Pat's Ritz Cracker Pie 🥧✨

This delightful Ritz Cracker Pie, brought to you by the talented Pat McCarty, is an unexpected treat! With a delightful crunch from the crackers and a fluffy texture from the egg whites, it makes for a unique dessert that will impress your guests. Perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, this pie is easy to whip up and better yet, it can be dressed up with your favorite toppings. Try serving it chilled with a side of fresh berries for an extra pop! 🍓🍌

Ingredients

For the pie filling

• 3 egg whites
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¾ cup sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 14 Ritz crackers, crushed
• 2/3 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work great!)

For the topping

• Whipped cream
• Chocolate sprinkles ("jimmies")

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).

2. In a mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and baking powder until soft peaks form.

🥄 Ensure your mixing bowl is clean and free from grease for the egg whites to whip properly.

3. Gradually add the sugar and vanilla extract while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.

4. Gently fold in the crushed Ritz crackers and chopped nuts until evenly combined.

5. Pour the mixture into a greased pie plate and spread it out evenly.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until lightly golden on top.

7. Once baked, let cool completely.

8. Just before serving, "frost" the top with whipped cream and sprinkle generously with chocolate sprinkles.

🍫 For an added touch, you can drizzle melted chocolate over the whipped cream for a richer flavor.

Tips and Tricks

• Storage: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture will change slightly, but the flavors will continue to meld!

• Nutty Enhancements: Feel free to mix and match nuts depending on your preference. Toasting the nuts beforehand can add an incredible depth of flavor! 🌰

Variations

• Chocolate Lovers: Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the mixture for extra chocolatey goodness.
• Fruity Twist: Fold in 1 cup of fruit like raspberries or sliced strawberries for a refreshing bite.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free crackers as a substitute for Ritz to accommodate dietary preferences without losing flavor.

Enjoy this unique dessert that’s sure to become a family favorite! 🎉