Ritz Cracker Pie – A Sweet, Crunchy Delight That’ll Surprise You with Every Bite!

Craving a dessert that’s easy to whip up but full of flavor and texture? This Ritz Cracker Pie is the perfect treat! Combining the sweet, airy texture of meringue with the buttery saltiness of Ritz crackers, and adding the crunch of pecans, this pie will quickly become one of your favorite go-to desserts. It’s simple, unique, and best served with a dollop of whipped cream for that final touch of indulgence.

Scroll down to the recipe!

Photo bypinterest

The Inspiration Behind Ritz Cracker Pie

At first glance, using Ritz crackers in a pie might sound unusual, but don’t let that stop you from trying this delightful dessert! The combination of salty, buttery crackers, whipped egg whites, sugar, and pecans creates a sweet, crunchy pie that’s reminiscent of a meringue or pecan pie. The recipe dates back decades and has been a staple in Southern kitchens for years. The simplicity of the ingredients belies the complexity of the flavors, making this pie a delightful surprise for anyone lucky enough to get a slice!

Why Ritz Cracker Pie Will Be a Hit at Your Table

This pie has it all—sweetness from the sugar, saltiness from the Ritz crackers, and a delightful crunch from the pecans. It’s a great dessert to bring to a potluck or holiday gathering because it’s so different from your typical pie offerings, yet incredibly satisfying. Best of all, it’s easy to make and requires only a few ingredients you probably already have on hand!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 8 Servings):

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 3g
• Sodium: 190mg
• Sugar: 20g
• Fiber: 1g

Photo bypinterest

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Ritz Cracker Pie is best served with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy toppings contrast beautifully with the crispy, sweet texture of the pie, elevating every bite. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of milk for the perfect afternoon treat. For a more decadent dessert, drizzle caramel sauce or chocolate syrup over the top!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Ritz Cracker Pie is best enjoyed the day it’s made, but it can be stored at room temperature, covered, for up to 2 days. If you prefer, you can refrigerate the pie, covered, for up to 3 days. The pie is delicious served cold or at room temperature, and there’s no need to reheat it. However, if you love warm desserts, you can pop a slice in the microwave for about 15 seconds before serving.

Fun Fact: The Origins of Ritz Cracker Pie

This pie was born out of necessity, during times when ingredients like flour were scarce, but people still wanted to enjoy a homemade dessert. The saltiness of the crackers complements the sweetness of the sugar, creating a perfectly balanced treat. It’s an excellent example of how simple pantry ingredients can come together to create something truly special!

Photo bypinterest

Cooking Tips

Whip the Egg Whites Just Right: For the perfect texture, make sure to whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This will help the pie maintain its structure and give it a light, airy texture.

Gently Fold in the Crackers and Pecans: Be careful not to overmix when folding in the crushed crackers and pecans. You want to maintain the airiness of the egg whites while evenly distributing the ingredients.

Grease the Pan Well: To avoid sticking, generously grease your pie pan before pouring in the batter. This will make serving much easier!

Optional Variations

• Add Coconut: For extra texture and flavor, fold in ½ cup of shredded coconut along with the Ritz crackers and pecans.
• Use Walnuts Instead: If you’re not a fan of pecans, feel free to substitute walnuts or even almonds for a different twist.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the pie once it cools for a more indulgent dessert.

Ritz Cracker Pie Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 egg whites, beaten until stiff
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 20 Ritz crackers, crushed
• ½ - 1 cup chopped pecans
• Whipped cream (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a pie pan.
2. Whip the egg whites: Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This will give the pie its airy, meringue-like texture.
3. Add sugar and vanilla: Gradually add the sugar while continuing to beat the egg whites on low speed. Once the sugar is fully incorporated, stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Fold in the crackers and pecans: Gently fold the crushed Ritz crackers and chopped pecans into the egg white mixture, being careful not to deflate the meringue.
5. Spread the mixture in the pie pan: Pour the mixture into the greased pie pan and spread it evenly.
6. Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pie is set.
7. Serve with whipped cream: Once the pie has cooled slightly, slice it and serve each piece with a generous dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy!

Final Thoughts

Ritz Cracker Pie is a dessert that’s both surprising and delightful. Its sweet, crunchy texture combined with the subtle saltiness of the crackers makes it an unforgettable treat. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying a slice with a cup of coffee, this pie is sure to impress. Give it a try—you might just find that it becomes a new favorite!