The Best Old Fashioned Raisin Pie Recipe for Sweet Nostalgia

Grandma’s cherished old fashioned raisin pie brings back memories of cozy kitchen moments.

Warm spices dance through this rustic dessert, whisking you to simpler times.

Sweet raisins nestled in a flaky crust tell stories of traditional baking.

Generations have savored this humble yet comforting treat passed down through loving hands.

Rich filling bursts with nostalgic flavors that remind you of Sunday gatherings.

Crisp pastry edges promise a delightful crunch in every single bite.

You’ll want to gather ingredients and recreate this timeless classic right away.

Tips For A Perfect Old Fashioned Raisin Pie Crust

• Choose Plump Raisins: Select high-quality, soft, and moist raisins for the most flavorful and tender filling that enhances the pie's overall texture.
• Control Cooking Consistency: Stir the raisin mixture constantly while thickening to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, even filling that's not too runny or too thick.
• Seal Crust Edges Expertly: Crimp the pie crust edges tightly to prevent filling leakage and create an attractive, professional-looking border that locks in the delicious raisin mixture.
• Adjust Sweetness Levels: Taste the filling before adding sugar and adjust according to the sweetness of your raisins, allowing you to customize the pie's flavor profile.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs or ground nuts on the bottom crust before adding filling to absorb excess moisture and maintain a crisp crust.

How To Keep Old Fashioned Raisin Pie Fresh

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftover pie to an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
• Freeze: Carefully wrap the entire pie or individual slices in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Place a date label to track storage time.
• Reheat Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove pie from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Warm uncovered for 15-20 minutes until heated through, keeping crust crispy.
• Microwave Quick Option: Heat individual slices on medium power for 30-45 seconds. Check temperature and add additional 10-second intervals if needed, being careful not to make the crust soggy.

Tasty Matches For Old Fashioned Raisin Pie

• Pair with Creamy Comfort: Serve a slice of old fashioned raisin pie alongside a warm mug of vanilla-spiced chai latte. The rich, aromatic spices in the drink complement the sweet raisin filling and create a cozy flavor harmony.
• Wine Wonderland: Choose a medium-sweet dessert wine like a late harvest Riesling or Gewürztraminer. These wines echo the pie's sweet profile and provide a delightful contrast with their crisp, fruity undertones.
• Ice Cream Indulgence: Top the warm pie with a scoop of cinnamon or bourbon vanilla ice cream. The cool, creamy texture beautifully balances the pie's warm, spiced filling and adds an extra layer of decadent sweetness.
• Cheese Companion: Serve with a small slice of aged cheddar or gouda on the side. The sharp, nutty cheese cuts through the pie's sweetness and provides a sophisticated savory counterpoint to the dessert.

Easy Variations Of Old Fashioned Raisin Pie

• Spiced Rum Raisin Remix: Soak raisins in dark rum before cooking for a bold, spirited flavor that adds depth to the classic pie.
• Nutty Crunch Upgrade: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans between the filling and top crust for extra texture and a subtle nutty crunch.
• Citrus Zest Sparkle: Add orange or lemon zest to the filling to brighten the traditional raisin flavor with a fresh, tangy note.
• Apple-Raisin Fusion: Mix in finely diced apples with the raisins to create a more complex fruit filling with additional natural sweetness.

FAQs For Old Fashioned Raisin Pie

• Why use raisins in this pie?

Raisins offer a rich, sweet flavor and natural chewiness that creates a delightful old-fashioned dessert experience. They’re packed with natural sugars and add depth to the pie’s taste profile.

• Can I use different types of raisins?

Absolutely! Golden raisins, black raisins, or a mix work perfectly. Each variety brings a slightly different sweetness and texture to the pie, so feel free to experiment with what you have on hand.

• Is this pie considered a traditional American dessert?

Yes, raisin pie is a classic Midwestern and Pennsylvania Dutch recipe dating back to early settler times. It was a popular way to use preserved fruits during winter months when fresh produce was scarce, making it a true heritage dessert.

• How can I tell if the raisin filling is the right consistency?

The filling should be thick and glossy, coating the back of a spoon. When you run your finger through the mixture, it should leave a clear path that doesn’t immediately fill back in, indicating it’s perfectly thickened.

Why Old Fashioned Raisin Pie Tastes Like Sweet Nostalgia

• Savor Nostalgic Comfort: This old-fashioned raisin pie brings back warm memories of grandma's kitchen, delivering a classic dessert that feels like a heartfelt hug from the past.
• Enjoy Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The combination of plump raisins, warm cinnamon and nutmeg, and a hint of lemon creates a delightful sweet-tangy taste that dances on your taste buds.
• Master Simple Baking Technique: With straightforward steps and basic ingredients, this pie is perfect for bakers of all skill levels, making it an accessible and rewarding baking experience that builds kitchen confidence.
• Create Family-Friendly Dessert: Easy to prepare and universally loved, this pie is ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or weekend family desserts that bring everyone together around the table.

What You’ll Use In Old Fashioned Raisin Pie

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the base structure for the flaky pie crust.
• Unsalted Butter, Shortening: Creates a tender and flaky texture in the crust.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the pie crust.

• Raisins: Sweet, chewy fruit that forms the main filling of the pie.
• Water: Helps plump and soften the raisins during cooking.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the raisin's natural flavor.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the filling and provides a smooth consistency.

• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement the raisin flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and balances the sweetness.
• Butter: Enriches the filling with a smooth, rich flavor.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall taste.
• Egg: Creates a golden, shiny crust when used as a wash.
• Granulated Sugar: Optional topping for extra sweetness and crunch.

How To Make An Old Fashioned Raisin Pie Step By Step

Step 1: Create Raisin Filling

• Sugar
• Cornstarch
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Salt

Stir this mixture into the raisins. Cook while stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and fold in lemon juice and butter. Allow filling to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare Pie Crust

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out one pie crust and carefully place it into a 9-inch pie pan. Pour the cooled raisin filling evenly into the crust.

Step 3: Top and Seal Pie

Roll out the second pie crust and gently lay it over the filling. Trim the excess dough and seal the edges by pinching them together. Create decorative crimped edges. Cut small slits on the top crust to allow steam to escape.

Step 4: Add Finishing Touches

Brush the top crust with beaten egg. Sprinkle granulated sugar over the surface for extra sparkle and crunch.

Step 5: Bake the Pie

Place the pie in the preheated oven. Bake for 10 minutes at 425°F (220°C). Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for 25-30 minutes until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely. This resting time allows the filling to set properly. Slice and serve on its own or top with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.

Old Fashioned Raisin Pie Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Timeless charm meets sweet nostalgia in this classic Old Fashioned Raisin Pie that whispers stories of grandmother’s kitchen. Robust raisin filling nestled in a flaky, golden crust promises a delightful journey through generations of comforting homemade goodness you’ll savor with each heartwarming bite.

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Ingredients

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Filling:

• 2 cups (300 g) raisins
• 1 ¾ cups (420 ml) water
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Spices:

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Crust and Topping:

• 1 package (14 ounces / 400 g) pie crusts (or homemade, for a double crust)
• 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, for sprinkling)

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Instructions

1. Hydrate the raisins by combining them with water in a medium saucepan. Gently bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes until the raisins become plump and tender.
2. Create a thickening agent by whisking together sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually incorporate this mixture into the simmering raisins, stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
3. Continue cooking the raisin mixture, maintaining constant stirring until the filling transforms into a thick, glossy consistency, which typically takes 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat immediately.
4. Enhance the filling’s flavor by folding in fresh lemon juice and melted butter. Allow the mixture to cool and slightly set while preparing the pie crust.
5. Preheat the oven to a high temperature of 425F, ensuring the cooking environment is properly heated.
6. Roll out the bottom pie crust and carefully transfer it into a 9-inch pie pan, ensuring smooth coverage of the pan’s surface.
7. Pour the cooled raisin filling into the prepared bottom crust, spreading it evenly to create a consistent layer.
8. Roll out the top pie crust and delicately place it over the filled bottom crust. Trim excess dough and meticulously seal the edges, creating a decorative crimp.
9. Using a sharp knife, cut small strategic vents in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
10. Brush the entire top crust with beaten egg, creating a golden sheen. Optional: Sprinkle granulated sugar for added texture and sweetness.
11. Initial baking begins at 425F for 10 minutes to create a crisp foundation. Reduce temperature to 375F and continue baking for 25-30 minutes until the crust achieves a rich, golden-brown color.
12. Remove pie from oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. This resting period allows the filling to set and stabilize.
13. Slice and serve the pie at room temperature. Complement with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

Notes

• Ensure raisins are plump and soft by simmering them gently, which helps release their natural sweetness and creates a more intense flavor profile.
• Control the filling’s consistency by stirring constantly and watching for thickening, preventing lumps and achieving a smooth, glossy texture.
• Experiment with spice variations like adding a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom to enhance the traditional cinnamon and nutmeg flavor.
• Create a gluten-free version by using alternative pie crust made from almond flour or gluten-free blend, maintaining the classic raisin pie taste for those with dietary restrictions.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 203
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg