Old Fashioned Raisin Pie Recipe
Introduction
Old Fashioned Raisin Pie is a comforting, nostalgic dessert that brings together sweet, tender raisins in a perfectly spiced, thickened filling. Wrapped in a flaky double crust, this pie is a timeless treat that’s both simple to make and deeply satisfying.

Ingredients
- 3 cups raisins
- 3 cups water
- ¾ cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 teaspoons vinegar
- 1½ tablespoons butter
- Pie crust pastry for double crust
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425℉ (220℃) to get it ready while you prepare the filling.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine the raisins and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, allowing it to cook for 5 minutes.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and salt. Stir this mixture into the boiling raisin water. Continue cooking and stirring until the filling thickens, about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Step 4: Add the vinegar and butter to the filling and stir well to combine. Let the filling cool for about 15 minutes to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
- Step 5: Roll out and place the bottom crust in a 9-inch deep dish pie plate. Spoon the cooled filling into the crust. Cover with the top crust, crimp the edges to seal, and cut vent holes to allow steam to escape.
- Step 6: Bake the pie for 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Watch the edges closely and cover with foil if they start to brown too much.
- Step 7: Allow the pie to cool for at least one hour before slicing to let the filling set properly. Serve and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor depth, soak the raisins in a splash of rum or brandy for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use a mix of golden and dark raisins for a richer color and more complex sweetness.
- If you prefer a less sweet pie, reduce the brown sugar by a quarter cup.
- Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves for additional warm spices.
Storage
Store leftover pie covered loosely with foil or plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm individual slices gently in the microwave or in a low oven until just heated through.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the pie a few hours ahead, then cover and refrigerate before baking. Bring the pie to room temperature before baking for more even cooking.
What can I use if I don’t have cornstarch?
You can substitute cornstarch with an equal amount of flour, but the filling may be slightly less translucent and a bit thicker.
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Old Fashioned Raisin Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Old Fashioned Raisin Pie is a classic dessert featuring a rich, spiced raisin filling thickened with cornstarch and balanced with a hint of vinegar and butter, all encased in a flaky double crust. Perfectly baked to a golden brown, this comforting pie offers a nostalgic taste of homemade warmth and sweetness.
Ingredients
Filling Ingredients
- 3 cups raisins
- 3 cups water
- ¾ cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 teaspoons vinegar
- 1½ tablespoons butter
Pie Crust
- Pie crust pastry for double crust (enough for top and bottom crusts)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the pie.
- Cook the raisins: Combine the raisins and water in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat and let it boil for 5 minutes to soften the raisins and infuse the water flavor.
- Prepare and incorporate thickener and spices: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, and salt. Add this mixture to the boiling raisin mixture. Continue cooking and stirring until the filling thickens, which should take about 1 to 2 minutes. Then remove the pan from the heat.
- Add vinegar and butter: Stir in the vinegar and butter to the thickened filling until fully incorporated. Allow the filling to cool for about 15 minutes to ensure it sets slightly before assembling the pie.
- Assemble the pie: Place the bottom pie crust into a 9-inch deep dish pie plate. Spoon the cooled raisin filling evenly over the crust. Cover with the top crust, crimping the edges to seal, and cut vent holes in the top to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake the pie: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Monitor the edges closely, and cover them with foil if they begin to brown too quickly.
- Cool before serving: Let the pie cool for at least 1 hour after baking to allow the filling to set properly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure to cool the filling before assembling the pie to prevent the crust from getting soggy.
- Cover the edges of the crust with foil if they brown too fast during baking to avoid burning.
- The vinegar adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the raisins.
- This pie is best served at room temperature or slightly warm.
- For a deeper flavor, consider soaking the raisins overnight beforehand.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Old Fashioned Raisin Pie, Raisin Pie, Classic Pie, Homemade Pie, Dessert Pie, Raisin Dessert, Fall Pie Recipe

