A nostalgic dessert that brings back memories of home-cooked meals. This Old-Fashioned Raisin Pie combines sweet and tender raisins in a rich, spiced filling, all wrapped in a flaky pie crust. Perfect for special occasions or whenever you need a comforting treat.
Jump to RecipeIngredients
- Raisins: 4 cups of raisins for the filling—sweet, plump, and full of flavor.
- Water: 4 cups of water to simmer the raisins and create a thick syrupy base.
- Brown Sugar: 1 cup of light brown sugar adds a rich sweetness and depth to the filling.
- Cornstarch: 5 tablespoons of cornstarch to thicken the filling, giving it a smooth and glossy texture.
- Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon for a warm, aromatic spice.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon to balance the sweetness and enhance flavors.
- Lemon Juice: 2 teaspoons of lemon juice for a slight tang that brightens the filling.
- Butter: 3 tablespoons of butter (not margarine) for richness and a velvety finish.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon for a hint of warmth and sweetness.
- Pie Crust: 2, 9-inch deep-dish pie shells—one for the base and one for the top.
Directions
- Prepare the Raisin Filling:
- In a medium pot, combine 4 cups of raisins and 4 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat and let it cook for 5 minutes, allowing the raisins to plump up and soften.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, blend together 1 cup of light brown sugar, 5 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- Thicken the Syrup:
- Slowly stir the sugar mixture into the hot raisins. Cook and stir continuously until the syrup thickens—this happens quickly, so keep an eye on it.
- Finish the Filling:
- Remove the pot from the heat and stir in 2 teaspoons of lemon juice, 3 tablespoons of butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Allow the filling to cool slightly.
- Assemble the Pie:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Pour the slightly cooled raisin filling into one of the pie shells, spreading it out evenly.
- Carefully remove the crust from the second pie shell and place it on top of the filling. Seal the edges by pinching them together to prevent the filling from leaking out.
- Use a knife to cut a couple of slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake the Pie:
- Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Once done, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
Grandma’s Old Fashioned Raisin Pie
Indulge in Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Raisin Pie. Perfect for a classic dessert.
Ingredients
4 C. water
4 C. raisins
1 C. light brown sugar
5 T. cornstarch
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. lemon juice
3 T. butter (not margarine)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2, 9″ deep dish pie shells
Directions
- Combine raisins and water in a med. pot, bring to a boil, and cook for 5 minutes. Blend the brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and salt together, and slowly stir into the hot raisins.
- Cook and stir until the syrup has thickened (happens pretty quick). Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice, butter, and vanilla. Cool slightly.
- Pour the raisin filling into one of the pie shells, remove the pie crust from the other shell, and place it on top, sealing the edges by pinching them together. Use a knife to make a couple of slits at the top of the pie. Bake in a 425-degree oven for 30-35 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Flavor: The combination of sweet raisins, warm cinnamon, and tangy lemon juice creates a timeless dessert that’s both rich and comforting.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, this pie is easy to put together without any complicated steps.
- Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s a holiday meal or a weekend treat, this pie will impress your guests with its old-fashioned charm.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Skip the Slits: Cutting slits in the top crust is crucial for releasing steam and preventing the pie from becoming soggy.
- Let It Cool: Allowing the pie to cool slightly before cutting helps the filling set, making it easier to slice and serve.
- Serve with a Side: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream pairs wonderfully with the warm spices in this pie.
Final Thoughts
Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Raisin Pie is a delightful reminder of the flavors of the past. The sweet raisin filling and buttery pie crust combine to create a dessert that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or just craving a homemade treat, this pie is sure to bring back fond memories with every bite. Enjoy!