucchini
  • 2/3 cup of lemon juice
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 1/4 cup of brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt
  • Pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
• Instructions:
  1. Marinate zucchini slices in lemon juice for 1 hour.
  2. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line your pie tin with one pie crust.
  3. Drain the zucchini slices well. In a separate bowl, mix sugars, cornstarch, spices, and salt.
  4. Gently combine the zucchini with the sugar mixture and pour into the pie crust.
  5. Cover with the second crust, seal the edges, and cut vents for steam.
  6. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the crust is nicely browned and the filling is bubbly.

📌 Note: Zucchini needs to be drained well to avoid a soggy pie. It's a great way to use up extra summer squash.

3. No-Apple Spiced Carrot Pie

If you're looking for something truly unconventional:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups of shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup of raisins (optional)
  • 1/3 cup of maple syrup
  • 1/3 cup of water
  • 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg
  • Pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
• Instructions:
  1. In a saucepan, cook carrots, maple syrup, water, and lemon juice until carrots are soft, about 15 minutes.
  2. Stir in cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg, cooking until thickened.
  3. If using raisins, stir them in now.
  4. Pour this mixture into your pie shell, cover with the top crust, seal, and vent.
  5. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35-45 minutes or until the crust is golden.

📌 Note: Carrots add a subtle sweetness and a healthy dose of vitamins to your pie.

Summing up, mock apple pies are not only fun to experiment with but also surprising in their ability to mimic the taste and texture of traditional apple pie. Whether you choose the nostalgic Ritz cracker recipe, the fresh and seasonal zucchini version, or the uniquely spiced carrot pie, you’re in for a treat. These desserts are proof that innovation in the kitchen can lead to delightful and unexpected results, especially when you’re out of the usual ingredients or simply in the mood for something different. Now, you can enjoy the flavors of apple pie without the apples, bringing a bit of creativity and surprise to your dessert table.

Can I use any other crackers besides Ritz?

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Yes, you can experiment with different types of crackers, but Ritz crackers work exceptionally well due to their buttery flavor which helps mimic apples. Keep in mind that the texture and taste might vary.

What other vegetables can I use instead of zucchini?

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Chayote squash or yellow summer squash are excellent alternatives. They provide a similar texture when cooked, though you might need to adjust the sugar or spice levels according to their inherent flavors.

How can I ensure my mock pie tastes as close to apple pie as possible?

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Adding apple cider vinegar, apple extract, or apple juice can enhance the apple-like flavor. Also, using a blend of spices common in apple pie like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice can really bring the taste home.