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–+ servings
Mock Apple Pie
This recipe card captures two classic, comforting desserts in one place. The “Mock Apple Pie” is an old-fashioned creation designed to mimic the sweet, cinnamon-spiced taste of a traditional apple pie using soda crackers, a creative solution from an era when fresh fruit wasn’t always available. Below it, “Pumpkin Pie – Bert” delivers a smooth, spiced custard pie made with canned pumpkin, warm spices, and creamy milk for a rich, velvety finish. Together, these recipes celebrate nostalgic flavors perfect for holidays or cozy gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 310 kcal

Ingredients
  

Mock Apple Pie

  • 1 ½ cups sugar
  • 1 ½ cups water
  • 1 ½ tsp cream of tartar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 dash nutmeg
  • 2 cups soda crackers (crushed )
  • butter (for dotting, about 1 tbsp)
  • 1 unbaked pie shell

Pumpkin Pie from Bert

  • ½ can pumpkin puree (15 oz each)
  • 1 pint milk
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 tbsp flour
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp cloves
  • ¼ tsp ginger

Instructions
 

Mock Apple Pie

    Step 1: Prepare Syrup

    • In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, cream of tartar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes.

    Step 2: Assemble Pie

    • Layer crushed soda crackers into the unbaked pie shell. Pour the hot syrup mixture over the crackers. Dot with butter.

    Step 3: Bake

    • Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden. Cool slightly before serving.

    Pumpkin Pie from Bert

      Step 1: Prepare Filling

      • In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin, milk, eggs, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger until smooth.

      Step 2: Fill Pie Shell

      • Pour mixture into an unbaked 9-inch pie crust.

      Step 3: Bake

      • Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes, or until the center is set. Cool for at least 1 hour before slicing.

      Tips

      • Use buttery round crackers to mimic apple texture
      • Add a few drops of lemon juice for tart “apple” flavor
      • Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
      • Add extra nutmeg or cinnamon for stronger spice notes
      • Use a graham cracker crust for variation
      • Sprinkle sugar on top of the crust before baking for crunch
      • This recipe works beautifully as a conversation-piece dessert
      • Let filling fully cool to help it set properly
      • Add a few raisins for an old-fashioned twist

      Nutrition

      Calories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 72gProtein: 3gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 45mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 52gVitamin A: 1IUCalcium: 6mgIron: 0.8mg
      Keyword apple substitute, cracker pie, mock pie, nostalgic dessert, old-fashioned pie, pantry dessert, vintage recipe
      Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!