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This Mock Apple Pie is the viral TikTok recipe that tastes just like apple pie—only it’s made with Ritz crackers instead of apples!

If you’ve spent any time scrolling through TikTok lately, you’ve probably seen people losing their minds over Mock Apple Pie, and for good reason. At first glance, it looks just like a regular apple pie, golden brown with a sweet cinnamon filling and buttery crumble topping. But here’s the twist: there are no apples in this pie. Instead, the filling is made with humble Ritz crackers simmered in a sweet syrup that perfectly mimics the flavor and texture of baked apples.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: Crackers in a pie? I was skeptical too. But one bite and I was sold, it tastes exactly like apple pie. In fact, I served it to my family without saying a word, and no one had a clue until I told them. It’s one of those quirky vintage recipes that feels like a little kitchen magic, and I love that it’s making a big comeback.

This recipe has been around for decades (my grandma swears it was in old church cookbooks), but thanks to social media, it’s trending again. And honestly, it deserves the spotlight, it’s unique, fun, budget-friendly, and a great conversation starter. Whether you’re looking for a clever dessert to impress your guests, or you just want to try something viral and nostalgic, this Mock Apple Pie is a keeper.

I am excited to make it for Thanksgiving this year and see if anyone can tell!! 

What Is Mock Apple Pie?

Mock Apple Pie is exactly what it sounds like: a pie that looks and tastes like apple pie, but without a single apple in sight. Instead, it uses Ritz crackers simmered in a cinnamon-sugar syrup. When baked inside a flaky pie crust, the crackers soften and take on the same texture as cooked apples. Add in the cinnamon, sugar, and a buttery crumble topping, and you’d swear you were eating the real thing.

This recipe dates all the way back to the Great Depression, when apples were expensive and home cooks had to get creative. It’s one of those “make do” recipes that became a tradition in its own right. Fast-forward to today, and it’s back in the spotlight thanks to TikTok.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s TikTok Viral – If you love trying trendy recipes, this one’s a must.

• Budget-Friendly – Uses pantry staples instead of fruit.

• Tastes Just Like Apple Pie – Sweet, spiced, and cozy.

• Conversation Starter – Your guests will never guess the secret ingredient.

• Nostalgic & Fun – A retro recipe with a modern viral twist.

When to Serve Mock Apple Pie

• Fall & Holiday Gatherings – A fun alternative to traditional pies.

• Thanksgiving – Surprise guests with a quirky dessert alongside pumpkin and pecan.

• Potlucks or Church Suppers – Perfect nod to its vintage cookbook roots.

• ‍ Family Dessert Nights – Kids love the surprise of “apple pie with no apples.”

• ☕ With Coffee or Tea – A cozy afternoon treat.

Ingredients 

For the Filling:

• 1 refrigerated pie crust – Saves time and keeps things simple.

• 2 cups water – Base of the syrup.

• ⅔ cup sugar – Sweetens the filling.

• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar – Helps mimic the tart bite of apples.

• 35 Ritz Crackers (plus a few extra) – The “mock apples.”

• 1½ tablespoons lemon juice – Brightens the flavor.

• 2 teaspoons cinnamon – Warm spice that makes it taste like apple pie.

For the Topping:

• 1 cup crushed Ritz Crackers – Buttery crunch.

• ⅔ cup brown sugar – Sweet, molasses depth.

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon – More warm spice.

• ⅓ cup butter, melted – Binds everything into a crisp topping.

How to Make Mock Apple Pie

1. Prep the crust – Place pie crust into a 9-inch pie pan. Preheat oven to 400°F.

2. Make the syrup – In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, and cream of tartar. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low.

3. Add the crackers – Stir in the Ritz crackers and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring gently just once or twice.

4. Assemble the pie – Spoon half the cracker mixture into the crust. Lay a few more crackers on top, then add the rest of the filling. Sprinkle with lemon juice and cinnamon.

5. Add topping – Mix crushed crackers, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Sprinkle over filling.

6. Bake – Bake at 400°F for 10 minutes. Lower heat to 350°F, cover crust edges with foil, and bake 20 minutes more.

7. Cool & serve – Let pie cool completely so it sets before slicing.

Substitutions

• Pie Crust – Use homemade if you prefer, or swap for a graham cracker crust for a different twist.

• Cream of Tartar – Essential for the “apple” flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, a squeeze more lemon juice works.

• Butter – Salted butter works fine, just reduce added salt if you’re using it.

Variations

• Double-Crust Pie – Use a second pie crust on top instead of the crumble.

• Nutty Topping – Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.

• Spiced Up – Add nutmeg or allspice along with the cinnamon.

• Mini Pies – Make in muffin tins for individual servings.

Tips & Tricks

• Don’t stir too much – Over-stirring the crackers makes the filling mushy.

• Cover the crust edges – Keeps the crust from burning during the longer bake time.

• Cool completely – The pie needs time to set for clean slices.

• Serve with whipped cream or ice cream – Just like apple pie!

FAQs

Does it really taste like apple pie?
Yes! The crackers soak up the syrup and soften to mimic the taste and texture of baked apples.

Can I use other crackers?
Stick with Ritz or a similar buttery round cracker. Other types don’t give the same flavor.

Where did this recipe come from?
It’s a vintage recipe from the Depression era, created when apples were scarce.

Serving Ideas

• Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream

• Cold with whipped cream for a potluck

• With a drizzle of caramel sauce

• On a fall dessert table with pumpkin and pecan pies

Storage & Make Ahead

• Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days.

• Make Ahead – Bake the pie a day ahead and chill until ready to serve.

• Reheat – Warm slices in the oven or microwave before serving.

Did you make this MOCK APPLE PIE, tell me how you liked it in the comments! For more delicious family friendly recipes you can follow me on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK 

Cozy Fall Dessert Recipes

Celebrate the flavors of fall with these easy and delicious desserts. From pumpkin favorites to apple twists, these recipes are perfect for cozy nights, holidays, or anytime you want a taste of autumn.

• Pumpkin Cheesecake Snickerdoodle Bars
  A chewy snickerdoodle crust layered with creamy pumpkin cheesecake filling, topped with cinnamon sugar — a fall favorite in bar form.
• Caramel Apple Icebox Cake
  Layers of cinnamon graham crackers, apple pie filling, and creamy butterscotch pudding, chilled and drizzled with caramel. No bake, all flavor.
• Pumpkin Spice Glazed Cake Bites
  Bite-sized spice cake treats dipped in a sweet pumpkin spice glaze — simple, adorable, and packed with fall flavor.
  https://lifewiththecrustcutoff.com/pumpkin-spice-glazed-cake-bites/
• Spiced Caramel Apple Poke Cake
  A moist spice cake filled with butterscotch pudding, topped with cinnamon apples and caramel drizzle — the ultimate fall poke cake.
  https://lifewiththecrustcutoff.com/spiced-caramel-apple-poke-cake/
• Pumpkin Danish Hawaiian Rolls
  Soft Hawaiian rolls stuffed with pumpkin cream cheese, brushed with cinnamon sugar butter, and baked to golden perfection.
  https://lifewiththecrustcutoff.com/pumpkin-danish-hawaiian-rolls/
• Apple Cider Cake with Brown Sugar Buttercream Frosting
  A moist apple cider cake topped with rich brown sugar buttercream — the perfect fall centerpiece dessert.

Final Thoughts

I just love when an old-fashioned recipe makes a comeback. This Mock Apple Pie is the perfect mix of retro charm and modern TikTok trend. It’s fun, a little quirky, and completely delicious. My family couldn’t believe there were no apples in it, and honestly, that’s half the fun.

If you’re looking for a cozy, budget-friendly dessert that will have everyone talking, this pie is it. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a potluck, or just to try something new, this pie is proof that sometimes the simplest ingredients can create the most magical results.