Old-Fashioned Raisin Pie

This Old-Fashioned Raisin Pie recipe is the kind of dessert that immediately takes you back to simpler times—like a cozy afternoon at grandma’s house, with the smell of cinnamon and raisins wafting through the air. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer. The rich, sweet filling combined with the perfect balance of spices makes every bite a delightful experience. And don’t even get me started on the flaky, buttery crust—it’s the kind of dessert that feels like a hug from the inside out. So, grab your apron, because you’re about to make something truly special!

Why You’ll Love Old-Fashioned Raisin Pie

This pie isn’t just delicious—it’s full of heart. Here’s why it’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection:

Nostalgic: The combination of raisins, cinnamon, and that irresistible crust will transport you to a time when pies were made from scratch and shared with family over good conversation. It’s the perfect sweet treat that’ll make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

Budget-Friendly: No need for expensive or hard-to-find ingredients here. This pie is made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, making it a great option when you’re on a budget but still want something delicious and comforting.

Perfectly Sweet: It has just the right amount of sweetness—not too overpowering but still enough to satisfy your sweet tooth. The raisins lend a natural sweetness, and the warm spices (hello, cinnamon!) add a cozy flavor that’s sure to please.

Easy to Make: While it may seem like a complex dessert, this pie is actually pretty simple to make! Just a few steps and a little bit of patience, and you’ll be rewarded with the perfect homemade pie that’ll impress everyone who tastes it.

Great for Any Occasion: Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, having a family dinner, or just craving a sweet treat for yourself, this raisin pie is a great go-to. It’s simple enough for everyday baking, yet special enough for any occasion.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious raisin pie:

Raisins: The heart of this pie. These little dried gems soak up all the sweetness and spices and provide that chewy texture you crave in every bite.

Sugar: To bring the sweetness to the filling. Sugar balances out the tartness of the raisins and works its magic to create that perfect, gooey filling.

Brown Sugar: Adds a deeper, more molasses-like sweetness, making the pie even more indulgent.

Butter: For that rich, buttery taste that’ll make the filling irresistible and the crust perfectly flaky.

Eggs: Helps to bind everything together and creates that smooth, custard-like texture when baked.

Cinnamon: A must-have spice that gives this pie its comforting, warm flavor.

Nutmeg: Adds a little hint of warmth and earthiness to the flavor profile. It’s the spice that makes this pie stand out from the crowd.

Flour: Thickens the filling so it’s not runny and gives it the perfect consistency when baked.

Lemon Juice: A touch of acid to brighten up the rich sweetness of the raisins and spices.

Pie Crust: The golden, flaky vessel that holds everything together. You can either make your own or buy a pre-made crust for convenience.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to get baking? Here’s how you can bring this Old-Fashioned Raisin Pie to life:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your pie cooks evenly and gives you that golden, crispy crust you’re looking for.

Prepare the Pie Crust: Roll out your pie crust and fit it into a pie dish. If you’re using a store-bought crust, simply place it in the dish and crimp the edges to form a beautiful border. Set aside.

Make the Filling: In a saucepan, combine the raisins, sugar, brown sugar, butter, and a little water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is hot and the butter melts. This step allows the raisins to plump up and soak in all that goodness.

Add the Spices and Flour: Once the raisin mixture is bubbling, stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour. Keep stirring until the filling thickens up nicely. It should be smooth and slightly gooey—just what you want for that perfect pie filling.

Add the Eggs: Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool for a minute before whisking in the beaten eggs. This prevents the eggs from scrambling. Stir until everything is combined and smooth.

Assemble the Pie: Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust. Smooth the top with a spatula so it’s even. If you like, you can top the pie with a lattice crust or a simple top crust with a few slits to allow the steam to escape.

Bake: Pop your pie into the oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set. You can check by gently shaking the pie—it should only jiggle slightly in the center.

Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the filling to firm up. Slice it up, and you’re ready to enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 350

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Raisin Pie

This pie is a delightful treat all on its own, but here are a few ways you can elevate the experience:

Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on the side is a classic pairing that adds an extra level of indulgence.

Whipped Cream: For a lighter touch, top each slice with freshly whipped cream. The creamy, slightly sweet topping balances the richness of the pie.

Hot Beverage: Serve with a warm cup of tea, coffee, or even a spiced cider. The warmth of the drink complements the spices in the pie perfectly.

Fresh Fruit: A side of fresh fruit, like berries or a simple fruit salad, can provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the pie.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this Old-Fashioned Raisin Pie:

Use Fresh Raisins: If your raisins have been sitting around for a while, consider soaking them in hot water for 10-15 minutes before using them in the pie. This helps plump them up and keeps them soft during baking.

Make Ahead: This pie can be made ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before serving. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before slicing.

Crust Options: If you’re not a fan of traditional pie crust, feel free to swap it out for a graham cracker crust for a different texture and flavor.

Thicken the Filling: If you prefer a thicker filling, add a little more flour or cornstarch. Just be sure to cook the mixture long enough so it thickens properly before adding the eggs.

Storage Tips: Store leftover pie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute raisins with another fruit?
A1: Yes! If you’re not a fan of raisins, dried cranberries or even dried apricots work as a great substitute. The flavor will change a bit, but it will still be delicious.

Q2: Can I make this pie gluten-free?
A2: Absolutely! Simply swap the flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the rest of your ingredients are also gluten-free.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Q4: Can I freeze this pie?
A4: Yes! Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating and serving.

Q5: How can I make the crust extra flaky?
A5: Use cold butter and handle the dough as little as possible. You can even chill the pie crust before baking to help it stay extra flaky.

Q6: Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
A6: Of course! If you’re short on time, a store-bought pie crust will work just fine. Just be sure to bake it according to the package instructions.

Q7: How long should I let the pie cool?
A7: Let the pie cool for at least 30 minutes to allow the filling to set. This will help with cutting and serving.

Q8: Can I make this pie ahead of time?
A8: Yes, this pie can be made a day in advance. Simply store it in the fridge and let it come to room temperature before serving.

Q9: What’s the best way to reheat this pie?
A9: Reheat the pie in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

Q10: Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
A10: Absolutely! Double the ingredients and bake the pie in a larger dish. You may need to increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes, so just keep an eye on it.

Conclusion

Old-Fashioned Raisin Pie is more than just a dessert—it’s a slice of nostalgia, a taste of tradition, and a whole lot of love. The flavors are comforting, the textures are divine, and it’s a recipe that’s sure to bring smiles to anyone who gets a taste. Whether you’re baking it for a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or just because, this pie is guaranteed to be a hit. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!

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