Flapper Pie is a traditional Canadian prairie dessert made with a flaky crust, rich vanilla custard filling, and fluffy golden meringue.
It is especially popular in Western Canada and is known for its smooth texture and comforting sweetness. It gained popularity all the way back in the 1920s during the era associated with the flapper girls.
This pie smells buttery and sweet while baking and tastes light yet creamy with every bite.
“Flapper Pie is the kind of dessert that brings everyone back to the table for seconds.” – Prairie Home Baker
Ingredients:
Pie Crust
All-purpose flour: 1 ½ cups
Salt: ½ teaspoon
Cold unsalted butter: ½ cup
Ice water: 3–4 tablespoons
Custard Filling
Whole milk: 2 cups
Granulated sugar: ¾ cup
Cornstarch: 3 tablespoons
Salt: ¼ teaspoon
Egg yolks: 3 large
Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons
Vanilla extract: 1 ½ teaspoons
Meringue Topping
Egg whites: 3 large
Cream of tartar: ¼ teaspoon
Granulated sugar: ⅓ cup
Preparation:
Whisk flour and salt together in a bowl.
Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add ice water gradually and mix until dough forms.
Form into a disk, wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
Roll out dough and place into a 9-inch pie plate.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake crust for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden. Set aside.
Whisk sugar, cornstarch, salt, and milk in saucepan.
Cook over medium heat until thick and bubbling.
Add hot custard slowly in a bowl after whisking egg yolks to temper.
Return mixture to saucepan and cook 1-2 minutes more until smooth and thick.
Remove from heat; stir in butter and vanilla.
Pour hot custard into the baked pie crust.
Beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
Add sugar gradually and beat until stiff peaks form.
Spread meringue over custard and bake until golden.
Cool and refrigerate before serving.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, until meringue is lightly golden.
Cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing.
Cooking Tips:
Best served chilled. Serves 6people.
Use 250mL measuring cup for accurate milk portion.
