Old Fashioned Raisin Pie: A Taste of Nostalgia

Raisin pie. The very name conjures images of crackling fireplaces, cozy kitchens, and the comforting aroma of cinnamon and spice. It’s a pie that speaks of simpler times, of resourceful cooks and shared family meals. While fruit pies often steal the spotlight, the humble raisin pie holds its own with its deeply satisfying sweetness, chewy texture, and a warmth that spreads from the first bite to the last. This recipe isn’t just about making a pie; it’s about connecting with culinary history and creating a memory. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and let’s bake an Old Fashioned Raisin Pie that will transport you back in time.

Why Raisin Pie Deserves a Comeback

In an era dominated by elaborate desserts and trendy pastries, it’s easy to overlook the classics. Raisin pie, however, offers a unique and compelling experience:

* **Budget-Friendly:** Raisins are a readily available and relatively inexpensive ingredient, making this pie a delicious and affordable option.
* **Shelf-Stable Ingredients:** Unlike many fruit pies that require fresh, seasonal produce, raisin pie can be made year-round with pantry staples.
* **Incredibly Flavorful:** Don’t let the simplicity fool you. The combination of raisins, spices, and a touch of tartness creates a complex and deeply satisfying flavor profile.
* **Textural Delight:** The plump, chewy raisins provide a delightful contrast to the flaky, buttery crust.
* **Nostalgia Factor:** For many, raisin pie evokes cherished memories of childhood and family traditions.

The Secret to the Best Old Fashioned Raisin Pie

While the recipe itself is straightforward, a few key techniques will elevate your raisin pie from good to exceptional:

* **Quality Raisins:** Use plump, moist raisins for the best results. If your raisins are a bit dry, plump them by soaking them in warm water or apple juice for 30 minutes before using.
* **Spice it Right:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices! Cinnamon is a classic choice, but nutmeg, cloves, allspice, and even a pinch of ginger can add depth and complexity.
* **Balance the Sweetness:** A touch of lemon juice or vinegar will help balance the sweetness of the raisins and create a more nuanced flavor.
* **Thicken it Properly:** The filling should be thick enough to hold its shape when sliced, but not so thick that it becomes gluey. Cornstarch or flour are the most common thickening agents; make sure they are fully incorporated to avoid a starchy taste.
* **Perfect the Crust:** A flaky, buttery crust is essential for any pie. Use cold ingredients, don’t overwork the dough, and blind bake the crust if necessary to prevent a soggy bottom.

Old Fashioned Raisin Pie Recipe

This recipe uses a double-crust pie, providing a beautiful presentation and added structural support. You can use your favorite homemade pie crust recipe or opt for a store-bought version for convenience.

**Yields:** 8 servings
**Prep time:** 45 minutes
**Cook time:** 50-60 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* **For the Crust:**
* 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
* ½ cup ice water
* **For the Filling:**
* 4 cups raisins
* 2 cups water
* ¾ cup granulated sugar
* ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
* ¼ cup all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
* ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
* 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
* 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
* Granulated sugar for sprinkling (optional)

**Equipment:**

* 9-inch pie plate
* Large saucepan
* Mixing bowls
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Pastry blender or food processor
* Rolling pin
* Pastry brush

**Instructions**

**Part 1: Making the Pie Crust**

1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. **Cut in the Butter:** Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be in pea-sized pieces.
3. **Add Ice Water:** Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Stop adding water when the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
4. **Form Dough into Disks:** Divide the dough in half. Gently form each half into a flat disk. Wrap each disk tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.

**Part 2: Preparing the Raisin Filling**

1. **Combine Raisins and Water:** In a large saucepan, combine the raisins and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. **Simmer the Raisins:** Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the raisins are plump and softened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
4. **Add Dry Ingredients to Raisins:** Gradually add the sugar mixture to the raisin mixture, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to cook over low heat until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
5. **Stir in Lemon Juice and Butter:** Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the lemon juice and butter. Let the filling cool slightly while you prepare the pie crust.

**Part 3: Assembling and Baking the Pie**

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. **Roll Out the Bottom Crust:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the pie crust disks into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the crust to the pie plate and gently press it into the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges.
3. **Add the Filling:** Pour the cooled raisin filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly.
4. **Roll Out the Top Crust:** Roll out the remaining pie crust disk into a 12-inch circle. Carefully place the crust over the filling. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal the top and bottom crusts together. Cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
5. **Prepare Egg Wash:** In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.
6. **Brush with Egg Wash:** Brush the top crust with the egg wash. This will give the pie a beautiful golden-brown color.
7. **Sprinkle with Sugar (Optional):** Sprinkle the top crust with granulated sugar for added sweetness and sparkle.
8. **Bake the Pie:** Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
9. **Cool Completely:** Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This will allow the filling to set properly.

Tips for Success

* **Prevent a Soggy Bottom:** To prevent a soggy bottom crust, you can blind bake the crust before adding the filling. To blind bake, line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, then remove the parchment paper and weights and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden brown. Let cool completely before adding the filling.
* **Protect the Crust Edges:** To prevent the crust edges from burning, you can cover them with foil or use a pie shield during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
* **Get Creative with the Top Crust:** Instead of a solid top crust, you can create a lattice crust for a more decorative look. Simply cut the dough into strips and weave them together over the filling.
* **Add Nuts:** For added flavor and texture, consider adding chopped nuts to the filling. Walnuts or pecans would be a delicious addition.
* **Serve with a Topping:** Raisin pie is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Variations on the Classic Raisin Pie

While the traditional recipe is delicious, there are many ways to customize raisin pie to suit your taste:

* **Apple Raisin Pie:** Add diced apples to the filling for a more complex flavor profile. Use about 2 cups of peeled and diced apples.
* **Cranberry Raisin Pie:** Substitute some of the raisins with dried cranberries for a tart and festive twist.
* **Spiced Rum Raisin Pie:** Soak the raisins in spiced rum before adding them to the filling for an extra kick of flavor.
* **Chocolate Raisin Pie:** Add chocolate chips or cocoa powder to the filling for a decadent chocolatey twist.
* **Vegan Raisin Pie:** Use a vegan pie crust recipe and substitute the butter in the filling with vegan butter or coconut oil. You can also use a plant-based milk alternative for the egg wash or omit it altogether.

Serving Suggestions

Old fashioned raisin pie is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in many ways:

* **Warm:** Serve warm, straight from the oven, for the ultimate comforting experience.
* **Cold:** Enjoy cold, as a refreshing treat on a warm day.
* **With Ice Cream:** A scoop of vanilla ice cream is the perfect complement to the warm, spiced flavors of the pie.
* **With Whipped Cream:** A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a touch of lightness and elegance.
* **With Coffee or Tea:** Raisin pie is a wonderful accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea.

Storage Instructions

* **Room Temperature:** Store leftover raisin pie at room temperature for up to 2 days. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or foil.
* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover raisin pie in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
* **Freezer:** For longer storage, you can freeze raisin pie. Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Conclusion

Old fashioned raisin pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a taste of history, a connection to family traditions, and a reminder of the simple pleasures in life. With its budget-friendly ingredients, easy preparation, and deeply satisfying flavor, this pie deserves a place in every baker’s repertoire. So, go ahead and give this recipe a try. You might just discover your new favorite pie, and create some cherished memories along the way. Happy baking!