Skip to main content

Sour Cream and Raisin Pie

Mrs. Rowe attributed this recipe to her friend Mrs. John Martin, a Mennonite from Harrisonburg. The custard is slightly grainy, which is normal for this old-fashioned pie, and its pleasant, refreshing flavor is unusual to the modern palate. For plumper raisins, bring them to a boil in a small amount of water, then lower the heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Drain the raisins thoroughly before proceeding with the recipe.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes one 9-inch pie

Ingredients

1/2 recipe Plain Pie Pastry (page 17) or Vinegar Pie Crust (page 19), prebaked
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups sour cream
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/4 cups raisins
1/8 cup sweetened flaked coconut, for sprinkling

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a double boiler, stir the sugar, cornstarch, and salt together, then add the eggs, sour cream, lemon juice, and baking soda. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 35 minutes, until thick. Gently stir in the raisins.

    Step 2

    Pour the filling into a shallow container, lay plastic wrap directly on the surface, and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

    Step 3

    Pour the filling into the crust and sprinkle with the coconut. Chill for several hours or overnight before slicing. Serve cold.

Mrs. Rowe's Little Book of Southern Pies
Read More
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
This chicken salad nails it—creamy, herby, and endlessly riffable.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Like crispy gnocchi caprese and raspberry—brown butter skillet cake.
Like hot honey chicken with peaches and a dirty martini spritz.
The secret to flavorful, never-greasy eggplant parm? Brine the eggplant first.
Just as great with coffee for breakfast as it is with amaro for dessert.
Nutty, protein-packed, and batchable—perfect for hectic mornings.