Grandma Mary'S Raisin Pie
A nostalgic raisin pie featuring sweet dark syrup and fresh raisins, with a flaky crust, perfect for comforting dessert gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, salt, water, syrup, and raisins.
- Cook and stir until the mixture is bubbly.
- Cook for 2 minutes more, then remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and margarine.
- Pour the filling into a pastry-lined pie plate; the filling will be thin.
- Cover with the top crust.
- Bake at 425°F for 10 minutes, then reduce temperature to 375°F and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your raisin pie, consider soaking the raisins in warm water or dark rum for about 30 minutes before using them. If you don't have dark syrup, you can substitute with molasses or a mix of light corn syrup and brown sugar. For a vegan version, use a plant-based margarine and confirm that your pie crust is vegan-friendly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm or at room temperature, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat. This pie pairs beautifully with Derby Mint Juleps, making it a delightful dessert for gatherings. For a contrasting side, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad like Mom's Easy Salad for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover raisin pie should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it can last for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F and warm the pie for about 15-20 minutes to maintain the crust's texture. Alternatively, you can microwave individual slices for about 30-60 seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Mary'S Raisin Pie contains roughly 252 calories, with 1g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1071mg per serving (47% of the Daily Value).
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 different types of sweeteners in this pie?
Yes, you can experiment with different sweeteners like honey or agave syrup. Just keep in mind that the flavor and sweetness level may vary. If using a liquid sweetener, you may need to adjust the amount of water in the recipe.
Is it possible to make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days before assembling the pie. Alternatively, you can bake the pie in advance and refrigerate it. Just reheat it in the oven before serving to regain the pie crust's crispness.
What can I do if my pie crust shrinks while baking?
If your pie crust shrinks, it may be due to overworking the dough or not allowing it to rest. To prevent this, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out, and be careful not to stretch the dough too much when placing it in the pie dish.
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).