Are you craving a pie that’s both comforting and surprisingly sophisticated? Look no further than this Sour Cream Raisin Pie! This recipe delivers a creamy, tangy filling perfectly balanced by the sweetness of plump raisins, all nestled in a flaky, buttery crust. It's the perfect homemade dessert for any occasion – from casual weeknight gatherings to special celebrations. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-make, yet undeniably delicious pie! This recipe is perfect for those looking for easy recipes, healthy meals (relatively!), or quick dinner ideas, even though it’s a dessert. It's a delicious dish that's sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- ¼ cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in the butter: Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes. This will prevent shrinkage during baking.
- Roll and bake: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent bubbling. You can optionally blind bake the crust for 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C) before adding the filling.
Making the Filling and Baking the Pie:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- Add wet ingredients: Add the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
- Stir in raisins: Gently stir in the raisins.
- Pour into crust: Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil.
- Cool: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This allows the filling to set properly.
Tips for the Best Sour Cream Raisin Pie:
- Use good quality ingredients: The flavor of this pie truly shines when you use high-quality ingredients.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing the crust dough will make it tough.
- Blind baking (optional): Blind baking the crust helps prevent a soggy bottom.
- Let it cool completely: Patience is key! Allowing the pie to cool completely ensures a firm, delicious filling.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom to the filling for an extra layer of warmth.
- Nutty delight: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for added texture and flavor.
- Citrus twist: Add the zest of one lemon or orange to the filling for a bright, citrusy note.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Approximately 18-22g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 45-50g
- Protein: Approximately 5-6g
This delicious sour cream raisin pie is a wonderful addition to your repertoire of homemade cooking. It's a comforting classic, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings. Enjoy!