Classic Vinegar Pie - Easy Old Fashioned Pie Recipe! (2024)

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This Vinegar Pie is a super simple old fashioned pie that has been around for years! It gets it’s flavor from a little bit of vinegar and is topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg!

Classic Vinegar Pie - Easy Old Fashioned Pie Recipe! (1)

Table of Contents

  • What is Vinegar Pie?
  • What does Vinegar pie taste like?
  • Methods for Vinegar Pie
  • How to make Vinegar Pie
  • Get the Recipe

What is Vinegar Pie?

Vinegar Pie is also known as Desperation Pie. It originated back in the 19th century. When people had trouble getting certain ingredients for flavoring, vinegar was an alternative.

From a texture perspective, vinegar pie is much like a chess pie or buttermilk pie. It’s kind of an old-school type pie that is super simple to put together. In these times of craziness where ingredients are also hard to get, it’s a fun pie to try. Along with the Wacky Cake I shared last week, this is another neat recipe that’s been around for ages.

Classic Vinegar Pie - Easy Old Fashioned Pie Recipe! (2)

What does Vinegar pie taste like?

The acidity in the vinegar actually gives the pie a flavor that is reminiscent of lemon. I won’t say that it doesn’t taste like vinegar at all, but it’s sweet and tasty and brings to mind lemon more than vinegar. Plus, like a chess pie, it gets a little bit of a crust on top when baked. That browned crust adds a lovely caramelized flavor to the pie as well.

Not to mention that when topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg, the flavors get even better. That nutmeg really does help tone down the vinegar and bring out the lovely flavor.

Methods for Vinegar Pie

There are a couple different methods for making vinegar pie. I tried both to see which I preferred.

The first method was not my favorite. You cooked the filling over the stove until it reached a pudding-like consistency, then you poured that into the pie crust and baked it for a short bit prior to refrigerating it.

While it was a simple method, it wasn’t as simple as the second method. Plus, I didn’t care nearly as much for the pudding-like texture. Plus, the flavor was lacking for me and tasted more like vinegar.

The second method, that I ended up favoring, had much more flavor. Because the filling is baked only in the oven, the longer baking time allows for a crust to form on top. That crust (which caramelizes, as I mentioned before), gives so much flavor and the pie just isn’t the same without it. Plus, the texture of this method was more pleasing and like a traditional chess pie.

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How to make Vinegar Pie

So to make this vinegar pie, you’ll start by lining your pie pan with the crust and pre-baking it.

While the crust bakes, put together your filling. This part literally couldn’t get any easier! Just add everything to a bowl and whisk it all together!

Pour the filling into the baked crust and bake for about 30-40 minutes or until the pie is set, but the center is a little jiggly.

Let the pie cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until ready to serve.

I personally really preferred this pie with some whipped cream on top and sprinkle of nutmeg. The extra flavor makes this pie!

I hope you enjoy it!

Classic Vinegar Pie - Easy Old Fashioned Pie Recipe! (5)

You might also like:

Coconut Cream Pie
Salted Honey Pie
Apple Crumb Cheesecake Pie

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Classic Vinegar Pie - Easy Old Fashioned Pie Recipe! (6)

Recipe

Vinegar Pie

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 4 reviews

  • Author: Lindsay
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 10-12 slices
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Oven
  • Cuisine: American
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Description

This Vinegar Pie is a super simple old fashioned pie that has been around for years! It gets it’s flavor from a little bit of vinegar and is topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg!

Ingredients

  • 1 refrigerated pie crust
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups (310g) sugar
  • 1/4 cup (56g) butter, melted
  • 1 1/2 tbsp white vinegar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Whipped cream, optional
  • Nutmeg, optional

Instructions

1. Place the pie crust in a 9 inch pie pan and crimp the edges. Pre-bake according to the temperature and time of the package directions. Use pie weights to keep the crust from puffing up too much when baking.
2. Adjust oven temperature to 350°F, if needed.
3. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, butter, vinegar and vanilla extract. Whisk well to combine, then pour into pre-baked pie shell.
4. Bake pie for 30-40 minutes, or until pie is set but a little jiggly.
5. Allow pie to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate pie until cool and firm and serve.
6. Serve pie with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg. Don’t skip the nutmeg – trust me!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 241
  • Sugar: 25.1 g
  • Sodium: 102.6 mg
  • Fat: 10.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34.9 g
  • Protein: 2.7 g
  • Cholesterol: 72.2 mg

Categories

  • Pie
  • Recipes
  • Sweets and Treats

Recipe modified from Taste of Home.

Classic Vinegar Pie - Easy Old Fashioned Pie Recipe! (2024)

FAQs

What is vinegar pie made of? ›

Combine 1/2 cup melted, cooled butter, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 2 tablespoons self-rising flour, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon vanilla, and 3 eggs in a large bowl or blender. Mix well. Pour the filling into a 9-inch unbaked pie shell. (I used store-bought for convenience.)

Why do people put vinegar in their pie crust? ›

The acidic properties of vinegar inhibit gluten, some will say. This theory proposes that once the water and flour are combined, gluten starts forming, causing the dough to grow tough. Adding an acid, the theory goes, stops the gluten in its tracks and rescues the crust from toughness.

What is a million dollar pie made of? ›

A million-dollar pie recipe typically includes crushed pineapple, shredded coconut and crushed pecans, all held together by whipped topping and sweetened condensed milk. Maraschino cherries are common garnishes, as is a dollop of Cool Whip.

How do you make homemade white vinegar? ›

Steps
  1. Wash and rinse thoroughly the glass jar.
  2. Pour the wine, water, and vinegar into the jar. Mix well.
  3. Cover the jar with the cotton cloth. Secure with the rubber band.
  4. Let it stand at room temperature for 3 months.
  5. Taste. If you like the acidity, bottle. ...
  6. Use immediately, or age in bottle for a few more months.

What is funeral pie made of? ›

Vintage Funeral Pie Recipe is an old-fashioned dessert that is made from raisins, spices, and walnuts. It was traditionally made by the Amish, but this sugary pie fits right into a Southern cook's recipe box.

What does a vinegar pie taste like? ›

What Does Vinegar Pie Taste Like? No, vinegar pie is not bitter, tart, or sour. In fact, it's sweet! The flavor of your pie is a bit dependent on the type of vinegar you use (more on that below), but the combination of fruit vinegar, sugar, lemon juice, and butter creates a sweet, slightly lemony, and even juicy pie.

What is the secret to a good pie crust? ›

Use Very Cold Butter or Fat

Butter, shortening, lard, or suet—whatever fat the recipe calls for should be well-chilled and cut into small pieces to start with for the flakiest crust in the end. The fat in a pie crust must maintain some of its integrity in the dough to make the crust truly flaky.

Is vodka better than water in pie crust? ›

Vodka is a great way to add moisture to dough to make it workable, while adding 60% less water (vodka is typically a 60/40 ratio of water/alcohol) per volume of liquid.

Why do some people put vodka in their pie crust? ›

Unlike water, alcohol does not contribute to the formation of gluten, the network of proteins that can cause a crust to turn leathery. Because the alcohol burns off quickly in the oven, drying out the crust, we could add enough vodka to keep the dough wet and extremely supple.

What is the number 1 pie in America? ›

Apple pie is arguably one of the most popular pie flavors. A symbol of America, the apple pie was actually invented by the British. Apple pie is simply made with sliced apples on double-crusted pastry dough.

What is massachusetts pie? ›

Upon the announcement of the official state dessert of Massachusetts, the Boston Cream Pie was proclaimed on December 12, 1996. The pie defeated candidates such as the toll house cookie and Indian pudding. Not only that, but chocolate chip cookies were also invented in Massachusetts!

What not to mix with white vinegar? ›

The main products you should steer clear of when cleaning with vinegar are bleach, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, castile soap, and baking soda. While these ingredients are all good for cleaning individually, they won't create the best outcome for you or your home when mixed with vinegar.

What is the difference between distilled vinegar and white vinegar? ›

They differ fundamentally in their acetic acid content. White, also known as spirit vinegar, has 5% to 20% acetic acid. This is generally higher as compared to distilled vinegar's 5%-8%. White is made by natural fermentation of sugar cane extract or by combining acetic acid with water.

Is there a difference between distilled white vinegar and white vinegar? ›

Now, don't confuse distilled with basic white vinegar, which is stronger and has up to 25% acetic acid. That vinegar is sold exclusively for cleaning purposes and is not a good idea to ingest. However, beyond cooking, distilled white vinegar can be used for many of the same household chores.

What is vinaigre made of? ›

Vinegar is a combination of acetic acid and water made by a two-step fermentation process. First, yeast feed on the sugar or starch of any liquid from a plant food such as fruits, whole grains, potatoes, or rice. This liquid ferments into alcohol.

What is the fluffy thing in vinegar? ›

When you find a bit of stringy sediment, large or small, in a bottle of vinegar don't fret. In fact — congratulations — you have a mother. A mother of vinegar, that is. Yes, it looks rather grungy and scary, floating on the top of the vinegar like that, but this spongy mass of bacteria is completely harmless.

What fruit is vinegar made from? ›

Fruit vinegar is made from the fermented fruit juices of apples, mangoes, plums, citrus fruits, grapes, berries, or other fruits. The whole fruit or fruit scraps may be used to produce it.

What kind of fruit is vinegar? ›

Apple cider vinegar is, of course, the most popular form of these delicious vinegars but there is no end of possibilities when it comes to this flavorsome condiment. Pear, fig, quince, date, even raspberry, and mango all have their place in the well-stocked kitchen pantry.

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