Soda Cracker Pie

This vintage dessert combines crunchy saltine crackers, fluffy meringue and walnuts for a sweet-and-salty soda cracker pie that’s surprisingly simple to make—and impossible to forget.

Soda cracker pie is one of those delightful vintage desserts that surprises everyone who takes a bite. You probably wouldn’t think to put saltines in a dessert, but they produce a crisp, golden meringue-style crust that supports a light, airy and rich whipped cream topping. Lightly sweet and nutty chopped walnuts also create a wonderful contrast to the salty crunch of the crackers. This pie recipe is incredibly easy to make and is perfect for using up pantry staples. No rolling pin required!

What is soda cracker pie?

Soda cracker pie is an old-fashioned dessert made with meringue, whipped cream, walnuts and plain crackers. This unique treat is a Depression-era dessert (read: a sweet treat that uses simple and inexpensive ingredients to make something that tastes luxurious) that’s traditionally made in the South. However, the delightfully chewy texture and easy-to-follow instructions will make it an instant classic in your kitchen, no matter where you live.

Ingredients for Soda Cracker Pie

• Egg whites: Whipping egg whites with sugar creates a meringue that makes up the base of this rich-tasting treat. Bring egg whites to room temperature before use for the best results.
• Sugar: The wonderful sweetness of this southern recipe isn’t possible without sugar. Sugar also helps stabilize the meringue, ensuring stiff peaks and a perfect bake.
• Baking powder: This leavening agent gives the unique pie a delightfully airy quality.
• Cream of tartar: To make sure your egg whites reach maximum peak—and stay that way—a dash of cream of tartar is crucial.
• Saltines: Salted crackers are the star of this show. They add a crumbly, salty goodness that makes this dish stand out on a dessert table.
• Walnuts: Creamy, mellow and chopped to perfection, walnuts add decadence to every bite. Try pan-toasted nuts for an even deeper flavor.
• Vanilla extract: A high-quality, pure vanilla extract brings balance to many dessert recipes, so it’s no surprise to see it here.
• Heavy whipping cream: Because it’s full of fat and luxurious flavor, heavy whipping cream is used to make the whipped cream topping for the pie.
• Confectioners’ sugar: Incorporate a bit of confectioners’ sugar into your whipped cream for a little bit more sweetness.

Directions

Step 1: Beat the eggs

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Place the egg whites in a large bowl, and let them stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. With clean beaters, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until soft peaks form.

Step 2: Make the meringue

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In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and baking powder. Gradually add the sugar mixture to the whipped egg whites, 1 tablespoon at a time. Beat on high after each addition until the sugar is completely dissolved. Continue beating until stiff glossy peaks form. Then, fold the crushed saltines, walnuts and vanilla into the meringue mixture.

Step 3: Bake the soda cracker pie crust

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Pour the batter into a greased 9-inch pie plate. Bake until the top is browned and puffed, 35 to 38 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.

Step 4: Top with whipped cream and refrigerate

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In a large bowl, beat the whipping cream, confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

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Spread over the cooled soda cracker pie crust.

Refrigerate for at least five hours or overnight before serving.

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Soda Cracker Pie Variations

• Swap in pecans: My favorite way to enjoy this pie is with toasted pecans. Pecans add a buttery warmth that play well with the airy lightness of this dessert.
• Go tropical: Add sweetened coconut flakes or candied dried pineapples to the pie base mixture for a fun, beach-inspired bite.
• Change out the crackers: Don’t have saltines on hand? Try club crackers, oyster crackers or cereal bits for a flavor that’s uniquely yours.

How to Store Soda Cracker Pie

Store this soda cracker pie recipe by loosely covering it with foil or storage wrap. Just wait until the pie is completely cooled before covering.

How long does soda cracker pie last?

If you plan to refrigerate the pie, it will last three to four days. Covered soda cracker pie left on the countertop will last for up to two days.

Can you freeze soda cracker pie?

Yes, freezing this pie is simple. Start by wrapping the cooled pie tightly in a few layers of storage wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Soda Cracker Pie Tips

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What’s the best type of pan for making a soda cracker pie recipe?

Use a traditional pie pan, skillet or cake pan for the soda cracker pie. The appeal of this sweet-and-salty dessert recipe is its flexibility.

How do you keep soda cracker pie crust from getting soggy?

Keep this delectable dessert crisp by keeping the wrapping loose to allow a bit of ventilation, so the moisture doesn’t get trapped and make things soggy.

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