Flapper Pie
AI-generated image
Vegetarian Canadian

Flapper Pie

A classic Canadian dessert with a crisp cinnamon graham-cracker crust, silky vanilla custard, and a cloud of toasted meringue. Chill it thoroughly for clean slices and a satisfying contrast of textures.

60 min 8 servings Medium
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How to prepare

1
Heat the oven to 175°C. In a 23 cm pie plate, mix the graham-cracker crumbs, 50 g of the sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly over the base and up the sides, then bake for 8 minutes until fragrant and lightly darkened. Cool while making the filling.
2
In a medium saucepan, whisk the remaining 195 g sugar with the cornstarch. Gradually whisk in the cold milk until smooth, then whisk in the egg yolks. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture reaches a gentle boil and becomes thick enough to hold clear whisk tracks, about 6 to 8 minutes.
3
Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in the vanilla. Pour the hot custard into the cooled crust and smooth the surface. Set the filled pie aside while preparing the meringue.
4
Using a clean bowl and beaters, whisk the room-temperature egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Increase to high speed and whisk until soft peaks form, then gradually add the remaining sugar, whisking until the meringue is glossy and holds firm peaks.
Glossy meringue holding firm peaks AI-generated image
5
Spoon the meringue over the warm custard, spreading it completely to the crust edge and creating gentle peaks with the back of a spoon. Bake at 175°C for 10 to 12 minutes, until the peaks are golden brown and the center reaches at least 74°C.
Flapper pie with golden toasted meringue peaks AI-generated image
6
Cool the pie on a rack for 1 hour, then refrigerate uncovered until fully chilled, at least 3 hours. Slice with a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts, and serve cold.

Why this recipe works

The baked crumb crust brings gentle spice and crunch, while the cornstarch-thickened custard stays smooth beneath a lightly browned meringue that adds airy sweetness.

Storage and reheating

How to store it

Cover loosely and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Do not seal the warm pie airtight, as trapped condensation can soften the meringue.

How to reheat it

Do not reheat; serve chilled or let individual slices stand at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition / serving

388kcal
7.15 gprotein
56.02 gcarbs
15.59 gfat
P
Pantryvale editorial kitchen
Recipe prepared for publication with complete ingredients and ordered cooking steps.
Published 16 Aug 2026 · updated 17 Aug 2026