Flapper Pie is a classic American dessert that originated in the 1920s. This creamy, custard-based pie is made with a graham cracker crust, a silky vanilla custard filling, and topped with a fluffy meringue. The pie is then baked until the meringue is golden brown and set. It is the perfect dessert for any occasion and is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- For the crust:
- - 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- - 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- For the filling:
- - 1 cup granulated sugar
- - 1/4 cup cornstarch
- - 1/4 teaspoon salt
- - 3 cups whole milk
- - 4 large egg yolks
- - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- For the meringue:
- - 4 large egg whites
- - 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie dish to form the crust. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
- In a large saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil. Boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg yolks. Gradually whisk about 1 cup of the hot milk mixture into the beaten yolks. Pour the yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture, whisking constantly.
- Return the saucepan to medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the filling into the prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Set aside.
- In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar on high speed until foamy. Gradually add the sugar, beating until stiff peaks form.
- Spread the meringue over the filling, making sure to seal the edges of the pie crust.
- Bake the pie for 12-15 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before serving.
- Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Flapper Pie became popular during the Roaring Twenties, a time of prosperity and excess.
In some variations of Flapper Pie, a layer of whipped cream is added on top of the custard filling before the meringue is added.
Flapper Pie is sometimes referred to as Depression Pie because of its simple and affordable ingredients.