Classic Gluten-Free Flapper Pie

This gluten free flapper pie is a beloved icon of Canadian prairie culture. This addictively delicious dessert offers three layers – a buttery paleo crust, smooth vanilla custard, and a finishing touch of meringue. While the dessert may seem difficult with its layers, it’s not – the recipe is created to be simple, even for those new to baking.

Creating this gluten-free pie entirely from scratch makes this dessert taste just like one. from a bakery. To inspire you, I included six variations of this gluten free flapper pie.

GLUTEN FREE FLAPPER PIE RECIPE OVERVIEW

the paleo crust

All you need is a food processor to make the mixture for the crust, then press it into a pie dish. The crust needs to be briefly baked before adding the custard. Very simple!

the vanilla custard layer

The second layer takes a bit of time to make because you have to cook the custard first…and yes, you have to keep stirring it so that it doesn’t clump up.

But once this is done, there is only one layer to do — the meringue topping.

meringue topping

Meringue is a simple mixture of egg whites, cream of tartar and a sweetener beaten until stiff peaks form.

assembling flapper pie

To assemble, pour the custard mixture into the baked pie crust. Then, spread the meringue topping over the top. Once the pie is baked and cooled, it needs to be refrigerated. This allows the pie to set.

As you can see, the flapper pie is not difficult to make, but it takes a little time and a few extra steps. But I can assure you it is well worth it.

6 FLAPPER PIE VARIATIONS

The wonderful thing about a flapper pie is that once you have the basic recipe, you can easily make it into various pies. Here are some of our favourites:

Banana Cream Pie 

Placed sliced bananas into the pie shell and top with cream

Coffee Cream Pie 

Add two tablespoons of instant coffee to the hot milk mixture and one extra tablespoon of sweetener.

Butterscotch Cream Pie 

Substitute butterscotch flavour for vanilla

Chocolate Cream Pie 

Mix 1/4 cup of pure cocoa powder and one extra tablespoon of sugar before adding the milk

Fruit Cream Pie (my favourite) 

Fold 1/2 cup of fresh fruit of choice into the filling and top with extra fruit before adding the meringue topping.

Coconut Cream Pie (A very popular pie) 

Add one cup of shredded coconut into the filling and sprinkle some on top of the meringue before baking.

If you love pies, please check out our entire list of gluten-free savoury or sweet pie recipes!

TAKEAWAY

This Classic Flapper Pie recipe is a Canadian prairie dessert except without gluten. Despite its three layers—vanilla custard, buttery paleo crust, and meringue—it is simple enough for novice bakers. The best part is that the gluten-free dessert is made entirely from scratch, including six variations of the flapper pie recipe.

Let’s Connect

Be sure to FOLLOW US on FACEBOOK or, check us out on PINTEREST. And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter. We always have something new and exciting for you! 

Many thanks!

Kristina x