The following “Chew This!” column originally appeared in “The Courier-Times” and / or “The Shelbyville News”. Check their websites for further information and dates.

An Apple Pie Mystery

Blaise Doubman

I can not recall exactly how long ago but if I were to guess, I would say about 2 years ago, I shared a recipe here with everyone, as well as my website, for “Ritz Cracker Cookies”. People were so up in arms about it. Some people absolutely loved it and some despised it. I will say that those who hated it, a few did write to me and say that after trying it, they loved them! I have always loved Ritz crackers over the saltine ones you can buy. I even use Ritz crackers over saltines in my meatloaf recipes, salmon patties and even some stuffing recipes. I think I associate both of my Grandma’s with Ritz crackers because that was also their favorite.

The recipe I am sharing here today is unreal! I am sure you have all heard about the apple pie that looks and tasted like real apple pie but in actuality, there is zero apples inside. None. Just Ritz crackers and some flavorings. I made this awhile back for my coworkers and they all could not believe how delicious it was. I have to say that the crumble on top is super delicious! Honestly I would say, I would prefer this over your more transitional style apple pies. Use a homemade crust if you want but it is not necessary. If you want to do homemade, I always do, you will find several pie crust recipes on my website. If you try this, write to me!

Ritz Cracker Apple Pie

For the filling…

2 cups water

2/3 cup white granulated sugar

2 teaspoon cream of tartar

40 Ritz crackers, lightly crushed 

2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

For the topping…

1 cup crushed Ritz crackers

2/3 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon 

1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees

In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the water, white granulated sugar and cream of tartar. Stir and bring to a boil. Once at a boil, add in the prepared crackers. Stir and continue to cook and slightly boil for about 5 minutes.

Spray a 9-inch pie pan with non-stick cooking spray containingflour. Pour the cracker mixture evenly into the pie pan. Squeeze over the lemon juice and sprinkle the ground cinnamon across the top of the pie.

Make the crumble by combining the crushed Ritz crackers, lightly packed light brown sugar, ground cinnamon and melted unsalted butter in a medium sized bowl. Be sure to mix this well.

Place in preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. Reduce the heat in the oven to 350 degrees F. and bake for 20 more minutes.

Remove and allow to cool before slicing and serving.

Ask and Answer: A few people wondered if I had lighter spring and summer recipes. And yes! Check out my website for hundreds of recipes.