Easy Soda Cracker Pie Recipe for Quick Dessert Delight
Listen up, my fellow dessert enthusiasts! Today, we are going to explore a recipe that will knock your socks off. Do you like sweet treats? How about flaky crusts? Well, then you are in luck because we are diving into the world of Soda Cracker Pie – a vintage recipe that has come roaring back to life.
Don’t let the name fool you – this pie is not made of crackers, per se. Rather, it’s a delicious combination of crushed soda crackers and sugar mixed with egg whites, baking powder, and other delectable ingredients. The result is a pie that is creamy, crunchy, and surprisingly addictive.
This recipe has been handed down for generations and it is said to have originated in the Southern United States. It’s a dessert that will transport you back in time to your grandmother’s kitchen or maybe take you on a road-trip down south. And what adds even more exciting flavor to this pie, is its versatility – you can use strawberries for a summery vibe, or swap them out for apple pie filling for an autumn treat.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your apron and let’s get baking! You won’t regret giving this vintage soda cracker pie recipe a try.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Attention, baking enthusiasts! You are in for a treat – a sweet, and savoury Soda Cracker Pie that you will absolutely adore! This vintage recipe is easy, decadent and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth cravings. Trust me; once you’ve tasted it, you’ll want more!
The base of this recipe is soda crackers, yes – saltine crackers finely crushed that form the crust. While soda crackers are commonly used in several recipes, they form an interesting and robust pie crust that adds flavour to the pie’s overall sweetness. The crust’s classic crunch paired with soft cream filling melts in your mouth.
Speaking of cream filling, this recipe uses beaten egg whites to create a fluffy but firm texture. When sugar gradually beats into the egg white mixture, it creates a marshmallow-like consistency that is just delightful. The addition of chopped pecans or walnuts gives the pie a fantastic protein boost and added crunch.
This Soda Cracker Pie recipe is versatile enough to be paired with various fruits or toppings. For instance, top it with frozen strawberries instead of pecans for a fruitier flavour or indulge in apple pie by substituting the cracker crust recipe. There are endless variations; you only need to let your imagination run wild in the kitchen!
Lastly, you will love this recipe because of its simplicity. You might already have most of the ingredients at home! Plus, the steps in making it are straightforward and easy to follow, ideal for those who are new to baking but want to create something spectacular.
Trust me; after creating this amazing dessert, you won’t need any other dessert options for a while as this Southern classic is sure to become one of your favourites. So what are you waiting for? Get ready to surrender to this sweet bliss and try out this Soda Cracker Pie Recipe today!
Ingredient List
Here is what you will need to make this classic vintage soda cracker pie:
- 18 soda crackers
- 1 cup of white sugar [^1]
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder [^2]
- A pinch of salt
- 3 egg whites
- 1 tsp cream tartar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- Optional: walnuts (1/4 – 1/2 cup), frozen strawberries (halved or pureed)
- Pie crust: 3 cups soda cracker crumbs finely crushed (can use saltine crackers) and 2 tablespoons of butter
Notes:
[^1]: You can use brown or raw cane sugar instead of white sugar; this will give the pie a darker color and a stronger flavor.
[^2]: Baking powder helps the pie rise during baking. If using old baking powder, it’s better to increase the amount by 1 tsp for best results.
Make sure your ingredients are fresh and measure out all your ingredients before you start mixing. This will help everything move smoothly and ensure proper proportion.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s dive into how to make this delicious Soda Cracker Pie recipe come to life. You won’t believe how easy it is.
Prep the Crust
First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Then, in a large bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups of crushed soda crackers and 1/2 cup of finely chopped walnuts until they are evenly combined.
Next, stir in 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of baking powder until everything is well blended.
Finally, add in 5 tablespoons of melted butter, and mix everything together until the mixture becomes crumbly.
Press this mixture onto the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan to form a crust.
Baker’s tip: Use the back of a spoon or a measuring cup to press the crumbly crust mixture evenly into the sides and bottom of the pan.
Beat the Egg Whites
Take 3 egg whites in a mixing bowl, and beat them with an electric mixer on high speed until they form stiff peaks.
Baker’s tip: Make sure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and free from any grease or liquid residue (even a tiny drop) to ensure that your egg whites achieve maximum volume.
Add Sugar and Vanilla Extract
Gradually beat in 1 cup of granulated sugar, followed by 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, continuing to beat until all ingredients are well-combined.
Add Crushed Crackers and Chopped Pecans
Fold into this mixture two cups of roughly chopped pecans pecans along with half-cup of crushed soda crackers. Mix them gently with spatula until the ingredients are just blended. Pour this mixture into prepared crust.
Baker’s tip: For added crunch, reserve some chopped pecans for sprinkling on top before baking.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until firm at room temperature. Allow pie cool completely before serving.
Serve with freshly whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on top, if desired.
Substitutions and Variations
Believe it or not, I’ve made this recipe using a variety of different substitutions and variations just to mix things up a bit. Here are some of my favorite tweaks and swaps:
– Cracker crust: Want to be extra fancy? Swap out those soda crackers for your favorite cookie crumbs (Oreo, anyone?) to make an extra-decadent crust for this pie.
– Fruit filling: While the recipe calls for frozen strawberries, feel free to experiment with other types of fruit – fresh or frozen. Blueberries, peaches or even sliced apples might make for great alternatives that will add a new touch of flavor to your pie.
– Nuts: Feeling adventurous? Throw in some chopped pecans, almonds or walnuts for some added crunch!
– No-bake cheesecake filling: For a little extra indulgence, consider using no-bake cheesecake filling instead of the egg white-based original recipe. Simply mix together some cream cheese, sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, then spoon into your cracker crust and refrigerate until set.
No matter which way you decide to go, just remember that the possibilities are endless with this vintage recipe!
Serving and Pairing
I know what you’re thinking – soda cracker pie? What in the name of sweet potatoes can that possibly pair well with? Surprise, surprise, my little bluebird! Not only is this vintage recipe grandmother-approved, but it’s also surprisingly versatile!
Picture yourself serving up a warm slice of soda cracker pie alongside some vanilla ice cream or even a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast between the warm buttery filling and cold, creamy topping is simply divine. Trust me on this one.
Feeling fancy? Elevate your soda cracker game with a side of fresh strawberries and raspberries. The fruitiness adds some tang to the rather rich pie and cuts through its sweetness, making for a perfect balance.
And if you’re guilty of having breakfast for dinner (or, let’s be real, dessert for breakfast), then why not go all out and serve up some crispy bacon alongside that slice of pie? The salty meatiness will complement the sweetness of the dessert in a way that’ll raise some eyebrows.
So whether you serve it up on its own or experiment pairing it with different items from your culinary arsenal, trust me when I say that soda cracker pie is an incredibly versatile dessert fit for any occasion.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that you’ve whipped up a delicious soda cracker pie, it’s time to think about make-ahead instructions, storing and reheating tips to ensure your baking adventure is a total success.
Once your soda cracker pie has cooled down completely, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will last about 2-3 days if stored properly. When it’s time to reheat, preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes. Be sure to watch for any signs of burning on top.
If you’re planning on making this recipe ahead of time, consider making the crust and filling separately. You can store the crust mixture in an airtight container or zip-top bag in a cool, dry place for up to 2 weeks. The filling can be made up to one day ahead of time as long as it is refrigerated.
It’s also possible to freeze this pie before baking, simply wrap tightly with plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, remove from the freezer and let it thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Remember not to store this pie with any other strong smelling foods as it can absorb their flavors.
With these make-ahead instructions, storage tips, and reheating options in mind, you’ll have your soda cracker pie ready whenever you want a sweet treat – fresh from the oven or perfectly reheated every single time.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have all the ingredients listed and the recipe how-to, it’s time to focus on the tips that will ensure your soda cracker pie comes out perfectly! Let’s dive into some expert tips for baking a perfect soda cracker pie.
Firstly, make sure to use fresh egg whites. Beat them until they form stiff peaks, as this will give the pie a lighter consistency. Gradually adding sugar to the egg whites while continuing to beat them is essential in achieving the right texture.
For an extra crunch, add walnuts or pecans. Chopped nuts on top of the pie add delicious texture and taste. It is important to preheat your oven to 350°F before baking your pie. This will help ensure even cooking throughout the dish.
Another tip to guarantee an excellent outcome is to make sure your soda crackers are finely crushed. Achieving this consistency can be achieved by using a food processor or placing crackers in a plastic bag then crushing with a rolling pin.
Lastly, if you’re feeling daring, try some variations by replacing plain crackers with saltine crackers or adding strawberries instead of nuts. It could be interesting to experiment with different variations of soda cracker pie!
By keeping these expert tips in mind, you’ll be able to create a perfect crust with a delicious filling every time!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the soda cracker pie recipe is a vintage gem that deserves a spot in your recipe box. It may not be the fanciest or most elaborate dessert, but its simplicity is what makes it truly special. This recipe is proof that with just a few basic ingredients and a little bit of effort, you can create something delicious and memorable.
Whether you’re looking for a dessert to serve at a family gathering or want to surprise your co-workers with something new at the next potluck, look no further than soda cracker pie. Try experimenting with different variations such as using frozen strawberries or walnuts for added flavor and texture.
Overall, this recipe is perfect for those who appreciate southern comfort food or those who simply enjoy trying out vintage recipes. So go ahead and give it a try, you won’t be disappointed!
Soda Cracker Pie Recipe
Ingredients
Crust
- 3 egg whites
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 14 saltines, rolled fine
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
Topping
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 1 (10 ounce) box frozen strawberries, thawed and strained
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325F and grease a 9" pie pan very well.
- Beat egg whites, slowly add sugar; beat until stiff.
- Add the rest of the ingredients.
- Pour into prepared pie plate.
- Bake for 40 minutes.
- When cool, top with mixture of whipped cream and strawberries.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.