Sweet and Tangy Amish Vinegar Pie Recipe
Are you looking for a recipe that will tantalize your taste buds with something uniquely Southern? Well, look no further than this Amish Vinegar Pie Recipe!
This delicious recipe dates back to the Great Depression era and is a cherished tradition in Southern Appalachian and Amish communities. It may sound bizarre, but if you’re a custard pie lover or chess pie enthusiast, then this is the recipe for you!
What’s even better is that you don’t need any secret ingredients to make this good pie. You just need the right mix of sugar, salt, eggs, butter, and apple cider vinegar combined in perfect proportions to make something sweet and memorable.
Trust me; once you’ve tasted this vinegar pie, you’ll never want another dessert again! So join me on this culinary adventure as I guide you through the steps to make one of the most flavorful pies that will leave your guests impressed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for something sweet but want to try something different from the usual, Amish Vinegar Pie is the recipe you need right now. Unless you’re from the Southern Appalachian or Amish like me, you’ve probably never heard of vinegar pie before. But let me tell you, this pie sounds much weirder than it actually tastes. It’s sweet and tangy, with a delicious custard-like texture that just melts in your mouth.
The secret to making a good pie is using the right ingredients. And this recipe has all the essentials you need: eggs, sugar, salt, butter, vinegar – apple cider vinegar and regular vinegar – flour, and warm water. What makes this recipe different from other pies is the addition of mace and ground allspice, which give it a unique twist that will make your taste buds jump with joy.
But what I love most about this Amish Vinegar Pie recipe is that it’s not your typical dessert. It’s a great conversation starter that will get people talking about their favorite childhood treats, making storytelling and reminiscing fun again. Plus, it’s super easy to make and requires only a handful of ingredients.
So if you’re looking for something sweet but want to try something different from the usual pie or cake, then make vinegar pie your next culinary adventure. Trust me; this recipe will soon become one of your favorites too!
Ingredient List
Before we dive into making this Amish Vinegar Pie, let’s take a look at what ingredients we’ll need. Although some of the ingredients may sound unusual, trust me when I say that they all work together to create a deliciously tangy and sweet dessert.
For the pie crust:
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 stick of butter (8 tablespoons, chilled and cubed)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
For the filling:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon mace
- 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick, melted and cooled)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
As you can see, this recipe requires quite a few different ingredients, but don’t let that intimidate you! Most of these items are likely already in your pantry or fridge. If not, a trip to your local grocery store should do the trick. Trust me when I say that each ingredient is essential to creating the perfect Amish Vinegar Pie.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have all our ingredients on hand, we can start baking our Amish Vinegar Pie. Don’t worry; you won’t need any fancy equipment or advanced kitchen skills to make this fantastic dessert!
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First off, preheat your oven to 350°F. This will ensure that your pie bakes evenly and produces a crispy crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Vinegar Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt until well combined.
Next, gradually stir in 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar and 1/2 cup of water until everything is smoothly mixed. Then, stir in 3 large eggs, 1 tablespoon of butter, and just a pinch of mace and ground allspice.
Finally, fold in about one tablespoon of flour—the mixture should be consistent.
Step 3: Pour the Filling into the Pie Crust
Pour the vinegar mixture into your prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly throughout the pastry shell using a spatula.
Step 4: Bake for 45-50 Minutes
Place the pie into the heated oven and bake for around 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is golden brown and firm (you can check this by inserting a toothpick into the center portion).
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once done, take the pie out of the oven and let it cool for some time—this should typically take around two hours (or longer if required). Transfer it onto a serving dish and slice it up.
If preferred, you can serve your Amish Vinegar Pie alongside vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. And there you have it—a delicious dessert that promises to fill your heart with warmth and delight!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you feeling adventurous? Or perhaps you want to tweak this classic recipe to suit your personal preferences? No worries, I’ve got you covered with some easy substitutions and variations.
First off, let’s talk about the type of vinegar used in the recipe. While traditional Amish Vinegar Pie calls for apple cider vinegar, you can experiment with other types such as white vinegar, balsamic vinegar or even honey vinegar for a sweet twist. Keep in mind that using different vinegar types may change the overall flavor profile of the pie.
If you are looking for a gluten-free version of this pie, swap out the flour in the recipe for cornstarch or another gluten-free flour of your choice. But if you’re wanting to go old-fashioned, go ahead and use all-purpose flour.
For a more custard-like texture, try adding an extra egg yolk and reducing the sugar by a tablespoon or two. Alternatively, you can also make this pie with just egg yolks instead of whole eggs to further enhance its custardy consistency.
If you’re not a fan of mace or allspice, feel free to substitute them with cinnamon, nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a seasonal flare. Adjust the amount according to your taste preference and remember that less is more.
In terms of serving suggestions and pairings, Amish Vinegar Pie can be served chilled or at room temperature with freshly whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on top. To take it to the next level, drizzle some extra apple cider vinegar on top along with caramel sauce for an irresistible sweet and tangy treat.
Last but not least if you have never heard of Chess Pie before then consider substituting apple cider vinegar for Honey Vinegar which will create Honey & Vinegar Pie – another family favorite!
Serving and Pairing
Picture this: a slice of warm, tangy Amish Vinegar Pie sitting on your plate with a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top. This dish is perfect for any occasion and will have your taste buds dancing with delight.
If you’re a fan of sweet and sour flavors, you’re going to love pairing this pie with some ice-cold apple cider. The combination of the tangy vinegar flavor and the sweetness of the apple cider will satisfy both your sweet tooth and your thirst.
For another great pairing option, try serving this pie alongside a piping hot cup of coffee. The rich and robust flavor of the coffee pairs perfectly with the tartness of the pie, creating a balance that is sure to delight your palate.
If you’re looking for something more savory to pair with the pie, try serving it alongside some crispy bacon or salty sausage links. The saltiness of the meat adds depth and contrast to the tartness of the pie, creating an unforgettable taste experience.
No matter how you choose to serve Amish Vinegar Pie, be sure to take a moment to savor each delicious bite. This dish is a true masterpiece, sure to impress anyone who tries it – so go ahead and show off your baking skills!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
You can easily make this Amish Vinegar Pie recipe ahead of time and store it in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to serve it. This pie can last up to three days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator.
To store this pie, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent the filling from drying out. When you’re ready to serve the pie, you can reheat it in the oven for a few minutes or microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds.
If you want to make this pie even further in advance, you can freeze it instead. After baking and cooling the pie, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing. This should keep the pie fresh for up to three months.
When you’re ready to serve the pie, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator for at least 12 hours before reheating. You can then reheat it as normal, following the instructions above.
Overall, this Amish Vinegar Pie recipe is versatile and perfect for those who like to prepare ahead of time. Whether you decide to store it at room temperature, in the refrigerator, or in the freezer, this pie is sure to taste just as delicious as when you first made it.
Tips for Perfect Results
Listen up, folks. If you’re looking to make the most delicious Amish Vinegar Pie of your life, then I’ve got some tips that will change the game for you.
Firstly, be sure to use apple cider vinegar instead of regular distilled vinegar. It adds a depth of flavor that really enhances the taste of the pie. Also, don’t skimp on the mace or allspice – a little goes a long way in adding a warm, spicy flavor to the filling.
When making your crust, try using butter or margarine instead of shortening. It gives the crust a richer taste and a beautiful golden color when baked to perfection. And speaking of crusts, be sure to chill your dough for at least an hour before rolling it out. This ensures that the butter is evenly distributed throughout and results in a flakier crust.
One common mistake that many bakers make when making any kind of pie is overworking their dough. Remember to handle it as little as possible, and don’t be afraid to leave some uneven edges – this adds character and won’t affect the taste at all.
Another tip for perfecting your vinegar pie is to use room temperature eggs and let them sit out for about 30 minutes before starting. This ensures they mix in smoothly with the sugar and other ingredients without leaving lumps or changing the structure of the filling.
Lastly, don’t be shy about adding a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream when serving your pie. It adds a creamy sweetness that balances perfectly with the tanginess of the filling.
Follow these tips, and I guarantee your Amish Vinegar Pie will come out better than you ever thought possible.
FAQ
Now that you have a good understanding of the amish vinegar pie recipe, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions that might come up while you’re preparing this delicious dessert. The following questions and answers will help you troubleshoot any problems and provide some additional tips for making the perfect amish vinegar pie every time. So, before you head to the kitchen, take a few moments to read through these commonly asked questions and answers.
What does vinegar do for pie crust?
When it comes to making a perfect pie crust, adding vinegar can make all the difference. Not only does it help to soften the crust, but it also prevents the gluten from developing, keeping the dough delicate and tender. Don’t worry about the taste though, as only a small amount is needed and it won’t affect the final flavor of your pie. This little-known trick is what separates a good crust from a great one. So, if you want to take your pie crust game to the next level, make sure to add a touch of vinegar.
What is the secret to a good pie crust?
Pie baking can be a delightful and satisfying experience, but only if you have the right tools and techniques. When it comes to pie baking, it’s all about the details. You need to pay attention to each step carefully to ensure that the final product turns out great. To enhance your pie-making skills, let’s explore some essential tips for baking the perfect pie.
Firstly, it’s crucial to have the right tools. You’ll need a good rolling pin, fork, pastry brush, mixing bowls, and pie pans to get started. If you have an automatic mixer or food processor, that’s great, but that’s not always necessary. Sometimes, just a good-old-fashioned mixing bowl and the gentle touch of your hands work best.
One of the keys to making a great pie crust is to cut in the butter until you see pea-sized clumps. It’s critical to have the butter well- chilled before starting, so it stays solid when you’re cutting it into the flour. The pea-sized clumps create pockets of steam during baking, which give the crust its flaky texture.
Another crucial ingredient to consider is the type of fat you use. When making a pie crust, choose lard over vegetable shortening. Lard has a higher melting point than other fats, which makes it ideal for creating a flaky crust.
When it’s time to add water to the mixture, make sure it’s ice-cold. Cold water slows down the gluten development, making the dough more tender. It’s also essential to add water in small increments and only enough to bring the dough together.
While mixing the dough, remember not to overmix. The dough should come together but have small visible pieces of butter. Overworking the dough will make it tough and less flaky.
To keep the dough cool, work as quickly as possible and keep your hands cold. If the dough becomes too warm or sticky, wrap it in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before continuing.
Next, choosing the right plate for the pie is critical. Glass, metal or ceramic are all great options, but make sure that the plate is not too shallow, and has a thin rim. A shallow or flimsy plate will not hold the filling and can break during baking.
When it comes to baking the pie, place the rack on the bottom of the oven. This helps the bottom crust cook fully and prevents the crust from becoming soggy.
By following these tips and taking care in each step of the process, you’ll be well on your way to developing a perfect pie crust each time you bake.
What is the secret to flaky pie crust?
When it comes to making pie crusts, using butter, shortening or lard all result in an equally light and tender final product. However, if you aim for a flakier crust, using all butter is the way to go. This is because butter has a higher water content. As it bakes, the butter melts and the water turns to steam, creating thin and crispy layers, also known as flakes.
Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar in pie crust?
For those enthusiastic to experiment with new baking techniques, I highly recommend trying out the following method. When combining the dough mixture and cold water, consider adding 1½ teaspoons of vinegar. Feel free to use any vinegar of your choosing, such as apple cider or red wine variety. Another option to consider is a splash of lemon juice for a subtle yet delicious hint of flavor. This technique is an ideal way to add a unique twist to your baking routine.
Bottom Line
Well, well, well! We have come to the end of this delightful journey. Thank you for joining me and allowing me to share this Amish Vinegar Pie Recipe with you.
As I stated earlier, this is an old fashioned pie recipe that has been passed down for generations. If you are a fan of something sweet and want to make vinegar pie, then this recipe is precisely what you need right now- unless you are from the Southern Appalachian or Amish origin who like really baking. You have probably heard of or tasted vinegar pie at some point, but this recipe 3 large eggs, sugar, salt, cornstarch, all-purpose flour, apple cider vinegar and vanilla extract is on another level.
The secret to a good pie lies in the ingredients and the crust. With this recipes’ 2 cups of granulated sugar, butter vinegar filling and perfectly baked crust made from flour, butter/margarine and apple cider vinegar. You will experience a taste that will keep you asking for more.
For those who have never tried amish vinegar pie before, I urge you to give it a whirl. It’s a unique dessert recipe that is sure to be popular with everyone who tries it. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors makes it stand out from other types of pies such as chess pies or custard pies.
In summary, if you want to impress your family and friends with a dessert that’s both delicious and unusual in equal measure – try making an amish vinegar pie! This recipe is easy to follow and yields fantastic results every time. So what are you waiting for? Head out now to gather your ingredients and get cooking!
Amish Vinegar Pie Recipe
Ingredients
PIE
- 3 large egg yolks
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon mace
- 1/4 cup cider vinegar
- 2 cups warm water
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 (9 inch) baked pie crusts
MERINGUE TOPPING
- 3 large egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cider vinegar
- 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
Instructions
- In the top of a double boiler, beat the egg yolks, well.
- Combine the flour, sugar, salt and spices and blend into the egg yolks.
- Add the vinegar and mix and then add the warm water.
- Simmer over boiling water for 25 minutes or until the mixture is thickened — the water should just reach the bottom of the top pan.
- Stir in the butter and cool slightly, about 15-20 minutes, without stirring.
- Pour the warm filling into the baked shell.set aside to cool.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the egg whites, salt and vinegar until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add the sugar, 1 tbsp at a time, continue beating until stiff peaks form.
- Sprinkle in the cornstarch just before the beating is completed. The peaks should not topple over when the beater is raised.
- Spread the meringue over the filling all the way to the edge of the pastry.
- Bake for 5-8 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown.
- Cool the pie completely and then refrigerate.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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by Chef Chloe
Chloe is passionate about creating unique dishes that draw on the flavors of her favorite cultures. She loves experimenting with new ingredients and pushing the boundaries of traditional recipes. Her enthusiasm for cooking is infectious, and she is always eager to share her creations with friends and family.