Vinegar pie is a unique and historic dessert that originated in American pioneer kitchens. This simple yet flavorful pie is made with common pantry ingredients like eggs, sugar, butter, vinegar, and vanilla extract. The filling has a sweet and tangy flavor profile with a smooth custard-like texture. Vinegar pie was popular during times when fresh fruits were scarce or expensive, as it could be made using basic ingredients readily available in most households. Despite its humble origins, vinegar pie has stood the test of time and continues to be enjoyed today for its simplicity and delightful taste.

Vinegar pie has its roots in American pioneer history. It emerged as a practical and economical dessert during the 19th century when resources were limited, and fresh fruits were not always readily available. The pie’s primary ingredients, eggs, sugar, butter, vinegar, and vanilla extract, were common staples in most pioneer households.

The use of vinegar in the pie served multiple purposes. It provided a tangy flavor that balanced the sweetness of the sugar and enhanced the overall taste. Additionally, vinegar helped to extend the shelf life of the pie, making it a suitable choice for long winters or when fresh ingredients were scarce.

Vinegar pie was often associated with rural and frontier communities, where resourcefulness and making the most of available ingredients were essential. Its popularity spread throughout different regions of the United States, becoming a cherished dessert for many families.

Today, vinegar pie remains a nostalgic reminder of simpler times and is enjoyed by those who appreciate traditional, time-tested recipes. It has found a place in heritage cookbooks and continues to be made and shared as a way to honor the culinary traditions of the past.

PREP: 10 MIN.

BAKE: 45 MIN.

MAKES: 8 SERVINGS

INGREDIENTS

• 4 eggs
• 1½ cups sugar
• ¼ cup butter, melted
• 1-½ tablespoons cider or white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 unbaked pie shell (9 inches)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a large bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them together. Add the sugar, melted butter, cider or white vinegar, and vanilla extract. Mix all the ingredients together until well combined.
2. Take the unbaked pie shell and pour the prepared filling mixture into it, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
3. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the filled pie shell in the oven and bake for approximately 45 to 50 minutes, or until the pie is set and the filling is firm.
4. Once the pie is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack. This will help the pie set further and reach a suitable temperature for serving.
5. Vinegar pie is best served at room temperature or slightly chilled. Once cooled, slice the pie into wedges and enjoy its unique sweet-tangy flavor and smooth custard-like texture. This historic dessert is a testament to the resourcefulness of earlier times and provides a delightful glimpse into the culinary traditions of the American pioneers.