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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Raisin Preparation: Combine raisins and water in a saucepan, bringing to a gentle boil. Simmer for 5 minutes until raisins become plump and tender.
- 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.
- Flavor Enhancement: Incorporate lemon juice and melted butter into the raisin mixture. Set aside to cool slightly while preparing the pie crust.
- 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.
- Finishing Touches: Brush top crust with beaten egg and optionally sprinkle with granulated sugar for added texture and shine.
- 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.
- 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