Grandma’s Sour Cream Raisin Pie IV: A Timeless Classic

Sour cream raisin pie. The name alone evokes images of cozy kitchens, comforting aromas, and cherished family traditions. This isn’t just a pie; it’s a memory, a hug in dessert form, a slice of nostalgia that transports you back to simpler times. And while there might be countless variations out there, this particular rendition – Sour Cream Raisin Pie IV – is a recipe worth holding onto. It’s the kind of recipe passed down through generations, tweaked and perfected over time, resulting in a creamy, tangy, and utterly irresistible masterpiece. Get ready to bake a pie that will become a family favorite!

Why Sour Cream Raisin Pie?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why this pie deserves a place on your dessert table. Sour cream raisin pie offers a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from other fruit-based pies. The sour cream provides a delightful tanginess that balances the sweetness of the raisins and sugar, preventing the pie from becoming cloyingly sweet. This tang is key to the pie’s appeal, adding a depth of flavor that keeps you coming back for more. The raisins, plump and juicy, offer a textural contrast to the smooth and creamy filling. They contribute sweetness and a subtle chewiness that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

Furthermore, sour cream raisin pie is surprisingly easy to make. While it may seem intimidating at first, the recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any complicated techniques. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can create a pie that will impress your family and friends. It’s a perfect dessert for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to special holiday gatherings.

Finally, let’s not forget the history and tradition associated with this pie. Sour cream raisin pie is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. It’s a reminder of simpler times and a way to connect with our culinary heritage. Baking this pie is not just about making a dessert; it’s about preserving a piece of history and sharing it with those we love.

The Secret to a Perfect Sour Cream Raisin Pie IV

Every great recipe has its secrets, and Sour Cream Raisin Pie IV is no exception. Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure your pie turns out perfectly every time:

* **The Crust is Key:** You can use a store-bought pie crust to save time, but for the best results, make your own. A homemade pie crust adds a flaky and buttery flavor that elevates the entire pie. Use a reliable recipe and don’t overwork the dough. Overworking the dough will result in a tough crust. Blind bake the crust before adding the filling to prevent a soggy bottom.
* **Quality Ingredients Matter:** Use the best quality sour cream you can find. Full-fat sour cream will provide the richest and creamiest filling. Similarly, choose plump and juicy raisins for the best flavor and texture. Look for raisins that are soft and moist, rather than dry and shriveled.
* **Don’t Skimp on the Spices:** A blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves adds depth and complexity to the filling. Adjust the amount of spices to your liking, but don’t be afraid to experiment. A pinch of allspice can also add a nice touch.
* **Cook the Filling Properly:** Cooking the filling on the stovetop before baking helps to thicken it and prevent it from being too runny. Make sure to cook the filling over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Be careful not to scorch the filling.
* **Let the Pie Cool Completely:** This is crucial for allowing the filling to set properly. Resist the urge to cut into the pie while it’s still warm. Let it cool completely at room temperature, and then chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

Sour Cream Raisin Pie IV Recipe

Now, let’s get to the recipe! This recipe is for a 9-inch pie.

**Ingredients:**

* **For the Crust:**
* 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* ½ teaspoon salt
* ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
* ¼ cup cold shortening, cut into cubes
* 5-7 tablespoons ice water

* **For the Filling:**
* 1 ½ cups sour cream (full-fat recommended)
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* ¼ cup all-purpose flour
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
* ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
* 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 ½ cups raisins
* 2 tablespoons butter

**Instructions:**

**Part 1: Making the Pie Crust (or use a store-bought crust)**

1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large 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 fingers to cut the fat into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter pieces should be about the size of peas.
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 the Dough:** Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and prevents the crust from shrinking during baking.
5. **Roll Out the Dough:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Gently transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges of the crust.
6. **Blind Bake the Crust:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line the pie crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove the parchment paper and pie weights and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden brown. Let cool completely.

**Part 2: Making the Sour Cream Raisin Filling**

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a medium saucepan, combine the sour cream, sugar, flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Whisk until smooth.
2. **Cook the Filling:** Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to scorch the filling.
3. **Temper the Eggs:** In a small bowl, whisk the beaten eggs. Gradually whisk a small amount of the hot filling into the eggs to temper them (this prevents the eggs from scrambling when added to the hot filling). Then, pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan and whisk to combine.
4. **Add Vanilla and Raisins:** Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and raisins.
5. **Add butter:** Stir in the butter and mix until it melts and everything is combined.

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

1. **Pour Filling into Crust:** Pour the sour cream raisin filling into the pre-baked pie crust.
2. **Bake the Pie:** Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. The center of the pie may still jiggle slightly, but it will set as it cools.
3. **Cool Completely:** Let the pie cool completely at room temperature, and then chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the filling to set properly.
4. **Serve and Enjoy:** Serve the pie chilled. You can garnish it with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired.

Variations and Substitutions

* **Add Nuts:** For added texture and flavor, add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling along with the raisins.
* **Use Different Spices:** Experiment with different spices to create your own unique flavor profile. Try adding a pinch of allspice, ginger, or cardamom.
* **Substitute Raisins:** If you’re not a fan of raisins, you can substitute them with other dried fruits, such as dried cranberries, cherries, or apricots. Chop the dried fruit into small pieces before adding it to the filling.
* **Make a Streusel Topping:** For a crunchy topping, make a streusel by combining flour, butter, sugar, and nuts. Sprinkle the streusel over the pie before baking.
* **Use a Graham Cracker Crust:** For a different crust option, use a graham cracker crust. This will add a sweet and crumbly texture to the pie.
* **Lemon Zest:** Add the zest of one lemon to the filling for a brighter, citrusy flavor.
* **Bourbon or Rum Soaked Raisins:** Soak the raisins in bourbon or rum for an hour or two before adding them to the filling. This will add a boozy kick to the pie.

Tips for Success

* **Keep Ingredients Cold:** Cold ingredients are essential for a flaky pie crust. Make sure the butter, shortening, and water are all ice cold before using them.
* **Don’t Overmix the Dough:** Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten and result in a tough crust. Mix the dough just until it comes together.
* **Blind Bake the Crust Properly:** Blind baking the crust prevents it from becoming soggy. Make sure to use pie weights or dried beans to weigh down the crust during baking.
* **Cool Completely:** Cooling the pie completely allows the filling to set properly. Be patient and don’t cut into the pie until it has cooled completely.
* **Store Properly:** Store leftover pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out.

Serving Suggestions

Sour cream raisin pie is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with a variety of accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Whipped Cream:** A dollop of whipped cream is a classic topping for sour cream raisin pie. The creamy texture of the whipped cream complements the tangy filling perfectly.
* **Ice Cream:** A scoop of vanilla ice cream is another great topping option. The cold ice cream contrasts nicely with the warm pie.
* **Caramel Sauce:** Drizzle caramel sauce over the pie for an extra touch of sweetness.
* **Cinnamon Sugar:** Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the pie for a warm and spicy flavor.
* **Fresh Fruit:** Serve the pie with fresh berries or other seasonal fruit.
* **Coffee or Tea:** Pair the pie with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy and comforting treat.

Sour Cream Raisin Pie IV: A Recipe for Memories

Sour Cream Raisin Pie IV is more than just a dessert; it’s a recipe for memories. It’s a pie that will bring people together, spark conversations, and create lasting impressions. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a pie that will become a cherished family tradition. This isn’t just baking; it’s creating moments, one slice at a time.

Enjoy!