Authentic Canadian Flapper Pie Recipe: Prairie Classic Dessert

Name: Canadian Flapper Pie Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs; ½ cup granulated sugar (for crust); ½ cup butter, melted; 1 tbsp ground cinnamon; 3 cups milk; ½ cup granulated sugar (for filling); ¼ cup cornstarch; 3 egg yolks; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ¼ tsp salt; 3 egg whites; ¼ cup granulated sugar (for meringue); ¼ tsp cream of tartar

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Discovering the Iconic Flapper Pie

Flapper Pie is a beloved Canadian prairie classic, originating from the Canadian Prairies, particularly popular in Manitoba and Saskatchewan during the early 20th century. This nostalgic dessert features a cinnamon-spiced graham cracker crust, a silky smooth vanilla custard filling, and a fluffy meringue topping that’s lightly browned to perfection. Often called a “lost prairie pie,” it brings comfort and tradition to any table, evoking memories of family gatherings and simple, hearty home baking.

Canadian Flapper Pie - Canadian Dessert - Prairie Pie - Custard Pie - Meringue Dessert

The Perfect Balance of Textures and Flavors

What makes Flapper Pie truly special is its delightful contrast of textures: the crunchy yet buttery crust, the creamy and rich custard, and the light, airy meringue that melts in your mouth. With subtle hints of cinnamon and vanilla, this pie offers a comforting sweetness without being overly heavy. It’s an economical dessert made from pantry staples, which made it a favorite during tougher times, and it remains a hidden gem for those seeking authentic Canadian recipes.

Why Flapper Pie Deserves a Spot on Your Table

Whether you’re exploring Canadian cuisine or looking for a show-stopping yet straightforward dessert, Flapper Pie delivers on both flavor and nostalgia. It’s ideal for special occasions, potlucks, or simply satisfying a sweet craving with something homemade and heartfelt. Once you try this timeless treat, you’ll understand why it’s cherished across the prairies and beyond.

Ready to bake a slice of Canadian history?
Dive into the full recipe below and enjoy this prairie treasure today!

Canadian Flapper Pie Recipe: Prairie Classic Dessert

Recipe by Next DeliciousCourse: DessertCuisine: CanadianDifficulty: Hard

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

490

kcal

Ingredients

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup granulated sugar (for crust)
½ cup butter, melted
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
3 cups milk
½ cup granulated sugar (for filling)
¼ cup cornstarch
3 egg yolks
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp salt
3 egg whites
¼ cup granulated sugar (for meringue)
¼ tsp cream of tartar

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon until well combined.
Reserve about 2 tablespoons of the mixture for topping, then press the rest firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate.
Bake the crust for 10 minutes until lightly set; let cool slightly.
In a saucepan, whisk together milk, ½ cup sugar, cornstarch, egg yolks, vanilla, and salt.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and bubbles like pudding (about 8-10 minutes).
Remove from heat and let the custard cool slightly while preparing the meringue.
In a clean bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar with an electric mixer until foamy.
Gradually add ¼ cup sugar, beating on high until stiff, glossy peaks form.
Pour the warm custard into the baked crust.
Spread or pipe the meringue over the custard, creating peaks for browning.
Sprinkle reserved crumb mixture over the meringue.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until meringue is golden brown.
Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

Watch the meringue closely during baking to prevent burning.
For best texture, serve the pie the same day as the meringue will weep over time.
Use room-temperature egg whites for better meringue volume.
If the custard seems too thick, whisk vigorously to smooth it out before pouring.

Flapper Pie provides calcium from milk and eggs, supporting bone health, while eggs offer high-quality protein and essential vitamins like B12. The graham crust adds some fiber, but this indulgent dessert is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Nutrition Facts (per serving): Each slice contains about 490 calories, 22g fat (12g saturated), 66g carbohydrates (50g sugars), 9g protein, and 153mg cholesterol. It also provides calcium (14% DV) from dairy and small amounts of fiber from graham crackers. Values vary slightly by exact ingredients.

Canadian Flapper Pie Recipe - Canadian Dessert - Prairie Pie - Custard Pie - Meringue Dessert

This classic dessert shines with its comforting vanilla custard that delivers creamy richness in every bite. The cinnamon graham crust adds warm spice notes, while the toasted meringue provides an airy, sweet finish that contrasts beautifully with the filling.

Flapper Pie represents prairie ingenuity, using simple, affordable ingredients to create an elegant treat. Its popularity peaked in the 1920s–1940s, and it remains a nostalgic favorite for many Canadian families, often served at gatherings or as a special weekend dessert.

Storing Tips for Flapper Pie

Refrigeration: Store in the refrigerator, covered loosely with foil or plastic wrap, for up to 2 days. The meringue may weep slightly after the first day.
Best Enjoyed Fresh: Consume within 24 hours for optimal meringue texture and to prevent weeping or softening.
Avoid Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as it ruins the meringue’s texture and causes separation in the custard.
Serving Tip: Let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.

Conclusion

Flapper Pie captures the heart of Canadian prairie baking with its simple yet irresistible layers of flavor and texture. This timeless dessert brings comfort and nostalgia to any occasion, making it a wonderful addition to your baking repertoire. Whether you’re new to it or rediscovering an old favorite, Flapper Pie is sure to delight. Add it to your Desserts List today for a true taste of tradition!