Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Old Fashioned Raisin Pie is a dessert that tells a story with every bite. Simple, humble, and deeply comforting, this pie is rooted in traditional home baking and old-school pantry staples. It is the kind of recipe passed down through generations, often made when fresh fruit was scarce but warmth and sweetness were still desired. I first tried this pie out of pure curiosity, and I was surprised by how rich and satisfying it turned out to be. The plump raisins create a naturally sweet, jammy filling, while warm spices and a flaky crust bring everything together beautifully. This pie is not overly sweet or flashy, but it delivers honest flavor and a soft, comforting texture that feels familiar and grounding. Perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or quiet evenings with coffee, Old Fashioned Raisin Pie proves that classic desserts never go out of style.
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Old Fashioned Raisin Pie: A Timeless Classic Full of Nostalgic Comfort
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A nostalgic old-fashioned raisin pie with a sweet, spiced raisin filling thickened to a jam-like consistency and baked in a flaky pie crust.
Ingredients
- 1 double pie crust (top and bottom)
- 2 cups raisins
- 2 cups water
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
- In a saucepan, combine raisins and water and bring to a gentle boil.
- Simmer for 5 minutes until raisins plump.
- In a bowl, mix sugar, flour, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Stir dry mixture into the raisin mixture and cook until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, lemon juice, and butter.
- Pour filling into prepared bottom pie crust.
- Cover with top crust, seal edges, and cut vents.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until crust is golden and filling is bubbly.
- Cool before slicing.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Filling thickens more as it cools.
- This pie tastes even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ingredients Breakdown
Raisins are the star of the pie. When simmered, they become plump, tender, and naturally sweet, forming the heart of the filling.
Granulated sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the raisins and helps create a smooth, cohesive filling.
All-purpose flour thickens the filling, giving it a soft, sliceable texture without being heavy.
Butter adds richness and a silky mouthfeel, balancing the sweetness of the raisins.
Water provides the liquid needed to cook the raisins and create the pie filling.
Lemon juice adds brightness and prevents the filling from tasting flat or overly sweet.
Ground cinnamon brings warmth and classic spice that complements the raisins perfectly.
Ground nutmeg adds subtle depth and old-fashioned aroma.
Salt balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Pie crust forms the structure of the pie. A flaky crust contrasts beautifully with the soft filling.
Directions
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Begin by preheating the oven to 180°C and preparing a pie dish with the bottom crust.
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the raisins and water. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until the raisins are plump and softened.
In a small bowl, mix the sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir this mixture into the simmering raisins and continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the filling thickens.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the butter and lemon juice until fully incorporated. Allow the filling to cool slightly.
Pour the raisin filling into the prepared pie crust and spread evenly. Cover with the top crust, crimp the edges, and cut small slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
Bake until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing for the best texture.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 8 people. Preparation takes about 20 minutes, baking time approximately 40 to 45 minutes, and cooling time about 1 hour.
Storage/reheating
Store Old Fashioned Raisin Pie covered at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for up to four days. Reheat slices gently in the oven or microwave if desired.
Variations and Customizations
This classic pie allows for subtle customization while keeping its traditional character. You can add a small amount of orange zest for a gentle citrus note, which I tested and found added pleasant brightness without overpowering the filling.
For a deeper flavor, replace part of the water with brewed tea or apple juice. If you enjoy extra spice, a pinch of cloves or allspice enhances the warmth nicely.
You can also experiment with crust styles. A lattice top adds visual appeal, while a crumb topping creates a slightly sweeter, rustic finish. Golden raisins can be used for a milder, honey-like sweetness.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Old Fashioned Raisin Pie is a fruit-based dessert that provides natural sweetness and fiber from raisins. While it contains sugar and butter, its simple ingredients and modest portions make it a satisfying treat when enjoyed in moderation.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Plump the Raisins
Simmering raisins properly ensures a tender, jam-like filling.
Cool Before Slicing
Allowing the pie to cool fully helps the filling set cleanly.
Balance the Sweetness
Do not skip the lemon juice, as it keeps the flavor bright and balanced.
FAQs
What does raisin pie taste like?
It is sweet, warmly spiced, and similar in texture to fruit pie filling.
Is this pie very sweet?
It is moderately sweet with balanced spice and acidity.
Can I use golden raisins?
Yes, they create a slightly lighter, milder flavor.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, it stores well and tastes great the next day.
Do I need to soak raisins overnight?
No, simmering them is sufficient.
Can I freeze raisin pie?
Yes, freeze fully baked and cooled pie for up to two months.
Is this pie common?
It is a traditional recipe popular in older American baking.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, slightly, but the texture may be affected.
What crust works best?
A classic flaky pastry crust works perfectly.
What should I serve with this pie?
Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream pairs beautifully.
Conclusion
Old Fashioned Raisin Pie is a beautiful reminder that simple ingredients can create deeply satisfying desserts. With its tender raisin filling, warm spices, and flaky crust, it delivers comfort, tradition, and timeless flavor in every slice. This is a recipe worth preserving and sharing for generations to come.
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