Vinegar Pie

Among the ranks of other Southern desperation pies, like our Classic Chess Pie and Old-Fashioned Shoofly Pie, is this delightfully tangy vinegar pie. These pie recipes were initially created to make the most of cupboard ingredients when resources were scarce, meaning the recipe calls for ingredients you likely already have on hand.

Our vinegar pie recipe is elevated a bit with additions like vanilla and honey (things not readily available during the Great Depression), but we think these additions add depth to an already delicious pie during a time when those ingredients are more accessible.

The sharpness of the vinegar is offset by the sugar and salt in the filling, lending a tartness and tang similar to cheesecake while maintaining the texture of a gooey custard pie. We give the pie a quick dusting of powdered sugar before serving, but the pie would be just as delicious with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Also, if you don't have the time to fuss with making your own pie dough, a store-bought pie crust is perfectly fine to use—it won't be as flaky as our homemade pie pastry recipe, but it will bake just as well with the filling.

What Is Vinegar Pie?

Dating back to pioneer days, vinegar pie was one type of dessert that could be made using simple ingredients that were readily available. Eggs, sugar, butter, and flour could be used to create a satisfying dessert for the whole family, and additions like vinegar were an ingenious way of adding tanginess and flavor without the addition of harder-to-get ingredients, like fresh fruit in winter. These types of pies gained popularity during the Great Depression, leading to the label desperation pies.

Similar to a buttermilk or chess pie, this vinegar pie has a custardy consistency, with the balanced sweetness of honey and brown sugar offset by the hint of acidity from apple cider vinegar.

Ingredients for Vinegar Pie

To make this classic pie, you'll need:

• Single-Crust Pie Pastry: Or a store-bought piecrust.
• Large eggs: Helps bind and set the filling for a sliceable texture.
• Granulated sugar: To sweeten the filling.
• Light brown sugar: Adds notes of molasses.
• Vanilla extract: Boosts the flavor of this simple pie.
• Unsalted butter: For a rich, custardy filling.
• Apple cider vinegar: Adds a tangy acidity to the pie.
• Honey: Provides a fruity note that balances and complements the apple cider vinegar.
• All-purpose flour: To help thicken the filling.
• Kosher salt: Enhances the flavor of the pie.
• Powdered sugar: For dusting the pie before serving.

How To Make Vinegar Pie

Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

• Step 1. Prepare crust: Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll out chilled pie dough to an 1/8-inch-thick circle, and transfer to a 9-inch pie pan. Trim and crimp. Line with parchment and baking weights; bake for 20 minutes, then remove weights and bake for an additional 10 minutes until lightly browned.
• Step 2. Prepare filling: Whisk remaining ingredients until smooth. Pour into crust and bake until set, about 30 minutes.
• Step 3. Cool and serve: Cool completely, then dust with powdered sugar and serve.

Tips for the Best Vinegar Pie

For the best possible pie, these tricks will help:

• Parbake the crust: Parbaking will ensure a crisp bottom crust.
• Don't skimp on the ingredients: It may seem like a long ingredient list, but the combination of light brown sugar, honey, salt, vanilla, and apple cider vinegar make for a flavorful result.
• Strain the filling: If you notice any lumps in your filling, strain before pouring into the crust for the smoothest texture.
• Bake until just set: Bake just until the pie no longer jiggles in the center for the most custardy texture. The filling will continue to firm up as it cools.
• Cool before dusting: Cool before dusting with powdered sugar to keep it from melting onto the warm pie.

Can I Make Vinegar Pie Ahead?

Vinegar pie can be baked up to three days before serving. Refrigerate and serve lightly chilled or at room temperature. It can also be frozen for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

How To Store Leftover Vinegar Pie

Wrap and refrigerate leftover vinegar pie for up to four days, or freeze for longer storage (up to three months). Thaw in the refrigerator and serve slightly chilled or at room temperature.

More Classic Southern Pie Recipes You'll Love

From simple pies like a classic pecan pie, to a cushaw pie with vanilla bean custard, these Southern pie recipes will have you dreaming of dessert:

• Pecan Pie
• Shaker Lemon Pie
• Coconut Cream Pie
• Southern Buttermilk Pie
• Cushaw Pie with Vanilla Bean Custard Sauce
• Egg Custard Pie
• Kentucky Bourbon Pie
• Classic Chess Pie
• Old-Fashioned Sour Cream-Raisin Pie
• Lemon Chiffon Pie

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.