Flapper Pie

Flapper Pie

Serves 8 292 kcal per serving Prep 20 min Cook 25 min Passive 2 h

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups Graham Cracker Crumbs
  • 6 tablespoons Melted Butter
  • 1/2 cup Sugar
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 2 1/2 cups Milk
  • 1/4 cup Cornstarch
  • 3 Egg Yolks
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1/4 tsp Salt
  • 3 Egg White
  • 1/4 tsp Cream Of Tartar

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F / 180°C. In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar (20g) and ground cinnamon until evenly combined. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of the mixture for later. Press the remaining crumbs firmly into the base and sides of a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate. Bake for about 10 minutes, until lightly coloured. Remove and allow to cool slightly.
  2. To make the filling, combine the milk, sugar (50g), cornstarch, egg yolks, vanilla extract and salt in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens to a pudding-like consistency. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool while preparing the meringue.
  3. In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with the sugar (30g) and cream of tartar until stiff, glossy peaks form.
  4. Pour the custard filling into the prepared crust. Spread the meringue thickly over the top, shaping peaks with a spoon. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the meringue.
  5. Return the pie to the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, watching closely, until the meringue is lightly browned.
  6. Chill the pie in the refrigerator and serve within a few hours. It is best enjoyed on the day it is made, as the meringue will soften over time.

Tips

  • Ensure the graham cracker crust is pressed firmly and chilled before adding the hot custard to prevent it from crumbling.
  • Whip the meringue to stiff peaks and spread it over the custard while it is still warm to help the layers bond and prevent weeping.
  • Use a thermometer for the custard; it needs to be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but not curdled.

Variations

  • Chocolate Flapper: Add 100g of melted dark chocolate to the custard base for a cocoa-flavored twist.
  • Nutty Crust: Mix in some finely ground pecans with the graham cracker crumbs for a richer base.

Storage

Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Note that the meringue may start to lose its volume and ‘bead’ moisture after 24 hours.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve chilled in generous slices for a traditional Canadian prairie dessert.
  • Best enjoyed with a simple cup of tea or black coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does Flapper Pie originate?

It is a classic Canadian dessert from the Prairie provinces, dating back to the early 20th century.

Why is it called Flapper Pie?

It was named after the ‘flappers’ of the 1920s, reflecting its popularity as a modern, stylish dessert of the era.

How do I stop the meringue from shrinking?

Spread the meringue all the way to the very edge of the crust so it ‘anchors’ to the sides of the pie dish.

instructions_source: editorial-classic