Vinegar Pie

This Vinegar Pie is a little slice of heaven! I know you might be thinking: “Vinegar in a pie? Bless your heart!” But, listen, babes, it’s about to be your new obsession. This baby is creamy, dreamy, with just the right touch of sweet, all snuggled into a flaky, buttery crust that’ll make your heart sing. And get this, I whipped together both granulated and brown sugar to hit that sweet spot just right, with a splash of apple cider vinegar for that poppin’ tang. It’s a Southern classic that’s as bomb as it is beautiful, trust!

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If y’all are wondering how this pie came to be, let me give you a quick backstory. Vinegar Pie often gets lumped in with what we call “desperation pies”. But here’s the kicker – this pie isn’t just a product of hard times during the Great Depression. Nope, its roots stretch back even further, finding its home in both Southern and Midwestern kitchens way before those hard-knock days. It’s a testament to the resourcefulness and creativity of those good ol’ home cooks, making something downright delicious from the simplest of ingredients.

So, when you’re whipping up this Vinegar Pie recipe, you’re not just making a dessert; you’re stirring up a piece of history, as rich and layered as the pie itself! We’re keeping its spirit alive, one yummy bite at a time.

The Heart & Soul Of Vinegar Pie

Cuisine Inspiration: Southern
Primary Cooking Method: Baking
Dietary Info: Vegetarian
Key Flavor: Sweet with a subtle tang from apple cider vinegar
Skill Level: Beginner

Sweet Spots

• Delicious Taste: This pie doesn’t taste like a salad dressing, that’s for sure! Instead, you get a delightful blend of sweet and subtly tangy flavors, kinda like a smooth custard pie.
• Simple Ingredients: There’s a reason why this recipe is labeled as a “desperation pie”. It calls for basic ingredients you most likely already have in your kitchen – sugars, flour, eggs, butter, vanilla extract, and a dash of ACV. It’s a perfect example of making something extraordinary out of the ordinary.
• Easy to Make: You don’t need to be a pastry chef to nail this classic vinegar pie. You just need to mix all the ingredients and pour them into the pie crust. That’s what makes it a great recipe for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.
• A Conversation Starter: Bring this pie to any gathering, and I guarantee it’ll be the talk of the table. It’s not every day you hear about a vinegar-based dessert!

Ingredients To Make Vinegar Pie

• Granulated Sugar: The backbone of sweetness in this pie. It melts beautifully to create that smooth, sweet filling.
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds a hint of molasses flavor and depth. It’s what gives the pie that rich, caramel-like undertone. Dark brown sugar can also be used for a deeper flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: This acts as a thickener, giving the pie its signature custard-like texture.
• Kosher Salt: Just a touch to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: It rounds out the flavors, adding a classic, warm depth. Pure vanilla extract is best, but imitation vanilla can work in a pinch.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: The main ingredient that adds a subtle tang, making this pie unique. White vinegar can be used as a substitute, but the flavor will be slightly different.
• Eggs: They are crucial for the structure and richness of the pie filling. Room-temperature eggs blend more smoothly.
• Unsalted Butter: It adds richness and helps create a smooth, velvety filling. If you only have salted butter, just omit the added salt.
• Pie Crust: A good crust is essential when making a homemade pie. While you can use a store-bought one for convenience, I highly recommend making your own butter pie crust for that extra special homemade touch.

How To Make Vinegar Pie

1. Add both sugars, flour, salt, vanilla, and vinegar to a large bowl.
2. Whisk together until evenly mixed. Then, whisk in the eggs until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
3. Add the melted butter.
4. Vigorously whisk it in. The filling should look smooth and blonde.
5. Pour the filling into the unbaked pie crust.
6. Bake until a thin brown crust develops on top and the center jiggles slightly when shaken. Remove it from the oven and let it cool completely.

Tips For Making The Best Old Fashioned Vinegar Pie

1. Strain for Smoothness: After whisking your filling, take a second to strain it through a fine-mesh sieve. This ensures your pie filling is silky smooth, free from any little clumps that might have snuck in.
2. Bake Until It’s Just Set: Keep a close eye on your pie as it bakes. You’re aiming for a filling that’s just set – it should jiggle slightly in the center when you give the pan a gentle shake. Overbaking can lead to a cracked surface and affect the creamy texture.
3. Chill for Perfect Slicing: Let your apple cider vinegar pie cool completely before slicing. This allows the filling to set properly, giving you clean, beautiful slices.
4. Room Temp Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature before you start. This helps them blend more seamlessly into the filling, contributing to an even, consistent texture.
5. Watch the Crust: If you notice the edges of the crust browning too quickly as it bakes, gently cover them with strips of aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.

Popular Substitutions & Additions

• Warm Spices: Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to your filling. These spices pair wonderfully with the tangy and sweet flavors, giving your pie an extra dose of coziness.
• Garnish It: Once your pie has cooled, dress it up with a dollop of whipped cream, a swirl of meringue, or a dusting of powdered sugar. These toppings not only add an extra layer of flavor but also make your ACV pie look as good as it tastes.
• Nuts: Whenever I want a bit of crunch, I always add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling. The texture contrast between the creamy filling and the crunchy nuts is absolutely satisfying.
• Raisins: In case you want another delightful textural contrast, sprinkle a layer of raisins at the bottom of the crust before pouring in the filling. As the pie bakes, the raisins plump up, offering little bursts of sweetness in every bite.

What To Serve With Classic Vinegar Pie

• Classic Dessert Spread: Vinegar Pie is the star of the show, but it loves good company. Pair it with other Southern dessert classics like peach cobbler, banana pudding, sweet potato pie, or a slice of pecan pie for a truly indulgent experience. Oh, and don’t forget a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream on the side!
• Savory Southern Mains: If you’re planning a full meal, consider serving this old fashioned vinegar pie after heartwarming Southern mains such as fried chicken, shrimp and grits, or a hearty serving of jambalaya.
• Refreshing Drinks: To wash it all down, whip up some good ol’ sweet tea, a glass of spiced apple cider, or for the adults, a mint julep.

How To Store Vinegar Pie

After having that first heavenly slice, you’ll want to keep your vinegar pie fresh. Simply cover it loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and pop it in the fridge. However, it’s best to keep it in a pie container if you have one, to keep it from absorbing any fridge odors.

If you have a soft spot for warm pies (who doesn’t?), simply reheat it gently. Place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, and cover it with foil to prevent the crust from browning too much. For individual slices, a quick zap in the microwave works great too – just a few seconds should do it.

How Long Will Vinegar Pie Last In The Fridge?

In the fridge, this pie will stay good for up to 4 days. Perfect for sneaking a slice here and there!

Can I Freeze Apple Cider Vinegar Pie?

You sure can! Wrap your vinegar pie tightly with plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil, and it can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it using one of the methods above.

Frequently Asked Questions

This Vinegar Pie is the ultimate easy-peasy mix of sweet, tart, and silky smooth, perfect for Sunday dinners or chill nights at home. And, honey, once you dive into a slice of this golden-crusted, custardy dream, you’ll get why it’s been a fave treat for ages.

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