Apple-Raisin Pie

Apple-Raisin Pie Recipe - A Delicious Dessert from the USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

The Apple-Raisin Pie is a delightful dessert that combines the sweet and tart flavors of apples with the rich, chewy texture of raisins, all encased in a crunchy graham cracker crust. This recipe offers a twist on the classic apple pie by incorporating raisins and a unique blend of spices, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you're a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this pie is straightforward to make and is sure to impress.

History

The concept of apple pie dates back to the Middle Ages, with the first recorded recipe appearing in England in the 14th century. However, the addition of raisins to the pie is a more modern variation, likely inspired by the use of dried fruits in medieval cooking to add sweetness and texture. Over the years, apple pie has evolved into a beloved dessert around the world, with each region adding its own unique twist to the classic recipe. The Apple-Raisin Pie is a testament to this evolution, combining traditional flavors with new ingredients for a deliciously modern dessert.

Ingredients

1 prepared graham cracker crust
6 medium apples (any cooking or all-purpose variety), peeled, cored and sliced
1 cup apple juice
1 cup raisins
2 tbsp unbleached all-purpose flour
0.75 cup almond milk, vanilla-flavored rice milk or vanilla-flavored soy milk
2 tbsp light brown sugar
0.5 tsp ground ginger, plus more for dusting
0.5 tsp ground cinnamon, plus more for dusting

How to prepare

Bake the crust according to the package directions and set it aside to cool on a wire rack.
Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, combine the apples and apple juice.
Cover and cook over medium heat until the apples are tender but not mushy, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes.
Stir in the raisins, then gradually sprinkle in the flour, stirring well.
Slowly stir in the almond milk, then stir in the brown sugar, ginger, and cinnamon.
Cook uncovered, stirring often, until the mixture is slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.
Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
Just before serving, pour the apple mixture into the cooled crust and pat it in place.
Dust with ginger and cinnamon, cut into wedges, and serve.

Variations

For a twist on the classic recipe, consider adding a handful of chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the filling for added texture. Alternatively, swap out the raisins for dried cranberries or cherries for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Apple-Raisin Pie turns out perfectly, consider the following tips:

- Choose a mix of tart and sweet apples for a balanced flavor.

- Soak the raisins in warm apple juice before adding them to the pie to plump them up and enhance their flavor.

- To prevent the crust from becoming soggy, bake it slightly before adding the filling.

- Let the pie filling cool to room temperature before pouring it into the crust to prevent it from becoming too runny.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Apple-Raisin Pie warm or at room temperature for the best flavor. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side makes for a delightful complement to the pie's warm spices and sweet filling.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the crust before adding the filling is a key technique in this recipe, as it helps to prevent sogginess. Additionally, gently cooking the apples and raisins together allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and cohesive filling.

Ingredient Substitutions

If soy milk is not your preference, almond milk or regular dairy milk can be used as a substitute. For a gluten-free version, opt for a gluten-free graham cracker crust and replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

The pie filling can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days before assembling and baking the pie. This allows the flavors to develop further, resulting in an even tastier dessert.

Presentation Ideas

For an elegant presentation, garnish the pie with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a few fresh apple slices arranged in a decorative pattern on top. A sprig of mint adds a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

Apple-Raisin Pie pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee. For a more indulgent pairing, consider a dessert wine such as a late harvest Riesling or a glass of spiced cider.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover pie can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place slices in a warm oven (about 300°F) for 10 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A typical serving of Apple-Raisin Pie contains approximately 250 calories. The calories are primarily derived from the carbohydrates in the fruits and crust, with a smaller contribution from the fats and proteins.

Carbohydrates

A single serving of Apple-Raisin Pie contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbs come from the apples and raisins, which are natural sources of sugar and dietary fiber. The graham cracker crust and flour also contribute to the carbohydrate content.

Fats

This pie is relatively low in fat, with each serving containing about 5 grams. The fat primarily comes from the graham cracker crust and the small amount of soy milk used in the recipe. Opting for a low-fat graham cracker crust can further reduce the fat content.

Proteins

Each serving of Apple-Raisin Pie provides around 2 grams of protein. The protein in this dessert comes mainly from the soy milk and the small amount of flour used to thicken the filling.

Vitamins and minerals

Apples and raisins are both good sources of essential vitamins and minerals. This pie is rich in vitamin C, potassium, and iron, thanks to the fruit content. Additionally, the soy milk adds a small amount of calcium to the recipe.

Alergens

The main allergens in this recipe are wheat (from the flour and graham cracker crust) and soy (from the soy milk). Individuals with allergies to these ingredients should seek suitable substitutions.

Summary

Overall, Apple-Raisin Pie is a moderately healthy dessert option that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, a low amount of fat, and a modest amount of protein. It also offers a variety of vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to any meal.

Summary

The Apple-Raisin Pie is a delightful dessert that combines classic flavors with a modern twist. With its rich filling, crunchy crust, and warm spices, it's sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you're serving it at a family gathering or enjoying a slice as a cozy treat, this pie offers a delicious way to celebrate the flavors of the season.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Apple-Raisin Pie. It was a brisk autumn day, the leaves crunching underfoot as I made my way through the farmer's market in town. The scent of ripe apples and cinnamon filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

As I perused the various stalls, my eyes were drawn to a small, elderly woman selling homemade pies. Her hands were weathered and worn, but they moved with a grace and precision that indicated years of experience in the kitchen. I watched as she expertly rolled out the dough for a pie crust, filling it with a mixture of apples, raisins, and spices before topping it with another layer of dough.

Intrigued, I struck up a conversation with the woman and asked her about the recipe she was using. She smiled warmly and told me that it was a family recipe passed down through generations. She had learned it from her own grandmother, who had learned it from hers, and so on. She offered to share the recipe with me, and I eagerly accepted.

That evening, I set to work in my own kitchen, following the instructions the woman had given me. I peeled and sliced the apples, carefully measuring out the raisins and spices. The aroma that filled the air as the pie baked was intoxicating, a heady mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweet fruit.

When the pie emerged from the oven, golden and bubbling, I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special. The crust was flaky and buttery, the filling rich and flavorful. I couldn't wait to share it with my family, who devoured it with gusto and declared it the best pie they had ever tasted.

From that day on, Apple-Raisin Pie became a staple in our household. I made it for every special occasion, from birthdays to holidays to Sunday dinners. Each time I baked it, I thought of the kind woman at the farmer's market who had shared her family recipe with me, and I felt a connection to generations past.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks and adjustments to the recipe, adding a splash of bourbon or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for extra flavor. But the core of the recipe remains the same, a testament to the enduring power of tradition and the simple joy of good food shared with loved ones.

As I sit here now, in my cozy kitchen with the scent of Apple-Raisin Pie wafting through the air, I can't help but feel grateful for the serendipitous encounter that led me to this delicious recipe. It has brought me closer to my family, connected me to my culinary roots, and filled my home with warmth and love. And for that, I will always be thankful.