If you’re craving a dessert that oozes nostalgic charm and fills your kitchen with the warm aroma of cinnamon and spice, you’ve come to the right place. This Old-Fashioned Raisin Pie Recipe is a delightful celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients woven together in a flaky, golden crust. Imagine tender, plump raisins stewed just right, scented with cinnamon and nutmeg, hugging the perfect balance of sweet and tart from lemon juice and apple cider vinegar. It’s a vintage dessert that feels like a comforting hug from grandma, and once you make this pie, you’ll discover why it’s such a treasured classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the list fool you—these ingredients are basic pantry staples, but each one plays an essential role in making this pie sing. From the juicy raisins to the fragrant spices and that buttery crust, everything works harmoniously to deliver terrific flavor and texture.
- 2 cups seedless raisins: These little gems soak up all the syrupy goodness and provide a naturally sweet, chewy interior.
- 2 cups water: Used for simmering the raisins, it helps soften them to a luscious consistency.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness while balancing the tartness from other elements.
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar: Offers depth with its molasses notes, enhancing warmth in the filling.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: The thickening agent that ensures your pie filling isn’t runny but perfectly set.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to heighten all the sweet and spicy flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A must-have spice that gives the pie its familiar cozy scent.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds subtle warmth and complexity to the spice profile.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brings brightness to cut through the sweetness with a gentle tang.
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Enhances the depth of flavor, giving the pie a hint of mellow tartness.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Stirred in at the end for richness and a silky texture.
- 1 double pie crust (store-bought or homemade): The flaky, buttery vessel for all your delicious filling.
- 1 egg (for egg wash, optional): Brush this on for a gorgeous, golden shine on your crust.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Raisin Pie Recipe
Step 1: Soften and Simmer the Raisins
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a medium saucepan, combine the raisins and water and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This step softens the raisins beautifully, plumping them up and creating the foundation of your luscious filling.
Step 2: Mix the Sugars and Spices
While your raisins simmer, mix together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a separate bowl. This dry blend is where the magic starts, infusing your pie with its signature warmth and sweetness.
Step 3: Combine and Cook Until Thickened
Stir the dry sugar and spice mixture into the simmered raisins. Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and starts bubbling — this usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Your filling should look glossy and have a pudding-like texture that will set nicely after baking.
Step 4: Finish the Filling
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and unsalted butter until the butter melts completely. These last touches add a subtle brightness and richness that elevate the traditional raisin pie experience.
Step 5: Assemble the Pie
Line a 9-inch pie plate with one half of your pie crust. Pour the slightly cooled raisin filling into the crust, spreading it evenly. Place the second crust over the top, seal and crimp the edges neatly. Don’t forget to cut small slits on the top crust — they let steam escape and prevent sogginess during baking. For an extra beautiful golden finish, brush the top with a beaten egg.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your pie in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until the crust is a warm golden brown. Once baked, allow it to cool completely so the filling sets perfectly, making each slice neat and satisfying.
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Raisin Pie Recipe
Garnishes
This pie is wonderful on its own, but a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream transforms it into a downright showstopper. Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon or drizzle a little honey on top for an elegant yet simple finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Pair your Old-Fashioned Raisin Pie Recipe with a warm cup of coffee or spiced chai tea for a cozy afternoon treat. It’s also fantastic alongside roasted nuts or a fresh fruit salad if you want to add a bit of contrast in texture and brightness on your dessert table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pie warm in individual ramekins topped with crushed pecans and a drizzle of caramel sauce. You can also use mini pie crusts for bite-sized raisin pies — perfect for parties and potlucks when you want to share this old-fashioned joy with friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover any leftover pie tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Stored this way, it will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This allows the flavors to meld even further, making the slices taste even better the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save your Old-Fashioned Raisin Pie Recipe for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap the pie securely in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to protect it. It can be frozen for up to 2 months and thawed overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To enjoy your pie warm after storage, reheat slices in a 325°F oven for about 15 minutes or until just heated through. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust flaky and crisp rather than soggy.
FAQs
Can I make the pie crust from scratch for this recipe?
Absolutely! A homemade double crust adds an extra loving touch to this Old-Fashioned Raisin Pie Recipe. Use your favorite pie dough recipe or a simple blend of flour, butter, salt, and cold water. The store-bought crust is just a convenient alternative if you’re short on time.
Why do I need apple cider vinegar and lemon juice in the filling?
Both apple cider vinegar and lemon juice add subtle acidity that balances the sweetness of the raisins and sugars, preventing the pie from tasting overly sweet. They also brighten the overall flavor and help deepen the complexity of the filling.
Is there a way to soften the raisins even more before cooking?
Yes! Soaking raisins in hot water for about 10 minutes before simmering them can help them soak up moisture and soften quicker. This step makes for an even plumper, more tender filling in your Old-Fashioned Raisin Pie Recipe.
Can I add other dried fruits or nuts to the filling?
Feel free to experiment, but keep in mind that traditional raisin pie focuses on those sweet, juicy raisins. Adding chopped walnuts or pecans can add delightful crunch, and dried currants or chopped dried apricots bring additional layers of fruity flavor.
How do I know when the pie is perfectly baked?
Look for a golden brown crust and bubbling filling through the vent holes on top. If the crust looks pale or underdone, your pie may need a few more minutes, but keep an eye to avoid over-browning.
Final Thoughts
This Old-Fashioned Raisin Pie Recipe is a treasure trove of warmth and homemade goodness that brings a piece of history right into your kitchen. It’s the perfect way to celebrate simpler times with every bite full of love, spice, and that irresistible raisin sweetness. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this pie as much as I do — it’s sure to become a new favorite for your dessert repertoire!
Print
Old-Fashioned Raisin Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Old-Fashioned Raisin Pie is a delightful vintage dessert featuring a rich, spiced raisin filling enveloped in a flaky double pie crust. Perfect for those who enjoy traditional American pies with a sweet and slightly tangy flavor, this recipe is easy to prepare and bakes to a golden brown perfection. Serve it chilled or at room temperature with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a comforting treat.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups seedless raisins
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Crust
- 1 double pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Optional
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare the Raisins: In a medium saucepan, combine the seedless raisins and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes to soften the raisins.
- Make the Sugar Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until well combined.
- Combine and Thicken Filling: Stir the dry sugar mixture into the saucepan with the simmering raisins. Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and bubbles, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Finish the Filling: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and unsalted butter until the butter is melted and ingredients are fully combined. Allow the filling to cool slightly while preparing the crust.
- Assemble the Pie: Line a 9-inch pie plate with one of the pie crusts. Pour the warm raisin filling evenly into the crust.
- Top the Pie: Cover the filling with the second pie crust. Seal and crimp the edges securely. Use a knife to cut small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash (Optional): If desired, brush the top crust with a beaten egg to achieve a glossy, golden finish.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely before slicing and serving. Pair with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra special dessert.
Notes
- Soaking the raisins in hot water for 10 minutes before cooking helps soften them further and enhances the texture of the filling.
- This pie pairs excellently with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for added richness and flavor contrast.
