Introduction
Old Fashioned Raisin Pie is a nostalgic dessert that reflects a time when simple pantry ingredients were transformed into deeply satisfying treats. Often called a “funeral pie” or “poor man’s pie,” this classic recipe relies on raisins, sugar, and spice rather than fresh fruit, yet delivers remarkable warmth and flavor. I first encountered this pie through a handwritten family recipe, and one bite instantly explained why it has endured for generations. The filling is gently spiced, sweet but not cloying, and thickened to a soft, jam-like consistency that pairs beautifully with a flaky crust. What makes this pie special is its simplicity and history. It is comforting, economical, and surprisingly elegant when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Whether you grew up with raisin pie or are discovering it for the first time, this recipe offers a timeless dessert that feels both humble and deeply satisfying.
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Old Fashioned Raisin Pie That Brings Back Classic Comfort
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Old Fashioned Raisin Pie is a classic homestyle dessert featuring a sweet, spiced raisin filling cooked until thick and tucked inside a flaky pie crust, just like grandma used to make.
Ingredients
- 1 double pie crust (top and bottom)
- 2 cups raisins
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a saucepan, combine raisins and water. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Stir sugar mixture into the raisin mixture and cook until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and butter.
- Pour filling into prepared bottom pie crust.
- Cover with top crust, seal edges, and cut slits for steam.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes until crust is golden brown.
- Cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Let pie cool fully to allow filling to set.
- Can be made a day ahead.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pie is rich in tradition, easy to prepare, and made with basic ingredients. It delivers cozy spice flavor, a smooth filling, and a flaky crust, making it perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or quiet evenings at home.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Raisins are the heart of the pie, providing natural sweetness and chewy texture once simmered.
Granulated sugar sweetens the filling and balances the natural tang of the raisins.
All-purpose flour thickens the filling, creating a smooth, sliceable consistency.
Butter adds richness and rounds out the sweetness of the filling.
Lemon juice brightens the flavor and prevents the pie from tasting overly sweet.
Ground cinnamon provides warmth and classic spice.
Ground nutmeg adds subtle depth and aromatic richness.
Salt enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
Water is used to plump the raisins and create the base of the filling.
Pie crust forms the flaky shell that holds the filling together, either homemade or store-bought.
Directions
Begin by preheating the oven to 190°C. In a saucepan, combine raisins and water and simmer until the raisins are plump and tender. In a separate bowl, mix sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir this mixture into the simmering raisins and cook gently until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in butter and lemon juice until smooth. Pour the filling into a prepared pie crust and cover with a top crust or lattice if desired. Seal and crimp the edges, then cut small vents in the top. Bake until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly. Allow the pie to cool slightly before slicing.
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 eight people. Preparation takes about 20 minutes, with a baking time of approximately 40 minutes, making the total time around 60 minutes.
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
Old Fashioned Raisin Pie can be adapted while preserving its traditional charm. I have added a small amount of orange zest for a brighter citrus note that complements the raisins beautifully. Some versions include chopped walnuts for added texture. You can also adjust the spice blend by adding a pinch of cloves or allspice for deeper warmth. For a lighter sweetness, reduce the sugar slightly and let the raisins shine. A lattice crust adds visual appeal while keeping the filling from becoming overly thick during baking.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This pie is naturally fruit-based and lower in fat than many cream desserts, though it still contains sugar and butter. Raisins provide fiber and minerals, making this a satisfying dessert in modest portions.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Plump raisins
Simmer raisins fully so the filling is tender, not chewy.
Smooth filling
Stir constantly once thickening begins to avoid lumps.
Golden crust
Shield edges if browning too quickly during baking.
FAQs
What does raisin pie taste like?
It is sweet, lightly spiced, and similar to fruit preserves in pie form.
Is this pie very sweet?
It is balanced with spice and citrus, not overly sweet.
Can I use golden raisins?
Yes, they create a lighter-colored filling with similar flavor.
Does this pie need refrigeration?
Only after two days or in warm environments.
Can I freeze raisin pie?
Yes, freeze baked pie tightly wrapped for up to one month.
Why add lemon juice?
It balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
Is this a traditional recipe?
Yes, it dates back generations in American home cooking.
Can I make it with a lattice crust?
Yes, lattice works very well.
Does the filling set firmly?
Yes, once cooled, it slices cleanly.
What should I serve with it?
Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream pairs perfectly.
Conclusion
Old Fashioned Raisin Pie is a timeless dessert that proves simple ingredients can create deeply comforting results. With its spiced filling, flaky crust, and rich history, this pie is a beautiful reminder of traditional home baking and deserves a place on modern tables just as much as it did generations ago.
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