Easy Raisin Pie (Rosina Pie, “Funeral Pie”) Recipe
Don’t you just love the smell of freshly baked pie in the oven? There’s something about it that evokes a sense of warmth and comfort. Today, I want to share with you a recipe that has been enjoyed for many years at funeral gatherings and potlucks: Raisin Pie, also known as Rosina Pie or Funeral Pie.
This pie has its roots in the Pennsylvania Dutch community and is often served as a part of the Amish funeral meal prepared following a loved one’s passing. But don’t let the name fool you – this pie can be enjoyed on any occasion, not just at funerals. In fact, it’s a staple dessert in many Amish households and continues to be loved by people all over.
The black filling bursting with plump raisins, enveloped in a flaky crust, is simply irresistible. It’s a delight to indulge in every bite – sweet but not overly so, and perfectly balanced with just the right hint of tartness from the lemon juice and rind.
So, whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking for a scrumptious dessert to make for your family, I highly recommend trying this recipe. It might just become your new family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Have you ever tried a pie that tastes so good it almost feels like a warm hug on a chilly day? If not, then this raisin pie recipe is a must-try for you. Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it’s also rich in history and cultural significance.
Also known as Rosina Pie or Funeral Pie, this recipe has been passed down for generations in Pennsylvania Dutch communities. It was traditionally served as part of the meal prepared following a funeral, hence the name Funeral Pie. But don’t let the name fool you – this pie is perfect for any occasion!
What makes this pie so special is its unique combination of sweet raisins, tangy lemon juice and zest, and a dash of salt to balance out the flavors. The filling is made by combining two cups of water with raisins, sugar, flour mixed together, and salt. It’s then baked into a flaky crust until the filling turns into a beautiful black color – this is how you know when it’s ready to be devoured.
In addition to its delicious flavor profile and historical significance, another reason why you’ll love this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily substitute ingredients based on your taste preferences or dietary needs. For example, if you’re looking for a dairy-free option, feel free to use a non-dairy alternative like soy milk instead of regular milk. Or if you want to add some nuts to your pie for some crunch, try sprinkling some chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the filling before baking.
Overall, this raisin pie recipe has everything you could ask for: great taste, cultural significance, flexibility in ingredients, and simple yet satisfying preparation process – what’s not to love? So gather up your ingredients and start baking – I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
Ingredient List
Ingredients for a Delicious Pie
To make a mouth-watering Raisin Pie (also known as Rosina Pie or Funeral Pie), we need only a few simple ingredients that can be found in almost any pantry: flour, sugar, water, raisins, salt, egg and lemon juice. Yes, lemon juice! This type of pie has an interesting flavor combination with the tartness of the lemons balancing out the sweetness of the raisins.
Here’s what you will need to make this classic dish:
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups raisins
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Rind of 1/2 a lemon
These ingredients are enough to make one 9-inch pie. You can easily double the recipe if you want to make two pies for larger gatherings. Make sure that you have all your ingredients at room temperature to ensure that they blend together effectively.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have gathered all the ingredients listed above, it’s time to start making your raisin pie. Follow these step-by-step instructions and you’ll have a delicious dessert in no time!
Steps:
- First, make your pie crust, which will serve as the foundation for your raisin filling. Combine 2 cups of flour and 1 teaspoon of salt in a mixing bowl. Next, cut in ⅔ cup of shortening with a pastry blender or fork until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Finally, add up to 6 tablespoons of cold water (one tablespoon at a time) until the dough forms a ball.
- Roll out your pie crust and line a 9-inch pie plate with it, trimming off any excess dough.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a saucepan, combine 2 cups of water and 2 cups of raisins over medium heat until the raisins are plump and tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain any remaining water from the saucepan and add in 1 cup of sugar, ⅓ cup of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of salt, and grated rind and juice from half a lemon.
- Over medium heat, cook this mixture until thickened and bubbly – stirring constantly – for about 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, lightly beat two eggs before adding them into the sugar-raisin mixture.
- Pour the filling into the pastry-lined pie plate.
- Bake in preheated oven for about 10 minutes then reduce heat to 350°F (175°C) for about an additional 40 to 50 minutes or until the filling is set.
- Let it cool completely before serving.
Once you’ve mastered this recipe, you can experiment with other types of fruit fillings or even add nuts like walnut or pecans for extra texture.
Pro Tips:
- Make sure all dairy products are at room temperature before using them in this recipe.
- To get that classic black filling, use dark raisins instead of golden ones.
- If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, substitute wheat flour with coconut or almond flour instead.
- This raisin pie is great served warm with vanilla ice cream on top or alongside a hot cup of coffee – it’s also known as Rosina Pie or Funeral Pie because it is often served at Amish funerals following meals prepared by loved ones.
So there you have it – my favorite recipe for raisin pie! Enjoy making this delicious dessert that has been passed down through many generations of Pennsylvania Dutch families as well as Amish Old Order communities.
Substitutions and Variations
Raisin pie is a versatile dessert that can be adjusted to fit your personal preferences. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations:
– Instead of using regular raisins, try using golden raisins or chopped dates for a different flavor and texture.
– For a more citrusy twist, add lemon juice or lemon zest to the filling mixture.
– If you prefer a sweeter pie, increase the amount of sugar in the filling mixture by 1/4 cup or more.
– To make this recipe vegan, substitute eggs with a vegan egg replacement product and use a vegan pie crust.
– For those who are gluten-free, you can use an alternative flour such as almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour in the recipe. Additionally, be sure to use a gluten-free pie crust.
– If you’re looking for an extra-special addition, top the pie with whipped cream or serve it with vanilla ice cream.
– You can also experiment with spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to add more complexity to the filling.
Remember, these are just suggestions – feel free to get creative and make the recipe your own!
Serving and Pairing
Once your raisin pie has finished baking to a golden brown, it’s time to serve and enjoy! This pie is the perfect dessert for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a larger gathering. The raisins lend a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with a variety of different spirits and beverages.
I recommend serving this pie warm, either on its own or topped with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Another great option is to pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a symphony of flavors and textures.
If you’re feeling extra adventurous, try pairing your raisin pie with an aged port wine or sherry. These fortified wines have enough body and complexity to stand up to the sweet, rich flavor of the pie and create the ultimate dessert experience.
No matter how you choose to serve and pair your raisin pie, one thing is certain – it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you bake this scrumptious raisin pie, you may be wondering how best to store and reheat it, especially if you want to prepare it ahead of time for a special event or meal. Luckily, this pie is surprisingly easy to store and reheat.
Firstly, once the pie has baked, give it plenty of time for cooling before you attempt any further moves. You don’t want to put the pie in storage while it’s still hot. After it has completely cooled off, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it inside a refrigerator. It can last in the fridge from three to four days when stored correctly.
If you’re planning on making the pie ahead of time, pre-bake the crust and make the filling but hold off baking until closer to serving. Once ready, bring the pie to room temperature or pop it in the oven for 10 minutes at 375°F a few hours earlier if you prefer your pies served warm.
When it comes to reheating the raisin pie, you can either heat individual slices in a microwave or reheat the entire thing in an oven. However, keep in mind that microwaving may cause some sogginess or uneven heating compared to reheating in an oven. If using an oven, preheat the oven to 375F degrees and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
Raisin pie also freezes well once baked! Wrap tightly with aluminum foil once cooled and place in a freezer bag before putting into your freezer where it can stay for up to 2 months. To thaw out then later use, wrap again in foil without removing it from the wrapper before letting it come back down to room temperature at least one day before use.
By following these simple instructions on storing and reheating your raisin pie, your dessert will regain its texture and fantastic flavor each time!
Tips for Perfect Results
To make sure your homemade raisin pie turns out perfect every time, follow these helpful tips:
First of all, be sure to use room temperature dairy products. Using milk, cream cheese or butter straight from the refrigerator can cause the dough to become tough or crumbly. Allow the dairy products to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using them.
To prevent a soggy crust, brush with egg white before adding the filling. The protein in the egg white will create a barrier that keeps moisture from seeping into the crust. Another way to avoid a soggy crust is to preheat your oven and place a baking sheet on the bottom rack of your oven to help heat circulate around the pie.
When mixing the filling, combine 2 cups of water and raisins with lemon juice and bring it to a boil over medium heat. In another bowl, mix together sugar and flour until well combined. Slowly add the flour mixture into the boiling water, stirring constantly until it thickens. Be sure not to overcook the filling as it will continue to thicken as it cools.
For a more flavorful filling, try adding other fruits like chopped apples or dried cranberries.
Finally, make sure your pie is completely cooled before cutting into it. Cutting too early can cause a runny filling and ruin all your hard work.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your raisin pie will turn out perfectly every time!
FAQ
Now that you know all the ins and outs of making a delicious raisin pie, it’s important to address any concerns you might have about the process. Here are some frequently asked questions to help guide you through any potential obstacles or uncertainties.
Why do they call raisin pie funeral pie?
Back in the day, German homemakers relied on a particular ingredient called rosine as a go-to solution during crises. They often baked raisin pies because of their durability and, more importantly, the fact that they didn’t require any arduous prep work like peeling or pitting. Although raising pies were a staple dish for many gatherings, they were most notably featured at funerals, ultimately earning the moniker “funeral pie.”
What is funeral pie made of?
Funeral pie was a popular dessert among Dutch families due to its simplicity and lack of need for refrigeration or reheating. The combination of a flaky, lard-based crust with a subtly sweet filling made of raisins, sugar, lemon, egg, and flour resulted in a delectable treat.
What is raisin pie made of?
For this simple raisin pie recipe, gather together some key ingredients including: raisins, brown sugar, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, salt, white vinegar, unsalted butter, and a pie crust. Take note of the precise amounts needed by referring to the recipe card. This will ensure that everything comes together seamlessly and tastes absolutely delicious.
Does raisin pie need to be refrigerated?
When it comes to pies, those that have eggs or dairy in them must be kept in the fridge and not left out for more than two hours at room temperature. On the other hand, pies that are dairy-free, like fruit pies, can be preserved for up to two days when covered loosely and kept at room temperature.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Raisin Pie, also known as Rosina or Funeral Pie, is a timeless classic that has been enjoyed for many years. This recipe is perfect for those who want to add a touch of nostalgia to their dining table or pay homage to Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine. With its rich, black filling bursting with the sweetness of raisins and the tanginess of lemons, this pie will be sure to leave your taste buds satisfied.
Moreover, this pie recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit your preferences. You can make substitutions or variations to create a dessert that is uniquely your own. And with its simple instructions and easy-to-find ingredients, there’s no excuse not to give it a try!
Whether you’re looking for a new addition to your baking repertoire or simply searching for a delicious dessert that will impress your guests at your next dinner party, the Raisin Pie is an excellent choice. So why not give it a go? Bake it, serve it and enjoy it wholeheartedly!
Raisin Pie (Rosina Pie, “Funeral Pie”) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup raisins
- 2 cups water
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 1 egg, well beaten
- 1 lemon, juice of
- 2 tablespoons lemons, rind of, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- pastry crust
Instructions
- Wash raisins and soak in cold water for 3 hours. Drain.
- Combine the 2 cups water, the raisins, sugar and flour which have been mixed together, salt, lemon juice and rind, and the egg. Mix thoroughly and cook over hot water for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cool. Pour into pastry-lined pan. Cover with narrow strips of dough, crisscrossed.
- Bake at 450-F for 10 minutes.
- Reduce heat to 350-F and bake 30 minutes.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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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.