Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classic Homestyle Raisin Pie?
It is a nostalgic, sweet dessert featuring a thick filling of plump raisins, brown sugar, orange, and lemon, often served with walnuts in a flaky pastry crust.
How many calories are in a slice of this raisin pie?
Each serving contains approximately 492 calories.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
How many raisins do I need?
You will need 15 ounces of raisins, which is about 3 cups.
What provides the unique orange flavor in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of instant Tang orange drink mix to provide a zesty orange accent.
Do I need to cook the filling before putting it in the crust?
Yes, you must cook the raisins, sugar, cornstarch, Tang, water, and lemon juice in a saucepan until the mixture thickens.
How long does the raisin filling take to thicken on the stove?
It typically takes about 5 to 7 minutes of constant stirring over medium heat to reach a boil and thicken.
When should I add the walnuts to the pie?
Fold in the coarsely chopped walnuts after removing the thickened raisin mixture from the heat.
What type of sugar is used in this raisin pie?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of brown sugar.
What size pie plate should I use?
A 9-inch pie plate is recommended for this recipe.
How large should I roll out the bottom pastry crust?
The larger portion for the bottom crust should be rolled into a circle about 13 inches in diameter.
How large should the top crust be?
The top crust should be rolled into an 11-inch circle.
What is the purpose of cornstarch in this recipe?
Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent for the liquid components of the pie filling.
How long does the pie need to bake?
Bake the pie for 30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Why do I need to cut vents in the top crust?
Cutting steam vents allows air to escape during baking, preventing the crust from bursting or becoming soggy.
What should I do with the butter or margarine?
Dot the 2 tablespoons of butter or margarine in small pieces over the top of the filling before adding the top crust.
How do I seal the edges of the pie?
Fold the top crust under the bottom crust and crimp the edges together to create a seal.
Should the pie be served hot or cold?
The pie can be served warm or at room temperature after cooling on a wire rack.
What are the recommended toppings for this pie?
It is delicious when served with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Is there any protein in this dessert?
Yes, each serving provides approximately 5 grams of protein.
How much fat is in one serving of this raisin pie?
There are 19 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
Each slice contains 78 grams of carbohydrates.
Can I use a pre-made pie shell?
Yes, the recipe specifies a 9-inch unbaked pie shell or pastry.
What is the preparation for the walnuts?
The 1 cup of walnuts should be coarsely chopped before being added to the filling.
Why is lemon juice added to the filling?
Lemon juice provides a tangy kick that balances the sweetness of the raisins and brown sugar.
Does the recipe require water?
Yes, you need 1 and 1/4 cups of water to help create the filling base.
Is this considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a classic homestyle comfort food dessert.
How many total ingredients are needed?
There are 9 ingredients in total for this recipe.
How much overhang should be left when trimming the bottom crust?
You should leave a 1/2 inch overhang for the bottom crust before adding the filling.