Don’t let the name fool you—Old-Fashioned Vinegar Pie is a sweet, tangy slice of pioneer ingenuity. Born out of the Great Depression and frontier pantries, this humble dessert was a clever substitute when lemons were scarce. With a custard-like filling and a hint of tartness from simple vinegar, it’s proof that necessity really is the mother of delicious invention.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
🧂 Ingredients:
For the filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the crust:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie shell (store-bought or homemade)
👩🍳 Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix the filling:
In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Add eggs and beat until smooth. Stir in water, vinegar, and melted butter until well combined. - Pour into pie shell:
Place the pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges. Pour the filling mixture into the unbaked shell. - Bake:
Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch spills and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. The top may brown slightly. - Cool:
Let cool completely on a wire rack. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
📝 Notes:
- This pie tastes similar to a lemon custard but with a nostalgic, tangy twist.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar or serve with a dollop of whipped cream for added flair.
Whether you’re feeding the family or just fixing something for yourself, we’ve got more recipe favorites waiting on The Lintonian’s Recipes Page. From skillet suppers to old-fashioned Sunday desserts, come see what’s cookin’ — and don’t be a stranger! 👉 Browse our full recipe collection here.