Better Than Sex Pie: A Dessert Recipe
What a Treat!
Several years ago a friend brought a dessert to a dinner party I gave. When the dessert was served -- and tasted - - someone in the group exclaimed, ""Wow, this is better than sex!" Thus, the name. My friend became the "Better Than Sex" pie-maker and took the pie to many gatherings.
Prior to this, she would share recipes. but she did not volunteer the recipe for this pie.
It was a very strange pie. The filling was the crust -- or the crust was the filling -- take your pick. I could taste pecans, but I could not figure out what else was in the crust/filling. I did, of course, recognize the wonderful whipped cream on top.
MysteryLady Detective
One day my friend finally told me what was the mysterious ingredient: Ritz Crackers! Once I knew that, it did not take me long at all to find a recipe -- in fact, many recipes, for Ritz Cracker Pie. I found the recipe first in a very, very old church cookbook (you know, the kind to which church members submit old family recipes). Later I spotted the recipe in a magazine, and eventually I saw it on the Internet. After combining several of the recipes, I came up with what follows:
My Own Better Than Sex Pie Recipe
This is for a 9-inch deep dish pie plate. I prefer glass. The pie plate should be generously greased with butter.
27 Ritz crackers, finely crumbled
1 tsp. baking powder
4 egg whites, beaten until stiff
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/4 cups of sugar
1 1/4 cup coarsely chopped pecans
Mix the Ritz cracker crumbs, chopped pecans, baking powder, and 1/2 cup of sugar.. Into this mixture fold the stiffly beaten egg whites, to which you have added 3/4 cup of sugar and the vanilla.. Pour the mixture into the well-buttered pie plate. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 mnutes. Thoroughly cool, not only on the counter but also in the refrigerator,
To 1 1/2 cups of beaten heavy whipping cream, add 1/4 cup of sugar and 1 tsp. of vanilla. Beat well. Swirl on top of pie. Refrigerate until serving.
(Instead of separating 4 eggs, I buy egg whites found in the dairy case of the grocery store and follow directions,)
Mrs. Potoroi's Recipe
The following recipe is from Louisville, Kentucky Personal Recipes by St. Paul's Episcopal Church (no copywrite date)
20 Ritzcrackers
1/2 to 3/4 cup chopped pecans
3 egg whites
1/2 pint whipping cream
1 c. granulated sugar
Crumb crackers finely and add chopped nuts and 1/2 c. sugar. Beat egg whites until stiff and add 1/2 c. sugar. Combine ingredients by folding egg whites into crumbs and nuts.
Grease pie plate (or shallow square pan) with butter. Smooth mixture into pan. Bake in 350 degree oven for one-half hour. As soon as cool, spread whipped cream on top. Refrigerate six hours before serving.
One of Many Internet Recipes
RITZ CRACKER PIE
3 egg whites, beat stiff
1 tsp. baking powder
1 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
21 crumbled Ritz crackers
1 c. chopped pecans
Pour into well buttered pie plate and bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes (no more). When cool, cover with whipped cream. Shave Hershey bar over the top. (from Cooks.com)
This may be the recipe my friend used. She did have shaved chocolate on top.
Some Internet recipes call for Cool Whip on top. While that would be O.K., whipped cream is much, much better and very easy to make.
The History of Ritz Crackers
"Ritz, pride of the Nabisco cracker fleet, has been the premium cracker of choice since its inception in 1934. But its history dates back to the early nineteenth century. It was in 1801, in fact, that the Ritz cracker got its beginnings.It was in that year that John Bent, a retired sea captain, adapted a hardtack recipe into a product more palatable to the general public. He took the hardened "biscuit" (an English designation used at that time) and added leavening agents until the product was a flat, crisp biscuit. Bent's family handled the baking chores while he traveled the countryside selling crackers from his wagon. The basic cracker recipe was refined four years later by the Kennedy Biscuit Works, which used sponge dough for a lighter consistency. In 1898 the Bent baker, Kennedy Biscuit Works, and dozens of other bakeries across America joined forces to form the National Biscuit Company...In 1934 the recipe was perfected, resulting in a smooth, flaky cracker hinting of butter. Contrary to the pale, square crackers widely sold, these creations were golden and rounded, with serrated edges. A company-wide cracker naming contest yeilded the name Ritz. Mass production of Ritz crackers began in Nabisco's North Philadelphia bakery and on November 21, 1934, the new product was introduced at markets in Philadelphia and Baltimore. Consumers responded to this new type of cracker...By 1935 Ritz was distributed nationally. It was initially marketed as a taste of affordable luxury, no small claim during the Depression years. The positioning worked, with Ritz selling in the five-billion volume area...during its first year of nationwide distribution. Some of this success can be attributed to the product's relatively low price; mass production by Nabisco, the only baking manufacturer with the facilities to distribute nationwide at that time, kept the price of a box of Ritz crackers to an affordable 19 cents."
---Encyclopedia of Consumer Brands, Volume 1:Consumable Products, Janice Jorgenson editor [St. James Press:Detroit] 1994 (p. 494)"The National Biscuit Company launched a new and permanent cracker sensation in the early 1930's. For years the company had been seeking a buttery creacker to compete with others in the field. After a long period of experimentation, a formula was produced. The new product was called "Ritz." It was a butter cracker, different from a soda cracker in that it had more shortening and no yeast. It was consequently crisper and less fluffy. A thick coat of coconut oil and a sprinkling a salt were spread over the cracker after it had gone through the oven. The recipe seemed simple. But the taste evidently had a special appeal. Furthermore, Ritz was introduced as a prestige item with such promotional headlines as "Anytime is the right time to serve Ritz," "Tomorrow's cracker--today," and "Almost overnight, America's most popular cracker." The Ritz cracker took the country by storm. The company baked more than 5,000,000 in the first year. In three years--aided by imaginative promotion--Ritz became the largest-selling cracker in the world with more than 29,000,000 baked daily. It became a staple in a huge number of American households and in foreign nations as well. In Europe a box of Ritz was presented to a girl friend much as a boy in America presents a box of candy."
Out of the Cracker Barrel: From Animal Crackers to ZuZu's, William Cahn [New York:Simon & Schuster] 1969 (p. 247-8)"It was during these gloomy days [the Great Depression] that Nabisco cheered everyone up with a round, buttery, crunchy cracker it called Ritz, hoping to conjure up images of Manhattan's posh Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Like the hotel, the Ritz Cracker was a luxury, but at 19 cents a box most people could afford it and soon made it the best-selling cracker in the world."
---The American Century Cookbook: The Most Popular Recipes of the 20th Century, Jean Anderson [Clarkson Potter:New York] 1997 (p. 32)
No Pie Contest for Me!
I have never told my friend that the Mystery Lady detective found her pie recipe. I do not make it when she is going to be my guest. The Better Than Sex Pie is her specialty. I am content to know I can make this yummy pie any time I want.
Comments
Ritz crackers in a pie sounds positively weird but these strange recipes seem to yield amazing results. Thank you for sharing this one. Creating this kind of dessert is something I do only around the holidays or I'd weight 500 lbs LOL but this one may be an exception :))
Christoph, this pie is unbelievably easy, much more so than making pizza crust.
I used to have sour dough starter, but it was like the plant that cried "Feed me!" I was baking 3 loaves every 3 days and started gaining weight. It was so yummy, but I finally threw it out.
SilverGenes, although this is a great holiday pie, it is extra special during summer months because it is served cold. Let me know if you try it.
LOL @ "Feed me!" Since you are recommending it for summer, I will try it soon. I'll definitely come back and let you know how it turns out :)
Ya know - I could say that that was healthy if I used the egg whites because let's face it - there are no calories in meringue, right? I would think that that would be a delicious pie and I will have to try it as well! I love the variation with pecans though (there goes the light recipe, Audrey)! I think it sounds most delicious and now need to coerce some people over so if I make it my husband does not eat the whole thing!
AK, if your husband is a sweets lover, do invite some friends over. The first time I made this pie for a special friend, he consumed the whole pie - minus one small piece - in one sitting. I didn't have a chance to consume my share!
This sounds great and tasty - I like the fact it is served cold and perfect for summer - I like all the ritz variations too.
Great sounding recipe! I don't think I've ever eaten a pudding with Ritz crackers in it. Now to try and source some here in Spain so I can try it.
Are you kidding me? Ritz crackers? No way, I would think it would come out too dry. I'm going to try this recipe and will get back with you later. Thanks again.
Billyausten, I do hope you'll give it a try. It is easy and delicious.
Izzy, I hope you'll be able to find Ritz Crackers in Spain. If not, you might try online. I was surprised to learn they have been around since 1934.
Lightning john, if you like whipped cream and you like pecans, you cannot find a better tasting recipe!
I don't know, but if I were a chick in England and some dude gave me a box of Ritz crackers instead of chocolates, he would not be getting anywhere near my bases.
I'mma forward this to my wife and maybe she'll make it, then I can give you a product review. :)
Shadesbreath, if I were a chick anywhere and were given a box of Ritz crackers instead of a box of chocolates, that guy could forget it! (The woman who introduced me to the pie is now married to a man who used to give her strange little gifts like a box of aluminum foil -- I guess it takes all kinds to make a world!)
I hope your wife makes the pie for you. If not, YOU try it. It is easy enough for a MAN to do! (lol)
It is the roll of the chick to cook and serve the man. Please stop trying to disrupt the natural order.
[runs and hides behind a car]
Ho, ho, ho! Cars don't always offer enough protection. Kato may get you!
Very tasty hub M'Lady, I guess if you eat enough of these and start showing it you can call it "Puttin' On the Ritz"
=:)
I have a BTS dessert recipe posted, also, but it's very different. Yours sounds awesome, too!
Winsome, I love your comment! I do have to stop myself from making the pie too often.
Btw, Shadesbreath left a comment on my metaphor hub.
Habee, it is interesting that we have desserts with the same name. If you send me a link, I'll check yours out.
Yummy hub!I have this Ritz craker Pie recipe ,too.Got it from a friend in the 80s. We call it "Puttin' on the Ritz Pie". The only difference I can see is mine calls for a generous pinch of cream of tartar.
Bayoulady, I love your title, too! Do you put the cream of tartar in the egg whites?
Yes, Witchypoo, I did read your response. I didn't comment on it because I don't know what to make of it. I only must feed mine once a week, and if it's accidentally two it's still okay. It's hard to kill a culture. Extreme heat is about the only way, or complete, permanent neglect. I wonder if you didn't get some wrong info about how often it needs to be fed. a half a cup of flower once a week isn't a lot...is it? Anyway, I didn't want to seem like a know it all, and now I have. So...about that Better than Sex Pie...there must be something wrong with your sex!
Shades: Are you used to dudes giving you chocolate?
Christoph, may I start calling you CR? I got the starter from a student who had brought the most wonderful bread to a class banquet. Sometimes I still dream of it! Would you like to cook for me??
Have you tried making the pie yet? I won't comment yet on my sex life - or lack of same then.
sure, I'd love to cook for you. I'll be right over.
I'll have to wait for a special occasion for the pie as it's against my sodium guidelines. I looked at Ritz crackers last night to see how bad they really were. Very high in sodium, and baking powder is bad. Not sure about egg whites, but eggs are surprisingly awful sodium wise. Most people don't know that. Still, I occasionally I have days where I eat whatever the F--- I want. I'll have to what for one of those days.
And you may call me CR...or Jerkoff...or whatever you wish.
I just had a cream puff covered with chocolate and maple and I thought that was better than sex - but of course the last time that happened - well dinosaurs were walking the earth!
Lol, epigramman. Since we have not seen any dinosaurs lately (or at least I haven't), you really must try my pie. I admit, though, my mouth is watering for your cream puff!
I think this recipe sounds just awesome - better than sex, though? Not sure I would go along with that, but then maybe I better try the pie, hey?
Love and peace
Tony
Tony, try the recipe. You'll love it! It is so much more fun to call it "Better Than Sex Pie" than Ritz Cracker Pie. I like to be mysterious about it.
Hi, I love crackers! it is unusual but that is what normally turns out to be the best! I want some now! ha ha I might just give it a go! thanks for the great ideas, cheers nell
Nell, if you decide to try making the pie, make sure you use RITZ crackers. They have butter in them. Saltines would never work! Thanks for commenting.
I've also heard of Better than Sex cake, it was also known as Better than Robert Redford. It's made with pecans, butter crust, cream cheese, chocolate pudding, cool whip and chocolate bars shredded.
Yours sounds good too. :)
Sueroy, if you have the recipe for "Better than Sex Cake," please send it my way. It sounds absolutely delicious! Thank you for your visit, and I think you will love my pie recipe.
I found the recipe under "Better than Robert Redford". Here's the link.
http://www.cdkitchen.com/recipes/recs/163/Better_T
It is unbelievably good!!
Yours sounds good too. I'm a terrible cook, but I'll give it a try! I'll let you know how it works out! :)
Thanks, sueroy. I have printed it and will give it a try after I've purchased the ingredients. My pie recipe is easy to make, and I'll bet you will love it!
Okay this pie sounds So strange!! the title is absolutely fabulous by the way!
I just made a pie using digestive crackers and pancake mix as the crust. then the main part of the pie is sweet potato with marshmallows and then on top of that is a few random chunks of digestive crackers and on top of that is mushed up banana O.O
Talk about a boring night. It turned out AMAZING. All i added to the crust was some cinamon, brownsugar, vanilla and nutmeg. I added cinamon, vanilla and butter to the sweet potato and then i added a bit of butter to the banana. I took a small bite and was astounded with what i had created!
Since im in a strange pie mood, I think im going to try and make this ritz crust as well!
If anyone would like the recipe for the odd yet addictive pie i just made, It is as follows
CRUST:
1 cup wheat cookies
1 cup pancake mix
3 egg whites
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons butter
mix well! and pour into pie pan, Dont cook it!
MIDDLE LAYER 1
3 medium sweet potatoes
3 tablespoons butter
2/3 cups marshmallows
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon cinnamon
3 egg yolks
Pour onto pie crust. DONT COOK
Break wheat cookies up into bits and stand up in sweet potato mixture
Top off with mushed bananas that have a bit of hot water and butter in them.
Cook at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes and TADA!! a new strange addictive pie!
ENJOY IT!
Natalexandru, thanks for commenting and sharing your pie recipe. It sounds quite tasty! I assume you cook and mash the sweet potatoes first?
Hi again - I used to make the Better Than Sex Cake, but I can't remember what it was like except it was wonderful. Excellent article with the sense of taste personified. You must love to cook.
Christoph Reilly 22 months ago
That must be some mighty fine pie. Aside from baking breads, flour tortilla's, crackers, pizza crust, and my own homemade sour dough breads from starter I keep alive in my fridge, I'm a terrible baker when it comes to desserts, though I make an awesome cream cheese pumpkin pie. This one sounds pretty easy though. I love those old church cookbooks. I have several and use them often. Great post.