This is a vintage 1960s-era mock pecan pie recipe made with Ritz crackers and a layer of pecans. It was originally shared with us by Dr. Donald Houston. It's an easy no-crust pie with vanilla-flavored egg whites and cracker filling. The fluffy egg whites filling makes it lighter than other pecan pies. Since the pie is topped with a layer of pecan halves, it is close in flavor and texture to the real thing. Grated milk chocolate is a delicious finishing touch.
The National Biscuit Co. introduced a mock apple pie in 1933, which is very much like this pecan version. The "apple" version is made with apple pie spices and was a Depression-era pie created because apples were costly.
Serve mock pecan pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a real treat.
Ingredients
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20 Ritz crackers, crushed into crumbs
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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3 large egg whites
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
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1/2 cup pecan halves
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3 ounces milk chocolate, finely grated
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Vanilla ice cream, or whipped cream, for serving, optional
Steps to Make It
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Gather the ingredients.
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Preheat the oven to 325 F. Butter a 9-inch pie plate.
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Mix together the Ritz cracker crumbs and baking powder.
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Beat the egg whites until stiff, then very slowly add the sugar, continuing to beat. Add the vanilla and blend thoroughly.
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Fold the egg whites and cracker crumbs together. Spread the filling mixture in the prepared 9-inch pie plate. Arrange the pecans over the top of the pie filling.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
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Remove from the oven and sprinkle the pie with the grated chocolate.
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Place it back in the oven (or under the broiler) for just long enough to melt the chocolate. If you place it under the broiler, watch it closely so that the chocolate melts but does not burn.
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Serve with ice cream or whipped cream, as desired.
Glass Bakeware Warning
Do not use glass bakeware when broiling or when a recipe calls to add liquid to a hot pan, as glass may explode. Even if it states it is oven safe or heat resistant, tempered glass products can, and do, break occasionally.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
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237 | Calories |
8g | Fat |
38g | Carbs |
3g | Protein |
Nutrition Facts | |
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Servings: 8 | |
Amount per serving | |
Calories | 237 |
% Daily Value* | |
Total Fat 8g | 11% |
Saturated Fat 3g | 14% |
Cholesterol 2mg | 1% |
Sodium 166mg | 7% |
Total Carbohydrate 38g | 14% |
Dietary Fiber 1g | 3% |
Total Sugars 32g | |
Protein 3g | |
Vitamin C 0mg | 0% |
Calcium 70mg | 5% |
Iron 1mg | 5% |
Potassium 87mg | 2% |
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. |
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