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Mock Apple Pie With Zucchini

Thanks for sharing!

Mock apple pie tastes just like apple pie, but there isn’t a single apple in it. You’d never guess what it is though.  But I’ll tell you… it’s zucchini! This is a great way to use up some of the surplus. If you don’t tell them, they’ll never know!

whole almost apple pie with golden streusel topping, looks and tastes like apple pie but made with zucchini

This apple pie has a secret, there isn’t a single apple in it! Nope, it uses a summer vegetable instead.

That’s right, it’s actually zucchini in there.  But I promise you it tastes like apple.  You are going to be shocked and amazed.

Your guests will be flabbergasted. Get some vanilla ice cream ready and promise me you will make this fabulous pie!

How I Got This Almost Apple Pie Recipe

You will never guess what is in this pie or how I came across the recipe!  I was at an environmental conference in the Ozarks.

I was there for my day job, meeting other professionals and learning about changing regulations. I know, it’s quite different than sharing recipes with you here.

close up of almost apple pie with small bits of zucchini filling showing and lots of golden streusel on top

Anyway, it was dinner time, so I found myself a seat.  There were two ladies sitting next to me who appeared to know each other and were in a conversation.

So, I was minding my own business until I heard it… Pie!  Now, I had to start paying attention.  What kind of pie could they be talking about?

It turns out one of the ladies, Jan, makes a mock apple pie out of zucchini.  She says if anything it is better than apple pie because the zucchini stay firmer than the apples.

Zucchini pie?!  I had to invite myself into the conversation and get more information!

Jan told a cute story about a little boy telling his mom he had just had the best apple pie ever only to be shocked that there weren’t any apples in it.

slice of zucchini almost dutch apple pie on plate.

Honestly, I found the statement about the zucchini staying firmer than apples hard to believe.  After all zucchini can get pretty darn mushy when you cook them.

I also had my doubts about them making a good pie.  But I knew I just had to give it a try!

Luckily Jan said she would be happy to share her secret.  I gave her my business card and a couple of days later I got an email with the recipe.

lifting first slice out of sweet zucchini pie.

I brought the pie to a family dinner at MiMi’s and she made vanilla ice cream to go with it.  We didn’t tell anyone what was in the pie.

Low and behold, she was right!  The pie was delicious and the zucchini did stay firmer than apples!  

I could not believe it!  Everyone loved it and was shocked that they had just had zucchini pie.

nursing home resident holding up we need pie sign

What Jan Had to Say About Her Zucchini Pie Recipe:

The recipe in it’s current form came about through 3 seasons of zucchini growing.  I tweaked it a little each year; and now, my family and friends like it just the way it is.  

It’s always fun to serve it and not share the main ingredient until after everyone has had the opportunity to try it.

She also added than in May, she had retired from a local nursing home.  While working there, she made a habit of bringing in pies to share during zucchini season.

So one day on Facebook, they shared this picture with her and a note saying it’s pie time!

What is mock apple pie made with?

There are several ways to make a pie that tastes like apple pie without any apples. Some people use Ritz crackers or green tomatoes, but this zucchini mock apple pie is our absolute favorite. It is perfect for making during the summer when zucchini are plentiful but apples aren’t in season yet.

A Couple More Pie Recipes to Try:

Honey Maple Pecan Pie is a fun recipe MiMi came up with.  It’s a lot like a classic pecan pie but it’s sweetened with honey and maple syrup instead of corn syrup.

Enjoy a slice of honey chess pie. With a kiss of lemon, honey richness and lots of chess pie goodness, it is a perfect treat for almost any occasion!

More Zucchini Sweets: 

If this pie intrigues you, mock apple crisp is going to get your attention too.  It tastes just like apple crisp, but it’s made with zucchini!

Mini loaves of zucchini bread are another great way to use up a zucchini harvest.  They freeze well and are perfect for breakfast and dessert.

Love this recipe? Give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review in the recipe card below!

Yield: 12 Servings

Almost Apple Pie

streusel topped zucchini almost apple pie

This apple pie has a secret, there isn't a single apple in it! Nope, it uses a summer vegetable instead. That's right, it's actually zucchini in there. But I promise you it tastes like apple.

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour

Ingredients

Filling

  • 1 9-inch unbaked pie shell
  • 5-51/2 cups sliced zucchini, see below for preparation instructions
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • Dash of salt
  • 2 Tablespoons flour
  • 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 dashes nutmeg
  • 1 cup + 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon

Topping

  • 1 stick butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/8 teaspoon allspice (heaping) (we sub in more cinnamon here)

Instructions

To Prepare Zucchini

  1. Use medium zucchini, peel, slice in half lengthwise, remove seeds and then thinly slice. the slices should resemble apple slices.
  2. Cook zucchini in a small amount of water for 10 minutes. Begin timing when the water begins to bubble. Drain.


To Assemble

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Prepare pastry and place in a 9" pie dish.
  3. Mix cream of tartar, salt, flour, lemon juice, sugar and cinnamon with zucchini. Pour into pie shell.
  4. Make topping by mixing all ingredients until crumbly. Spread over pie. Jan uses allspice, but we prefer just using more cinnamon instead. Make according to your family's tastes.
  5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until done.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

12

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 463Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 149mgCarbohydrates: 75gFiber: 19gSugar: 44gProtein: 22g

All nutritional information is estimated and will depend on the exact ingredients you use.

Did you make this recipe?

I'd love to see it! Share a picture on Instagram or Pinterest and tag me @carleecooks to let me know how it went!

This apple pie has a secret, there isn't a single apple in it! Nope, it uses a summer vegetable instead. That's right, it's actually zucchini in there. But I promise you it tastes like apple.

Thanks for sharing!

Tags

Rebecca - Glutarama

Tuesday 25th of August 2020

This is the 2nd pretend apple pie I've seen today! think the angels are telling me to make pie with my courgettes! I love this idea for a dessert and if I can sneak it past the eyes and into the tummies of my family I am going to be one thrilled mumma!

Carlee

Saturday 29th of August 2020

It is definitely a sign you should! They will never know it wasn't real apples. Let me know how it went if you can!

Andrea Nine

Friday 24th of July 2020

Oh my gosh, this sounds so much fun. I’m going to have to surprise the boys with this!

Carlee

Tuesday 28th of July 2020

You should! It is so fun to watch people find out what it is really made from!

Anonymous

Wednesday 8th of August 2018

Carlee, this recipe definitely has me intrigued. I bet it's DELISH! Thanks so much for allowing me to share it in my zucchini round-up. Have a great day!

Carlee

Monday 13th of August 2018

You definitely have to give it a go! It is soooo good and could easily fool people who didn't know what is was made of!

Jan

Tuesday 7th of August 2018

LOVE the story! and what a fun recipe! So cute and tasty! So glad you shared it with us on our Celebrate 365 Blog Party: Farmers Market Recipe Collection.

Carlee

Monday 13th of August 2018

Isn't fun to randomly get fun recipes from strangers?! You never know what you my come across and I can see why this one is so requested of Jan. It has become a summer tradition in our family as well!

Amy (Savory Moments)

Thursday 13th of July 2017

I make a mock apple crisp with zucchini! It's a great way to use it up. I love the idea of making it into a pie as well. It looks delicious! Thanks for linking up to our Friday Frenzy link party!

Carlee

Friday 14th of July 2017

I am definitely going to have to try that too!

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