The Sweet Symphony of Homemade Raisin Pie Recipe

Sweet memories of grandma’s kitchen come flooding back with this classic raisin pie that whispers comfort and tradition.

Packed with nostalgia, this raisin pie recipe brings warmth to any gathering.

Dark, plump raisins nestled in a buttery, flaky crust create a dessert that speaks to simple pleasures.

The rich, caramelized filling promises a delightful balance of sweetness and depth.

Each slice tells a story of home-cooked love and time-honored baking techniques.

You’ll savor every bite of this timeless treat that connects generations through its delectable simplicity.

Prepare to fall in love with a pie that feels like a warm embrace from the past.

Old Fashioned Raisin Pie Nostalgic Reasons to Try It

• Dive into a classic dessert that brings back memories of grandma's kitchen, with traditional ingredients and a heartwarming taste that connects generations.
• Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this raisin pie accessible for bakers of all skill levels, requiring basic cooking techniques and common pantry items.
• Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or weekend treats, this pie offers a comforting sweet experience that pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea and suits various occasions from casual to special celebrations.
• With just a few simple steps and standard baking time, you can transform basic ingredients into a delicious homemade pie that looks and tastes like a professional bakery creation.

Raisin Pie Ingredients for a Classic Bake

• Raisins: Sweet dried grapes that provide the main flavor and texture of the pie.
• Pie Shells: Buttery and flaky pastry crusts that hold the raisin filling.

• Brown Sugar: Adds rich caramel-like sweetness and depth to the filling.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the raisin syrup and create a smooth, cohesive filling.

• Cinnamon, Salt, Lemon Juice, Butter, Vanilla: Provide balanced and complex flavor notes that complement the raisins.

• Water: Helps cook and soften the raisins and create the pie filling's base.

Kitchen Tools for Homemade Raisin Pie

• Medium pot: Essential for cooking raisins and creating filling syrup.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for blending dry ingredients like brown sugar and cornstarch.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring ingredients smoothly.
• Knife: Needed for cutting steam vents in pie crust.
• Pie dish: Necessary for holding and baking the entire pie.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Critical for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Rolling pin (optional): Helpful if making homemade pie crust.

Steps for Baking Old Fashioned Raisin Pie

Step 1: Boil Raisins

Toss raisins and water into a medium pot.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil and let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the raisins to plump up and soften.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

• Brown sugar
• Cornstarch
• Cinnamon
• Salt

Gradually fold this spiced mixture into the hot raisin liquid, stirring consistently.

Step 3: Create Thick Syrup

Continue cooking and stirring until the liquid transforms into a glossy, thick syrup.

This process happens quickly, so keep a close eye on the pot.

Step 4: Enhance Flavor Profile

Remove the pot from heat.

• Lemon juice
• Butter
• Vanilla extract

Let the filling cool down slightly to develop deeper flavors.

Step 5: Assemble Pie

Pour the fragrant raisin filling into one pie shell.

Carefully drape the second pie crust over the top, crimping the edges to seal in all the deliciousness.

Step 6: Prepare For Baking

Use a sharp knife to create a few strategic steam vents across the top crust, allowing excess moisture to escape during baking.

Step 7: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the pie into a preheated oven at 425F (220C).

Bake for 30-35 minutes until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown and looks irresistibly crisp.

Pie Tips for Juicy Raisin Filling

• Mix cornstarch thoroughly with brown sugar before adding to hot raisins to ensure a perfectly thickened syrup without lumps.
• Add a splash of rum or brandy with vanilla for a more complex, rich taste profile that enhances the raisin's natural sweetness.
• Chill pie crust for 30 minutes before assembling to create a more tender, crisp pastry that doesn't become soggy.
• Adjust brown sugar quantity based on raisin's natural sweetness and personal preference for a balanced dessert.
• Place pie on the lowest oven rack to guarantee a crisp bottom crust and prevent soggy edges.

Raisin Pie Variations to Suit Your Mood

• Gluten-Free Raisin Pie: Replace traditional pie crust with a gluten-free alternative made from almond flour or coconut flour for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Raisin Pie: Swap butter with coconut oil and use plant-based pie crust to create a dairy-free version that maintains the classic flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Raisin Pie: Reduce brown sugar and use monk fruit sweetener or stevia to lower the overall sugar content while preserving the pie's traditional taste.
• Spiced Raisin Pie: Add ground nutmeg and cardamom to enhance the warm, complex flavor of the original recipe, creating a more aromatic dessert experience.

How to Serve Raisin Pie Warm or Cold

• Cozy Dessert Companion: Serve this warm raisin pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
• Rustic Breakfast Twist: Slice the pie and pair with a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea to elevate your morning routine with a touch of sweetness.
• Holiday Gathering Centerpiece: Present the pie on a rustic wooden board with a dusting of powdered sugar and fresh mint leaves for an elegant and inviting presentation.
• Comfort Food Pairing: Enjoy a slice alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a light custard sauce to enhance the pie's rich, nostalgic flavors.

Raisin Pie Storage for Lasting Flavor

• Store leftover raisin pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, covering it loosely with plastic wrap to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Place a label with the date to track freshness.
• Thaw frozen pie in the refrigerator overnight, then warm at 350F (175C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Cover edges with foil to prevent burning.
• Cut individual slices and warm in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, checking temperature to avoid overheating and maintaining the pie's texture.

FAQs

• What are raisins, and why are they used in this pie?

Raisins are dried grapes with a sweet, concentrated flavor. They add natural sweetness, chewy texture, and rich depth to the pie, making it a classic comfort dessert with historical roots.

• Can I use different types of raisins for this recipe?

Yes, you can use golden, black, or mixed raisins. Each variety will bring a slightly different flavor and sweetness level to the pie, so choose based on your preference.

• Why do I need to cook the raisins before making the pie filling?

Cooking raisins helps soften them, release their natural sugars, and create a thick, rich syrup. This process intensifies their flavor and ensures a smooth, cohesive filling for the pie.

Raisin Pie Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Grandma’s classic raisin pie brings nostalgic comfort from her rustic kitchen. Sweet raisins nestled in a flaky crust promise warm memories you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups raisins
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 2, 9-inch (22.86 cm) deep dish pie shells

Thickening and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 5 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice

Flavor Enhancers:

• 3 tablespoons butter (not margarine)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Simmer raisins in water over medium heat for 5 minutes until they plump and soften, creating a rich base for the pie filling.
2. In a separate mixing bowl, thoroughly combine brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and salt to create a smooth dry ingredient blend.
3. Gradually whisk the dry ingredient mixture into the hot raisin liquid, stirring constantly to prevent lumps and ensure even distribution.
4. Continue cooking the mixture until it transforms into a thick, glossy syrup, which typically occurs within 2-3 minutes of active stirring.
5. Remove the raisin mixture from heat and incorporate lemon juice, melted butter, and vanilla extract, stirring until fully integrated and fragrant.
6. Allow the filling to cool and slightly thicken for about 10 minutes, which helps stabilize the consistency.
7. Transfer the prepared filling into a bottom pie crust, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
8. Carefully drape the top pie crust over the filling, trimming excess edges and crimping to seal the pie completely.
9. Create 3-4 decorative vents on the top crust using a sharp knife to allow steam escape during baking.
10. Bake in a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven for 30-35 minutes until the crust achieves a golden-brown, crispy texture.

Notes

• Cold Butter Works Best for Flaky Crust: Use chilled butter when making the pie dough to ensure a tender, flaky texture that melts in your mouth.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs or ground nuts on the bottom crust before adding the raisin filling to absorb excess moisture.
• Adjust Sweetness Carefully: Taste the raisin mixture before filling the pie and adjust sugar levels based on the natural sweetness of your raisins to avoid an overly sweet dessert.
• Dietary Modifications: Swap traditional wheat flour for gluten-free alternatives and use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg