Brandy Raisin-Apple Pie
A flavorful apple pie with raisins soaked in brandy, accented with cinnamon and brown sugar, perfect for special occasions or cozy family desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine raisins and brandy, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
- Drain raisins and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Peel, core, and slice the apples.
- In a large bowl, mix sugar, brown sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon.
- Add apple slices to the sugar mixture and toss to coat.
- Line a 9-inch pie plate with one crust.
- Fill the crust with the apple mixture.
- Sprinkle butter in small pieces over the filling.
- Cover with the second crust and seal the edges.
- Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let the pie cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider using a mix of apples; Honeycrisp or Braeburn can complement Granny Smith nicely. If you don’t have brandy, apple juice or even water can work as a substitute for soaking the raisins. To prevent a soggy bottom crust, ensure the apples are well-coated with the sugar mixture before filling the pie. Consider serving with a scoop of Butter Pecan Ice Cream.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs well with this pie, enhancing its richness. For a festive touch, consider serving with a side of Lemonade Cheesecake for a delightful dessert duo.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture. It can last for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through, keeping the crust crisp.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brandy Raisin-Apple Pie contains roughly 337 calories, with 5g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value), iron (11% of the Daily Value), and protein (10% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of apples for this pie?
Yes, while Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness, you can mix in other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for added sweetness and flavor complexity. Just ensure they hold up well during baking.
How do I prevent my pie crust from burning?
To prevent the crust from burning, you can cover the edges with aluminum foil after 20-25 minutes of baking. This will protect them while allowing the filling to cook thoroughly and the top to brown nicely.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pie a day in advance, refrigerate it unbaked, and then bake it just before serving. This way, the flavors have time to meld, and it will be fresh when you serve it.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).