Stupid Pie: A Vintage Dessert Worth Rediscovering
If you’re someone who enjoys the charm of old-fashioned desserts that evoke memories of simpler times, the Stupid Pie is one treat you don’t want to miss. Despite its quirky name, this vintage dessert is a delightful blend of textures and flavors that make it unforgettable. The combination of a light and airy meringue base, crisp Ritz crackers, and crunchy pecans is a sweet surprise for the taste buds. For those who have never heard of this dessert, it may sound unusual, but one bite and you’ll be hooked. The balance between the sweetness of the meringue and the crunchiness of the crackers and nuts creates a unique dessert experience that you won’t find in any modern-day pie.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Egg whites (3 eggs): The meringue base for the pie is created by whipping the egg whites to stiff peaks. This light, airy texture is key to the pie’s overall appeal.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup): The sugar helps to stabilize the meringue and give it sweetness. It’s essential for creating those stiff peaks.
- Ritz crackers (23 crackers): These crackers bring a surprising crunch to the pie. Their subtle saltiness complements the sweetness of the meringue, adding depth of flavor.
- Pecan pieces (¾ cup): Pecans add a rich, nutty flavor and contribute to the pie’s delightful texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A touch of vanilla enhances the overall flavor, making the meringue taste richer and more aromatic.
- Cool Whip (8 ounces): This fluffy topping adds creaminess and is a perfect contrast to the crisp and airy meringue. If you prefer fresh whipped cream, you can substitute this with heavy cream and sugar.
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie plate, which will help ensure the pie doesn’t stick while baking.
- Make the Meringue: In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on low speed until foamy. Once foamy, turn the mixer to medium speed and slowly add the sugar, a little at a time, while continuing to beat. This gradual incorporation of sugar will help stabilize the meringue. Once all the sugar is incorporated, increase the mixer speed to high and continue beating until stiff peaks form. This process should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Prepare the Crackers and Pecans: Crush the Ritz crackers into small pieces, but be careful not to grind them into crumbs. You want them to maintain some texture in the pie. Add the crushed crackers, pecans, and vanilla extract to the meringue mixture. Gently fold them into the meringue until evenly combined.
- Bake: Spread the meringue mixture evenly into the prepared pie plate. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The top should turn a light golden brown, and the meringue should appear fully set. Once baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely.
- Top with Cool Whip: Once the pie has cooled, spread the Cool Whip (or whipped cream) on top. Chill the pie for at least 2 hours before serving for the best texture.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve the pie chilled. The result will be a creamy, crunchy, and wonderfully sweet pie that everyone will love.
Notes
- Nut Substitutions: If you’re not a fan of pecans, you can easily substitute them with other nuts like walnuts or almonds. Both options will still give the pie that lovely nutty crunch, though they’ll bring slightly different flavors.
- Flavored Whipped Topping: If you prefer fresh whipped cream over Cool Whip, you can make your own by whipping 1½ cups of heavy cream with 3-4 tablespoons of sugar and a splash of vanilla extract. Keep in mind, though, that fresh whipped cream tends to be less stable than Cool Whip, so it’s best enjoyed soon after serving.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For a decadent twist, try drizzling some melted chocolate over the top of the pie, either before or after adding the whipped topping. This will add a rich, indulgent flavor that pairs perfectly with the lightness of the meringue.
- Fruit Add-ins: You can also experiment with adding small pieces of fruit like apples or berries into the meringue before baking. The fruit will soften as the pie bakes, providing bursts of sweetness throughout.