If there is one dessert that feels like a warm hug from the past, it has to be Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Raisin Pie Recipe. This lovingly crafted pie brings together plump, sweet raisins simmered to perfection in a cinnamon-spiced sauce, all nestled within a flaky, buttery crust. It’s the kind of recipe that transports you straight to the comforting kitchen aromas of childhood, reminding you that sometimes, the simplest combinations create the most unforgettable flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this pie promises a slice of nostalgia with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients for this pie is wonderfully straightforward. Each item plays a key role in balancing sweetness, spice, and texture, making sure your Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Raisin Pie Recipe comes out absolutely divine every time.
- Raisins (2 cups): The star of the show, providing natural sweetness and chewiness that brings this pie to life.
- Water (1 ½ cups): Used to plump up the raisins, ensuring they’re juicy and tender in the filling.
- Brown sugar, packed (½ cup): Adds deep caramel notes and moisture to the filling.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Balances the brown sugar and adds additional sweetness without heaviness.
- Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): The thickening agent that gives your filling that perfect, glossy consistency.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Warms up the flavor with a classic spice that pairs beautifully with raisins.
- Ground nutmeg (¼ teaspoon): Offers a subtle hint of earthiness to complement the cinnamon.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors and keeps the sweetness balanced.
- Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Adds a touch of acidity to brighten the filling and balance the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (1 tablespoon): Enriches the mixture with a silky texture and smooth finish.
- Double pie crust (1): The flaky, golden shell that holds all the goodness together – homemade or store-bought, either works wonderfully.
How to Make Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Raisin Pie Recipe
Step 1: Plump the Raisins
Start by bringing the raisins and water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let them simmer gently for about 5 minutes so those raisins soak up the water and become delightfully juicy. This step is crucial because it transforms the raisins from dry to luscious, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Spiced Sugar Mix
While the raisins simmer, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a small bowl. This spice-sugar blend is the magic mix that will thicken and flavor the filling, infusing it with that unmistakable old-fashioned charm.
Step 3: Thicken the Filling
Once the raisins are plump, stir the sugar-spice mixture into the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for about 3 to 4 minutes until the filling thickens beautifully into a glossy, rich sauce. Remove from the heat and immediately stir in the apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice) and butter. These final touches add a lovely tang and silky texture that make the filling unforgettable.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Line a 9-inch pie plate with one crust, gently pressing it into place. Pour the warm raisin filling into the crust, spreading it evenly. Top with the second crust, crimping the edges together to seal in all those cozy flavors. Don’t forget to cut a few slits in the top crust – these vents allow steam to escape during baking, keeping your pie’s crust perfectly flaky.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide your pie into the preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the crust turns a gorgeous golden brown and the filling bubbles invitingly beneath. If the edges are browning faster than the rest, tuck some foil around them to keep everything looking just right. After baking, allow the pie to cool before slicing so the filling sets perfectly.
How to Serve Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Raisin Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar can add a delicate sweetness and visual flair to each slice. For an extra touch of indulgence, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast to the pie’s warm spices.
Side Dishes
This pie is naturally a star on its own, but if you want to round out the dessert experience, consider serving it alongside a hot cup of spiced chai tea or a robust cup of coffee. These pairings complement the warm cinnamon and raisin flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual mini versions of Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Raisin Pie Recipe in ramekins or tart pans. You can also top slices with toasted chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for some satisfying crunch and added texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your pie loosely with foil or plastic wrap. It keeps well at room temperature for up to 1 day, making it an easy treat for next-day cravings. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to 3 days to preserve that lovely fruity filling and crisp crust.
Freezing
Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Raisin Pie Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap the whole pie tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect against freezer burn. When stored in the freezer, it maintains its flavor and texture for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To enjoy your pie warm after refrigeration or freezing, pop it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes. This gently revives the flaky crust and warms the filling without drying it out. Avoid the microwave, which can soften the crust too much.
FAQs
Can I use golden raisins instead of regular raisins?
Absolutely! Golden raisins will give your pie a slightly different color and a milder sweetness, but they work beautifully in Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Raisin Pie Recipe, adding a lighter, fruitier note.
Is it necessary to use cornstarch for thickening?
Cornstarch is important for achieving that ideal thick, luscious filling that holds together when you slice the pie. Without it, the filling may be too runny and not set properly.
Can I make the pie crust from scratch?
You certainly can. A homemade buttery, flaky crust adds an extra layer of love to this recipe, but a good quality store-bought double crust works just fine if you’re short on time.
What can I substitute for apple cider vinegar?
If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, fresh lemon juice is a perfect substitute to add the necessary acidic brightness that balances the pie’s sweetness.
Is this pie suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Raisin Pie Recipe is completely vegetarian-friendly. Just make sure your pie crust doesn’t contain any animal fats if you want to keep it strictly vegetarian.
Final Thoughts
This recipe truly feels like a beautiful bridge between generations. Baking Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Raisin Pie Recipe is not only about creating a delicious dessert but also about reliving treasured memories and making new ones. I encourage you to give this pie a try—its heartwarming flavors and comforting textures will no doubt become a favorite in your own kitchen, just as it was in Grandma’s.
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Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Raisin Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Raisin Pie is a nostalgic American dessert featuring a sweet, spiced raisin filling nestled in a flaky double crust. The filling is simmered to thicken with warm cinnamon and nutmeg spices, then baked to golden perfection. This pie is perfect for serving warm or at room temperature, complemented by whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 2 cups raisins
- 1 ½ cups water
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
For the crust:
- 1 double pie crust (homemade or store-bought), for a 9-inch pie
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the pie.
- Prepare the Raisin Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the raisins and water. Bring them to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes allowing the raisins to plump up and absorb moisture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to create the spice and thickening mixture.
- Thicken Filling: Stir the dry mixture into the simmered raisins. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Finish Filling: Stir in the apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice) and the unsalted butter into the thickened raisin mixture. Allow it to cool slightly so it won’t be too hot when placed in the crust.
- Assemble Pie: Line a 9-inch pie plate with one of the pie crusts. Pour the raisin filling evenly into the crust.
- Top Crust: Place the second crust over the filling. Crimp the edges together to seal the filling inside. Cut small slits on the top crust to vent steam during baking.
- Bake the Pie: Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the crust edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor.
- Pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- This pie stores well covered at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
