Old-Fashioned Raisin Pie Recipe with Spiced Sweetness

Sweet memories of grandma’s kitchen come alive with this classic raisin pie that transports generations through a single slice.

Tucked away in vintage cookbooks, this old fashioned raisin pie recipe carries whispers of comfort and tradition.

Plump raisins nestled in a flaky, buttery crust create a dessert that speaks directly to the soul.

The rich, deep flavors tell stories of simple ingredients and carefully crafted baking techniques.

Rustic and unpretentious, this pie celebrates the timeless art of home cooking.

Each bite promises a delightful journey through nostalgic flavors that connect us to cherished culinary roots.

Prepare to savor a slice of pure, unadulterated deliciousness that will become your new favorite family recipe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 7

Old Fashioned Raisin Pie Ingredient List

• Raisins: Provide sweet, concentrated fruit flavor and chewy texture; choose plump, glossy raisins without signs of mold or dryness.
• Water: Creates hydration and helps soften raisins during cooking process.

• Sugar: Enhances sweetness and balances raisin's natural tartness; use granulated white sugar for consistent texture.
• Cornstarch: Acts as natural thickening agent to create smooth, rich filling consistency.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic depth to raisin mixture; freshly ground offers more intense flavor.
• Nutmeg: Provides subtle, earthy undertone that complements sweet filling.
• Salt: Balances and heightens overall flavor profile.

• Lemon Juice: Brightens filling with tangy notes and prevents excessive sweetness.
• Butter: Adds richness and smooth mouthfeel to filling.
• Egg: Creates golden, glossy crust when brushed on top.
• Granulated Sugar: Optional topping for extra crunch and sweetness on crust.

Tools For Making Old Fashioned Raisin Pie

• Medium saucepan: Perfect for cooking raisin filling smoothly and evenly.
• Small bowl: Ideal for mixing dry ingredients like sugar and cornstarch.
• Whisk: Essential for blending dry ingredients without lumps.
• 9-inch pie pan: Standard size for creating a classic pie shape.
• Rolling pin: Necessary for rolling out pie crusts to the right thickness.
• Pastry brush: Great for applying egg wash and creating a golden, shiny crust.
• Sharp knife: Useful for trimming pie crust edges and cutting steam vents.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Cooling rack: Helps pie cool evenly and prevents soggy bottom crust.

How To Bake Old Fashioned Raisin Pie

• Raisin Mixture

Toss plump raisins into a saucepan with water and bring to a gentle bubble. Sprinkle in a magical blend of sugar, cornstarch, warm spices, and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously as the mixture transforms into a thick, glossy filling. Pull from heat and swirl in bright lemon juice and creamy butter. Let the mixture cool and dream of deliciousness.

• Pie Crust Foundation

Drape the first pie crust into a cozy pie pan. Pour the raisin mixture into its buttery home. Crown the pie with a second crust, gently sealing the edges with playful crimped pinches. Create whimsical steam vents across the top with delicate knife cuts.

• Golden Transformation

Brush the pie’s surface with a silky egg wash and dust with sparkling sugar crystals. Slide into a blazing hot oven starting at high heat, then reduce temperature for even baking. Watch as the crust turns a gorgeous golden brown, about 35-40 minutes total.

• Cooling and Celebration

Allow the pie to rest and settle, letting flavors mingle and filling firm up. Slice into wedges of pure comfort. Serve with a cloud of whipped cream or a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream for ultimate pie happiness.

Tips For A Great Old Fashioned Raisin Pie

• Raisin Rehydration Trick: Soak raisins in hot water or rum for extra plumpness and depth of flavor before cooking, which helps prevent them from becoming dry during baking.
• Crust Crispness Technique: Brush bottom crust with beaten egg white before adding filling to create a moisture barrier, ensuring your pie bottom stays wonderfully crisp and flaky.
• Filling Consistency Control: Let raisin mixture cool slightly before pouring into pie crust to prevent soggy bottom and maintain perfect texture and structure.
• Gluten-Free Version: Replace traditional pie crust with a gluten-free pastry made from almond flour or use store-bought gluten-free pie crusts for a celiac-friendly option.
• Vegan Transformation: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use plant-based egg wash alternative like maple syrup, and select vegan pie crust to create a completely dairy-free and egg-free dessert.
• Nutty Twist: Fold chopped walnuts or pecans into raisin filling for added crunch and rich, earthy undertones that complement the sweet raisin base.

Serving Ideas For Old Fashioned Raisin Pie

• Rustic Dessert Partner: Pair this nostalgic raisin pie with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to complement its warm spices and rich filling.
• Cozy Breakfast Twist: Slice a wedge and enjoy alongside a hot cup of black coffee or chai tea for a delightful morning treat that highlights the pie's deep raisin flavor.
• Elegant Dinner Finale: Serve chilled as a sophisticated dessert after a hearty meal, garnished with a light dusting of powdered sugar and a few fresh mint leaves for an elevated presentation.
• Comfort Food Companion: Create a homestyle dessert experience by warming individual slices and topping with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream for extra indulgence.

How To Store Old Fashioned Raisin Pie

• Smart Fridge Storage: Keep the pie covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cool environment helps maintain the crust's texture and filling's freshness.
• Quick Freezing Strategy: Wrap the entire pie tightly in plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for best results.
• Room Temperature Tip: Allow the pie to sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and soften the crust slightly. This method helps release the pie's aromatic spices.
• Slice Separation Hack: Use a sharp, clean knife and wipe the blade between cuts to get perfect, clean pie slices. Slice when the pie is completely cooled to prevent filling from running and maintain a beautiful presentation.

Vintage Raisin Pie Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Grandma’s classic old fashioned raisin pie delights with nostalgic Midwestern comfort. Sweet raisin filling nestles in a flaky crust, promising warm memories of home-baked tradition.

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Ingredients

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• 1 package (14 oz / 400 g) pie crusts (or homemade, for a double crust)
• 2 cups (300 g) raisins
• 1 ¾ cups (420 ml) water
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 2 tbsps cornstarch
• 2 tbsps lemon juice
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar (optional, for sprinkling)

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Instructions

1. Raisin Preparation: Combine raisins and water in a saucepan, bringing to a gentle boil. Simmer for 5 minutes until raisins become plump and tender.
2. Filling Development: Whisk sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Blend into simmering raisins, stirring constantly to prevent lumping. Cook until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Flavor Enhancement: Incorporate lemon juice and melted butter into the raisin mixture. Set aside to cool slightly while preparing the pie crust.
4. Crust Assembly: Preheat oven to 425F. Line a 9-inch pie pan with bottom crust, then pour in the cooled raisin filling. Cover with top crust, trimming and crimping edges to seal. Cut strategic vents for steam release.
5. Finishing Touches: Brush top crust with beaten egg and optionally sprinkle with granulated sugar for added texture and shine.
6. Baking Process: Begin with 10 minutes at 425F to crisp the crust foundation, then reduce temperature to 375F. Continue baking 25-30 minutes until the crust turns a rich golden-brown.
7. Serving Preparation: Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature. Slice and serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a delectable dessert experience.

Notes

• Prevent Raisin Burning: Stir continuously during the simmering process to avoid scorching or sticking at the bottom of the saucepan.
• Master Filling Consistency: Watch for a thick, glossy texture when cooking the raisin mixture; it should coat the back of a spoon without being too runny or too stiff.
• Crust Perfection Technique: Create decorative and sealed edges by pinching the top and bottom crusts together, ensuring no filling leaks during baking.
• Temperature Control Matters: Start with high heat to create a crisp crust foundation, then lower the temperature to prevent over-browning while allowing even cooking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg