Zucchini Mock Apple Pie Recipe: Tastes Like the Real Thing
Zucchini Mock Apple Pie
If your garden is overflowing with zucchini and you’re tired of making bread, this recipe is the perfect change of pace. You can make a delicious apple pie using zucchini, and most people won’t even realize there are no apples in it. Zucchini has a mild flavor, so when you slice it like apples and season it the right way, it turns into a convincing mock apple pie that tastes warm, cozy, and familiar.
This is one of my favorite ways to use up extra zucchini, especially the big ones that aren’t great for sautéing. If you’ve never tried a zucchini mock apple pie, you’re in for a surprise.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It tastes just like classic apple pie
- A great way to use up large garden zucchini
- Budget friendly and pantry friendly
- No special equipment needed
- Freezer zucchini works beautifully
- Perfect for homesteaders who hate wasting produce
What You’ll Learn
- How to slice zucchini so it looks like apple slices
- How to boil and season zucchini to mimic apple pie filling
- How to avoid a watery pie
- How to remove seeds quickly and cleanly
- How to use frozen zucchini for baking
Ingredients
You’ll need:
- zucchini, peeled and seeded
- water
- sugar
- brown sugar
- cinnamon
- cream of tartar
- flour
- salt
- butter
What Is a Mock Apple Pie
A mock apple pie is simply an apple pie made without apples. You replace the apples with something else that mimics the texture and flavor. In this recipe, zucchini stands in for apples. Because zucchini has almost no flavor, it absorbs spices beautifully and becomes a convincing apple substitute.
Some people make mock apple pie using crackers, but zucchini gives you the real apple‑slice texture and a more natural result.
How to Make Zucchini Taste Like Apple Pie
To make zucchini taste like apple pie, you peel it, remove the seeds, and slice it into thin half‑moons that resemble apple slices. The slices are boiled until translucent, then seasoned with cinnamon, sugar, and cream of tartar.
Zucchini absorbs flavor easily, so once the spices are added, it tastes shockingly close to apple pie filling.
Best Way to Slice Zucchini
Wash the zucchini, peel it, and cut it lengthwise. Use a spoon or ice cream scoop to remove the seeds. You’ll have a hollow C‑shaped piece. Slice it into 1/4 inch pieces. These slices look just like apples once cooked.
Will Zucchini Become Watery When Baked
Zucchini is naturally watery, but you can prevent a soggy pie. After slicing, boil the zucchini until it turns translucent. Drain it well and pat it dry. This step removes excess moisture and keeps your pie filling thick and flavorful.
Best Way to Remove Zucchini Seeds
My favorite trick is using an ice cream scoop. It glides through the center and removes the seeds cleanly. This works for zucchini, watermelon, cantaloupe, pumpkin, and anything with a seeded center. Feed the seeds to your chickens or save them for next year’s garden.
Do I Need Two Pie Crusts
Yes. You’ll need a bottom crust and a top crust for this recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the point of mock apple pie
Mock apple pie lets you make a classic dessert without apples. It’s perfect for gardeners with too much zucchini or anyone who wants a budget friendly pie that tastes like the real thing.
How do you make a fake apple pie
You slice zucchini, boil it, season it like apple pie filling, and bake it between two crusts. The texture and flavor mimic apples surprisingly well.
Can I make apple pie filling with zucchini
Yes. Zucchini is ideal for mock apple pie filling because it absorbs flavor and softens just like apples.
Does mock apple pie actually taste like apple pie
Yes. Most people can’t tell the difference. The spices and texture do all the work.
Do I Shred the Zucchini
No. This recipe uses sliced zucchini, not shredded. Shredding is for bread. Slicing is for pie.
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini
Yes. Thaw it first, then boil it until translucent. Frozen zucchini works well because it softens quickly and absorbs flavor.
If you have extra zucchini, you can make another pie or enjoy a delicious zucchini apple crisp.
Zucchini Mock Apple Pie That Tastes Just Like Real Apple Pie
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 cups zucchini, sliced, peeled and seeded
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 ½ teaspoons cream of tartar
- 2 Tablespoons flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 2 pie crusts
- 1 beaten egg
- water to fill dutch oven with zucchini inside
Instructions
- Peel the zucchini and remove the skins, cutting off both ends of the veg as well.
- Cut the zucchini in half long ways.
- Using your ice cream scoop (or a spoon) remove the seeds.
- Slice into 1 1/4" slices. They should resemble apple slices (if you wish), but similar in size.
- Place the sliced zucchini in the dutch over and fill with water until just over the Zucchini.
- Bring to a boil. Once the zucchini is translucent in color, remove from heat and drain
- Place the zucchini on paper towel or a clean towel and remove excess water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 425℉
- In a bowl, add the cinnamon, sugars, cream of tartar and flour.
- Add the drained zucchini into the bowl and mix making sure it's completely coated.
- Take your pie crust and form it intot he pie pan.
- Place the sugar mix and zucchini into the pie crust.
- Place the pat of butter on top of the pie.
- Roll out the second pie crust and place over the zucchini mix.
- Crimp the edges together and cut vent holes or decorate fancy, as you wish.
- Brush the egg wash over the crust. You can sprinkle white sugar over if you wish
- Place the pie onto the baking sheet and into the oven.
- Bake for 15 minutes at 425℉.
- After 15 minutes, reduce heat to 350℉ and bake for 45 minutes.
- Keep an eye on the crust and if it starts to get too brown, use a pie crust shield for the edges. (or you can put foil around the edges as well.
- Remove and let the pie sit to cool. It is best to slice when the pie has cooled.
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