Raisin and Sour Cream Pie?

[McLovin32]

I've lived in Iowa since 1994 and I can honestly say that I have never heard of this before. Is this really an Iowa thing? It doesn't sound great, but I'm also not a huge fan of raisins.

This Old-School Pie Might Not Be For Everyone, But It's Beloved In Iowa​

Sarah Lintakoon
Thu, June 25, 2026 at 12:55 PM CDT
2 min read
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display case full of pies - Connect Images/jacabel/Getty Images

• Raisin and sour cream pie is an old-school Midwestern classic that remains popular in Iowa, with a dedicated baking contest at the Iowa State Fair.

A meal isn't complete without a delicious dessert to finish things off, and every state has its own iconic dessert it stands proudly by. Pie is an especially popular option, ranging from popular classics such as key lime to the unusual and unique, such as Utah's pickle pie. A sweet-and-savory blend like that may sound a bit different, but there's a similar dessert over in Iowa that most people don't know about.
Meet the raisin and sour cream pie, an old-school Midwestern classic. It's fallen out of fashion in most parts of the United States, but it's still holding strong in Iowa. This pie is so popular there's an entire baking contest dedicated to it at the Iowa State Fair. While many balk at the flavor combination, Midwesterners insist that you don't knock it until you try it. Recipes for it go back generations, with many enjoying how simple it is to make. Even if its taste isn't your cup of tea, it's definitely one of the most unique pies out there — right next to Depression era water pie.

Raisin and sour cream pie​

The specific origins of raisin and sour cream pie are debated. Many believe the recipe comes from Mennonite communities who may have brought it over from Germany. Others say it came from the Amish or Norwegian communities who settled in the area. While the origins are not widely agreed upon, the Iowan community definitely agrees that the pie is delicious.


The reason they love the pie so much is due to how well the key ingredients work together. It comes as a shock to many, but the juiciness of plump raisins, combined with the tang of sour cream, is a great match. The addition of spices, such as cloves and cinnamon, also adds an element of warmth to the pie's flavor, and the sour cream is offset by a generous helping of pillowy and sweet meringue on top. While the use of sour cream is definitely unusual by most pie standards, the ingredients it's combined with help balance it out.

This Old-School Pie Might Not Be For Everyone, But It's Beloved In Iowa

There's an old-school pie that's beloved out in Iowa that's absolutely not for everyone, but it's at least worth a try. Here's what you need to know.

www.yahoo.com

 

[GesterHawk]

It's not bad, but I never had it in Iowa.

 

[LunchBox50]

Was a holiday tradition in my dad’s family (from Minnesota). It’s better than it sounds.

 

[BrianNole777]

Sour cream in a pie??

 

[JMNSH0]

This is the old man’s favorite pie. I like it alright.

 

[hawkeyetraveler]

I've lived in Iowa since 1994 and I can honestly say that I have never heard of this before. Is this really an Iowa thing? It doesn't sound great, but I'm also not a huge fan of raisins.

This Old-School Pie Might Not Be For Everyone, But It's Beloved In Iowa​

Sarah Lintakoon
Thu, June 25, 2026 at 12:55 PM CDT
2 min read
Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.

Add Yahoo on Google

display case full of pies - Connect Images/jacabel/Getty Images

• Raisin and sour cream pie is an old-school Midwestern classic that remains popular in Iowa, with a dedicated baking contest at the Iowa State Fair.

A meal isn't complete without a delicious dessert to finish things off, and every state has its own iconic dessert it stands proudly by. Pie is an especially popular option, ranging from popular classics such as key lime to the unusual and unique, such as Utah's pickle pie. A sweet-and-savory blend like that may sound a bit different, but there's a similar dessert over in Iowa that most people don't know about.
Meet the raisin and sour cream pie, an old-school Midwestern classic. It's fallen out of fashion in most parts of the United States, but it's still holding strong in Iowa. This pie is so popular there's an entire baking contest dedicated to it at the Iowa State Fair. While many balk at the flavor combination, Midwesterners insist that you don't knock it until you try it. Recipes for it go back generations, with many enjoying how simple it is to make. Even if its taste isn't your cup of tea, it's definitely one of the most unique pies out there — right next to Depression era water pie.

Raisin and sour cream pie​

The specific origins of raisin and sour cream pie are debated. Many believe the recipe comes from Mennonite communities who may have brought it over from Germany. Others say it came from the Amish or Norwegian communities who settled in the area. While the origins are not widely agreed upon, the Iowan community definitely agrees that the pie is delicious.


The reason they love the pie so much is due to how well the key ingredients work together. It comes as a shock to many, but the juiciness of plump raisins, combined with the tang of sour cream, is a great match. The addition of spices, such as cloves and cinnamon, also adds an element of warmth to the pie's flavor, and the sour cream is offset by a generous helping of pillowy and sweet meringue on top. While the use of sour cream is definitely unusual by most pie standards, the ingredients it's combined with help balance it out.

This Old-School Pie Might Not Be For Everyone, But It's Beloved In Iowa

There's an old-school pie that's beloved out in Iowa that's absolutely not for everyone, but it's at least worth a try. Here's what you need to know.

www.yahoo.com

This is a family tradition on one side of my family. Decent, but not a top 5 pie for me.

 

[gohawks50]

This is the old man’s favorite pie. I like it alright.

My dad's as well. I don't like raisins, but the rest of the pie filling is tasty.

 

[Tom Paris]

Sour cream in a pie??

Sour cream apple pie is phenomenal. You’re reacting like there isn’t sugar mixed in.

 

[BrianNole777]

Sour cream apple pie is phenomenal. You’re reacting like there isn’t sugar mixed in.

Sour cream and raisins doesn't sound very sugary.

 

[PinkShizzle]

I had never heard of it, but I'll give just about any food a try.

 

[TJ8869]

As a native Iowan I had never heard of it before. But I would definitely give it a try.

 

[McLovin32]

Glad to know I'm not the only one that had never heard of it before.

 

[AFM22]

This is the old man’s favorite pie. I like it alright.

Anyone have a recipe for @JMNSH0 's dad's cream pie?

 

[Aardvark86]

I've lived in Iowa since 1994 and I can honestly say that I have never heard of this before. Is this really an Iowa thing? It doesn't sound great, but I'm also not a huge fan of raisins.

This Old-School Pie Might Not Be For Everyone, But It's Beloved In Iowa​

Sarah Lintakoon
Thu, June 25, 2026 at 12:55 PM CDT
2 min read
Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.

Add Yahoo on Google

display case full of pies - Connect Images/jacabel/Getty Images

• Raisin and sour cream pie is an old-school Midwestern classic that remains popular in Iowa, with a dedicated baking contest at the Iowa State Fair.

A meal isn't complete without a delicious dessert to finish things off, and every state has its own iconic dessert it stands proudly by. Pie is an especially popular option, ranging from popular classics such as key lime to the unusual and unique, such as Utah's pickle pie. A sweet-and-savory blend like that may sound a bit different, but there's a similar dessert over in Iowa that most people don't know about.
Meet the raisin and sour cream pie, an old-school Midwestern classic. It's fallen out of fashion in most parts of the United States, but it's still holding strong in Iowa. This pie is so popular there's an entire baking contest dedicated to it at the Iowa State Fair. While many balk at the flavor combination, Midwesterners insist that you don't knock it until you try it. Recipes for it go back generations, with many enjoying how simple it is to make. Even if its taste isn't your cup of tea, it's definitely one of the most unique pies out there — right next to Depression era water pie.

Raisin and sour cream pie​

The specific origins of raisin and sour cream pie are debated. Many believe the recipe comes from Mennonite communities who may have brought it over from Germany. Others say it came from the Amish or Norwegian communities who settled in the area. While the origins are not widely agreed upon, the Iowan community definitely agrees that the pie is delicious.


The reason they love the pie so much is due to how well the key ingredients work together. It comes as a shock to many, but the juiciness of plump raisins, combined with the tang of sour cream, is a great match. The addition of spices, such as cloves and cinnamon, also adds an element of warmth to the pie's flavor, and the sour cream is offset by a generous helping of pillowy and sweet meringue on top. While the use of sour cream is definitely unusual by most pie standards, the ingredients it's combined with help balance it out.

This Old-School Pie Might Not Be For Everyone, But It's Beloved In Iowa

There's an old-school pie that's beloved out in Iowa that's absolutely not for everyone, but it's at least worth a try. Here's what you need to know.

www.yahoo.com

As one who grew up within an hour of PA dutch country, this sounds totally plausible

 

[TJ8869]

Glad to know I'm not the only one that had never heard of it before.

My Grandmother lived her entire life in Iowa. She loved to cook and bake and was very good at it. For several years she baked pies to sell at a restaurant that one of her friends owned. Food was one of our favorite topics of discussion. But I can’t call her ever mentioning raisin and sour cream pie.

 

[JohnBeckwith]

I prefer mayonnaise and black olives. Never heard of the abomination OP posted.

 

[McLovin32]

I prefer mayonnaise and black olives. Never heard of the abomination OP posted.
View attachment 1354145

 

[gohawks50]

Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Raisin Pie Card
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 8 slices [1, 2]

Ingredients
For the Raisin Custard Filling:

• 1 (9-inch) pie shell, fully baked and cooled
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 cup boiling water (for plumping)
• 1 ¼ cups granulated white sugar
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups full-fat sour cream
• 3 large egg yolks (reserve whites for the meringue)
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 pinch salt [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

For the Fluffy Meringue Topping:

• 3 large egg whites (at room temperature)
• ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
• 6 tablespoons granulated white sugar [1, 2]

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Plump the Raisins

• Place the raisins in a small heatproof bowl.
• Pour the boiling water over them.
• Let stand for 5 minutes to plump, then drain completely and set aside. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

2. Cook the Custard

• Whisk the sugar, flour, cinnamon, cloves, and salt together in a heavy medium saucepan.
• Stir in the sour cream and the 3 beaten egg yolks until smooth.
• Add the drained raisins to the mixture.
• Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent scorching.
• Bring to a gentle boil and cook until the mixture becomes thick and bubbly (about 5-7 minutes).
• Remove from the heat, but keep the pan covered to stay warm. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

3. Whip the Meringue

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Ensure a large mixing bowl and your beaters are completely grease-free.
• Whip the reserved egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until very foamy.
• Increase the mixer speed to high.
• Gradually add the 6 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time.
• Continue beating until the mixture forms stiff, glossy peaks that hold their shape. [1, 2, 3]

4. Assemble and Bake

• Pour the warm raisin custard filling evenly into your pre-baked pie shell.
• Immediately spread the meringue over the hot filling.
• Use a spatula to spread it all the way to the edges, sealing it tightly to the pie crust to prevent shrinking.
• Use the back of a spoon to pull up decorative curls and peaks in the meringue.
• Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the meringue peaks are beautifully golden brown. [1, 2, 3]

5. Chill and Serve

• Cool the pie completely on a wire rack at room temperature for 1 hour.
• Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours before slicing. [1, 2, 3, 4]

---

 

[GOHOX69]

Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Raisin Pie Card
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 8 slices [1, 2]

Ingredients
For the Raisin Custard Filling:

• 1 (9-inch) pie shell, fully baked and cooled
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 cup boiling water (for plumping)
• 1 ¼ cups granulated white sugar
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups full-fat sour cream
• 3 large egg yolks (reserve whites for the meringue)
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 pinch salt [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

For the Fluffy Meringue Topping:

• 3 large egg whites (at room temperature)
• ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
• 6 tablespoons granulated white sugar [1, 2]

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Plump the Raisins

• Place the raisins in a small heatproof bowl.
• Pour the boiling water over them.
• Let stand for 5 minutes to plump, then drain completely and set aside. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

2. Cook the Custard

• Whisk the sugar, flour, cinnamon, cloves, and salt together in a heavy medium saucepan.
• Stir in the sour cream and the 3 beaten egg yolks until smooth.
• Add the drained raisins to the mixture.
• Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent scorching.
• Bring to a gentle boil and cook until the mixture becomes thick and bubbly (about 5-7 minutes).
• Remove from the heat, but keep the pan covered to stay warm. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

3. Whip the Meringue

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Ensure a large mixing bowl and your beaters are completely grease-free.
• Whip the reserved egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until very foamy.
• Increase the mixer speed to high.
• Gradually add the 6 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time.
• Continue beating until the mixture forms stiff, glossy peaks that hold their shape. [1, 2, 3]

4. Assemble and Bake

• Pour the warm raisin custard filling evenly into your pre-baked pie shell.
• Immediately spread the meringue over the hot filling.
• Use a spatula to spread it all the way to the edges, sealing it tightly to the pie crust to prevent shrinking.
• Use the back of a spoon to pull up decorative curls and peaks in the meringue.
• Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the meringue peaks are beautifully golden brown. [1, 2, 3]

5. Chill and Serve

• Cool the pie completely on a wire rack at room temperature for 1 hour.
• Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours before slicing. [1, 2, 3, 4]

---

Thank you. I would try it. Seems like one of those depression era things. Shoefly pie, buttermilk pie etc are pretty good.

 

[Hotshoe]

This pie is an adaptation of the Amish and Mennonite funeral pie from Pennsylvania, based on raisins, and has a lattice pastry top. When both groups migrated West, Iowa, being a huge dairy state, like PA, simply added sour cream and meringue, and it became a raisin custard pie. The original funeral pie dates back to the 1700's in Pennsylvania. It's smart bakery, based on what was available. Namely, raisins, which would last throughout the year.

 

[Ktrain1969]

Anyone have a recipe for @JMNSH0 's dad's cream pie?

Gibbs Gma does.

 

[Aardvark86]

This pie is an adaptation of the Amish and Mennonite funeral pie from Pennsylvania, based on raisins, and has a lattice pastry top. When both groups migrated West, Iowa, being a huge dairy state, like PA, simply added sour cream and meringue, and it became a raisin custard pie. The original funeral pie dates back to the 1700's in Pennsylvania. It's smart bakery, based on what was available. Namely, raisins, which would last throughout the year.

I'm always intrigued about food history, and how many foundational products (notably, beer, wine and cheese) were essentially just methods of preserving perishable items.

 

[Hotshoe]

I'm always intrigued about food history, and how many foundational products (notably, beer, wine and cheese) were essentially just methods of preserving perishable items.

You simply cannot study the history of America without religion and food. It's that simple. You also cannot study the history of America without studying Pennsylvania.

 

[fskillet]

this is the whitest dessert i've ever heard of

 

[McLovin32]

this is the whitest dessert i've ever heard of

#IOWA

 

[GesterHawk]

I'm always intrigued about food history, and how many foundational products (notably, beer, wine and cheese) were essentially just methods of preserving perishable items.

Beer and wine were also ways to ensure what you drank didn't kill you - bacteria, parasites...
A sailor's daily allotment of rum was supposed to be mixed with water (making grog, basically) to ensure water that was stored on the boat didn't kill them.

 

[Aardvark86]

this is the whitest dessert i've ever heard of

it's a nice finish after a waldorf salad.

 

[JWolf74]

I think I've seen this once or twice ever in my life. Certainly not something I'd consider an Iowa staple. Would try though.

 

[Hawkedup]

Born and raised in Iowa. Never heard of this pie until I moved to Colorado. My mother in law makes it fairly regularly. I was reluctant to try it but it is actually pretty tasty.

 

[OnlyTheObscure]

Pumpkin, apple, French silk or I pass.

 

[Hotshoe]

this is the whitest dessert i've ever heard of

Seriously? Raisins originated from the Middle East and the Mediterranean. It has nothing to do with White. Good, God, walk away from your ignorant racist bullsh-t.

Here's reality. Raisons, like figs and dates, are all from the old world. Wtf makes them White?

Do you ever think outside of your party bullsh-t? Food has absolutely nothing to do with race. Food is about culture.

 

[McLovin32]

Seriously? Raisins originated from the Middle East and the Mediterranean. It has nothing to do with White. Good, God, walk away from your ignorant racist bullsh-t.

Here's reality. Raisons, like figs and dates, are all from the old world. Wtf makes them White?

Do you ever think outside of your party bullsh-t? Food has absolutely nothing to do with race. Food is about culture.

Holy **** lol


Chill, brah.

 

[Hotshoe]

this is the whitest dessert i've ever heard of

So, you don't eat jambalaya, with okra in it. You don't eat black eyed peas. You don't eat watermelon. You don't eat rice, don't eat yams, not, sweet potatoes, you don't drink coffee, and you definitely don't eat Sorghum, Sesame, or drink Coca Cola from Kola Nuts. My, God, they're so White. Keep showing your ignorance regarding America.

 

[Hotshoe]

Holy **** lol


Chill, brah.

You have a problem with actual facts? Prove me wrong. Meanwhile, you defend an ignorant fool about whiteness. Stfd. Both of you are ignorant fools

 

[fskillet]

Seriously? Raisins originated from the Middle East and the Mediterranean. It has nothing to do with White. Good, God, walk away from your ignorant racist bullsh-t.

Here's reality. Raisons, like figs and dates, are all from the old world. Wtf makes them White?

Do you ever think outside of your party bullsh-t? Food has absolutely nothing to do with race. Food is about culture.

My brother in Christ take a breath.

Also, if we're being honest, there are PLENTY of white people hailing from the Mediterranean, so my comment, while jestful, is accurate.

 

[McLovin32]

You have a problem with actual facts? Prove me wrong. Meanwhile, you defend an ignorant fool about whiteness. Stfd. Both of you are ignorant fools

The only fact here is you can't take a joke. You continue to prove that over and over.


Learn to laugh at some things.

 

[fskillet]

Did not have there being a @Hotshoe melty on my bingo card when joking about nasty sounding pies

 

[Hotshoe]

That prized, Carolina Gold Rice? Yeah, brought by Africans. It's so White. Grown to this day in North Carolina.

I'm done suffering ignorant, leftist fools like you.

The Story of Carolina Gold, the Best Rice You've Never Tasted https://www.seriouseats.com/carolina-gold-heirloom-rice-anson-mills

 

[AFM22]

Ok, so what would be the whitest desert ever made?

 

[Hotshoe]

The only fact here is you can't take a joke. You continue to prove that over and over.


Learn to laugh at some things.

It's no joke, and no joke was ever made. Y'all are ignorant fools to our history. It's why y'all support Communists and Marxists. Just own your ignorance.

You're the same pos's who call others racists and Nazis. Meanwhile, y'all haven't a clue regarding our history. Not one of you has a clue regarding the food of this country, where it came from, and then you call it White. Solely out of ignorance. Just have some honesty that, you don't have a clue what you speak of.