Description
Nostalgic comfort meets sweet tradition in this classic old-fashioned raisin pie, a beloved dessert that whispers stories of grandma’s kitchen. Warm spices and plump raisins nestled in a flaky crust invite you to savor a slice of culinary heritage.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Pie Filling Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups (354 ml) raisins
- 1 cup (237 ml) water
- 1/2 cup (100 g) packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
Thickening and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons (16 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 g) salt
- 1 teaspoon (2 g) cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons (28 g) butter
Crust Ingredients:
- 2 pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Position an oven rack to the middle position and heat to 425°F, creating an ideal environment for baking the pie. Gently ease the bottom pie pastry into a 9-inch pie dish, ensuring smooth coverage.
- Combine raisins and water in a medium saucepan, simmering gently until the dried fruits become plump and tender, releasing their natural sweetness.
- Whisk together brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, salt, and cinnamon in a separate bowl, creating a harmonious dry mixture that will transform the raisin liquid into a rich, glossy filling.
- Merge the sugar blend into the raisin mixture, stirring continuously over medium heat until the liquid thickens and develops a luxurious, syrup-like consistency.
- Incorporate butter and vanilla extract off the heat, allowing the residual warmth to meld the flavors and create a glossy, aromatic filling.
- Transfer the raisin mixture into the prepared pie shell, spreading evenly to ensure a consistent texture throughout the dessert.
- Carefully drape the top pastry over the filling, pressing and crimping the edges to create a decorative seal. Delicately score several small vents to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust that signals perfect doneness.
- Remove from the oven and let the pie rest, allowing the filling to set and flavors to fully develop. Serve slightly warm, optionally accompanied by a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Opt for golden or dark raisins for a richer, more complex flavor profile that elevates the traditional recipe.
- Create a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with almond or coconut flour to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Enhance the pie’s warmth by adding a pinch of ground nutmeg or cardamom alongside the cinnamon for a subtle, aromatic twist.
- Prevent soggy bottom crusts by preheating a baking sheet and placing the pie directly on the hot surface during baking, ensuring a crisp, flaky foundation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 34 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg