Easy & Delicious Sour Cream Raisin Pie: A Simple Recipe for a Classic Treat

Sour cream raisin pie. The name itself evokes images of cozy kitchens, comforting aromas, and the sweet nostalgia of generations past. While it might sound intimidating, this classic dessert is surprisingly easy to make. This recipe provides a foolproof guide to creating a perfectly balanced sour cream raisin pie that will impress your family and friends. Get ready to bake a pie that’s creamy, tangy, sweet, and utterly irresistible!

## Why You’ll Love This Sour Cream Raisin Pie Recipe

* **Simple Ingredients:** You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry and refrigerator.
* **Easy to Make:** The steps are straightforward and don’t require any special baking skills.
* **Classic Flavor:** This pie boasts the perfect combination of tart sour cream, sweet raisins, and warm spices.
* **Impressive Dessert:** Despite its simplicity, it looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
* **Versatile:** Enjoy it warm, cold, or at room temperature. It’s perfect for any occasion.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather these ingredients. The quantities are carefully measured to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

**For the Pie Crust:**

* 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
* 1/4 cup cold vegetable shortening, cut into small pieces
* 4-6 tablespoons ice water

Alternatively, you can use a store-bought pie crust to save time. A 9-inch pre-made crust works perfectly.

**For the Sour Cream Raisin Filling:**

* 1 1/2 cups sour cream (full-fat recommended for the best texture)
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional, but adds a warm depth of flavor)
* 2 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup raisins
* 1 tablespoon melted butter

## Equipment You’ll Need

* 9-inch pie plate
* Mixing bowls (various sizes)
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Pastry blender or food processor (for making the pie crust)
* Rolling pin (if making homemade crust)
* Whisk
* Spatula
* Aluminum foil (for shielding the crust if needed)

## Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Sour Cream Raisin Pie

Now, let’s get baking! Follow these detailed instructions carefully for a guaranteed delicious result.

### Part 1: Making the Pie Crust (Homemade or Store-Bought)

**Option 1: Homemade Pie Crust**

1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. **Cut in the Fat:** Add the cold butter and shortening to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the fat into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You should still see small pieces of butter and shortening, which will create flaky layers in the crust.
3. **Add Ice Water:** Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Add just enough water until the dough comes together into a ball. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this will result in a tough crust.
4. **Shape and Chill:** Flatten the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out.
5. **Roll Out the Dough:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to create a decorative border.

**Option 2: Using a Store-Bought Pie Crust**

1. **Prepare the Crust:** If using a frozen pie crust, let it thaw according to the package instructions.
2. **Place in Pie Plate:** Carefully unroll the crust and place it into the 9-inch pie plate. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges.

### Part 2: Preparing the Sour Cream Raisin Filling

1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, sugar, flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves (if using).
2. **Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla:** Add the beaten egg yolks and vanilla extract to the sour cream mixture. Whisk until well combined.
3. **Stir in Raisins:** Gently fold in the raisins until they are evenly distributed throughout the filling.
4. **Pour into Pie Crust:** Pour the sour cream raisin filling into the prepared pie crust.
5. **Dot with Butter:** Dot the top of the filling with the melted butter. This will add richness and help the top brown beautifully.

### Part 3: Baking the Sour Cream Raisin Pie

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. **Bake:** Bake the pie for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can cover the edges with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
3. **Cool:** Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set properly.

## Tips for the Best Sour Cream Raisin Pie

* **Use Cold Ingredients:** When making the pie crust, using cold butter, shortening, and ice water is crucial for creating a flaky crust. The cold fat will create steam as it bakes, resulting in light and airy layers.
* **Don’t Overmix the Dough:** Overmixing the pie dough will develop the gluten, resulting in a tough crust. Mix the dough just until it comes together, and then chill it for at least 30 minutes.
* **Use Full-Fat Sour Cream:** Full-fat sour cream will give the filling a richer, creamier texture. Low-fat or non-fat sour cream may result in a thinner filling.
* **Soak the Raisins (Optional):** For extra plump and juicy raisins, you can soak them in hot water or rum for about 30 minutes before adding them to the filling. Drain them well before using.
* **Prevent a Soggy Crust:** To prevent a soggy crust, you can brush the bottom of the crust with a beaten egg white before adding the filling. This will create a barrier that prevents the filling from soaking into the crust.
* **Shield the Crust:** If the crust starts to brown too quickly during baking, cover the edges with strips of aluminum foil. This will protect the crust from burning while the filling continues to bake.
* **Cool Completely:** Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing and serving. This will allow the filling to set properly and prevent it from being runny.
* **Check for Doneness:** The filling is done when it is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. It will continue to set as it cools. You can also insert a knife into the center of the pie; if it comes out clean, the pie is done.

## Variations and Adaptations

This sour cream raisin pie recipe is delicious as is, but you can also customize it to your liking with these variations:

* **Add Nuts:** Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a nutty crunch.
* **Use Different Spices:** Experiment with different spices, such as cardamom, ginger, or allspice, to create a unique flavor profile.
* **Add Citrus Zest:** Add the zest of one lemon or orange to the filling for a bright, citrusy flavor.
* **Use Different Raisins:** Try using golden raisins, currants, or a mixture of different types of raisins.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use a gluten-free pie crust and gluten-free flour in the filling to make this pie gluten-free.
* **Add a Streusel Topping:** For a crunchy topping, sprinkle the pie with a streusel topping made from flour, butter, sugar, and nuts before baking.
* **Bourbon Soaked Raisins:** Soak the raisins in bourbon for a richer, deeper flavor.
* **Maple Syrup:** Substitute some of the granulated sugar with maple syrup for a more complex sweetness.
* **Chocolate Chips:** Add a handful of mini chocolate chips for a delightful chocolatey twist.

## Serving Suggestions

Sour cream raisin pie is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dessert:

* **Whipped Cream:** Serve with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a light and airy topping.
* **Vanilla Ice Cream:** A scoop of vanilla ice cream is the perfect complement to the tangy and sweet flavors of the pie.
* **Caramel Sauce:** Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness and richness.
* **Cinnamon:** Sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon for a warm and aromatic finish.
* **Coffee or Tea:** Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy and comforting treat.

## Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

* **Make Ahead:** You can make the pie crust and filling ahead of time. The pie crust can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The filling can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the pie just before serving.
* **Storage:** Leftover pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out.
* **Freezing:** You can freeze the baked pie for up to 2 months. Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw the pie in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 350-450 per slice (depending on ingredients and serving size)
* Fat: 15-25 grams per slice
* Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams per slice
* Protein: 4-6 grams per slice

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.*

## Sour Cream Raisin Pie Recipe Card

**Yields:** 8 servings
**Prep time:** 30 minutes
**Cook time:** 50-60 minutes

**Ingredients:**

**Pie Crust:**

* 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
* 1/4 cup cold vegetable shortening, cut into small pieces
* 4-6 tablespoons ice water

**Filling:**

* 1 1/2 cups sour cream
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
* 2 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup raisins
* 1 tablespoon melted butter

**Instructions:**

**Pie Crust:**

1. Combine flour and salt in a bowl.
2. Cut in butter and shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add ice water gradually until dough comes together.
4. Flatten into a disc, wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
5. Roll out and place in a 9-inch pie plate. Crimp edges.

**Filling:**

1. Whisk together sour cream, sugar, flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves (if using).
2. Add egg yolks and vanilla. Whisk well.
3. Fold in raisins.
4. Pour into pie crust. Dot with melted butter.

**Baking:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until filling is set and crust is golden brown. Shield crust if needed.
3. Cool completely before serving.

## Conclusion

This easy sour cream raisin pie recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a classic dessert. With its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can create a perfectly balanced and utterly irresistible pie that will impress everyone. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a comforting treat, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of sour cream raisin pie!
Enjoy!