Flapper Pie Recipe (Ready in 85 Min)

This Canadian dessert builds graham cracker crumbs and cream of tartar into a fuss-free meal you can have ready in about 85 minutes. Scroll down for the ingredient checklist, a serving scaler and unit converter, and the method broken into 10 steps.

You'll mainly reach for oven and mixer. At medium difficulty across 10 steps, it's manageable with a little attention. As written, it's meat-free.

How to make it

Preheat the oven to 350˚F.
Mix all the crust ingredients (graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar and ground cinnamon) in a medium bowl.
Set aside about 2 Tbsp (30 mL) for later and press the mixture into a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate in the bottom and up the sides.
Bake crust for 10 minutes, it will only brown slightly.
Combine the vanilla custard filling ingredients (milk, granulated sugar, cornstarch, egg yolks, vanilla extract and salt together) and cook on medium heat, stirring constantly, until it bubbles and thickens to the texture of pudding.
Set aside to cool while you make the meringue topping.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the beater attachment or in a large bowl using an electric mixer beat the meringue ingredients (egg whites, granulated sugar, cream of tartar) together until it holds stiff and glossy peaks.
To assemble the pie, pour the filling into the crust and top with a thick layer of the meringue, making little spikes that will brown on top. Sprinkle the reserved crumb over the top and place it into the preheated oven.
Bake until the meringue browns, around 10 minutes, making sure to watch it carefully.
Chill in the fridge and eat within a few hours of baking. This pie is best eaten the same day as the meringue will soften and liquify.

You'll use: Oven · Mixer

Tips & common questions

How long does Flapper Pie take to make?

About 85 minutes from start to finish — an estimate based on the 10 steps and 13 ingredients. Times vary with your kitchen and how much prep you do ahead.

What can I use instead of butter?

Try olive oil (¾ the amount). See the substitutions section above for more swaps.

Can I scale this recipe up or down?

Yes — use the servings control above the ingredients and every quantity rescales automatically (fractions included). Cooking times stay roughly the same; very large batches may need a little longer.

Is Flapper Pie vegetarian?

Its ingredients contain no meat or fish, so it's suitable for vegetarians. Check any cheeses for animal rennet if that matters to you.