Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pie is wonderfully simple to make and has a unique flavor profile—rich, creamy, and lightly tart. It’s a conversation starter at gatherings, yet humble enough for everyday baking. With no special ingredients required, it’s perfect when you want dessert without a trip to the store.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
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Granulated sugar
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Unsalted butter, melted
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Eggs
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Apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
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Vanilla extract
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Water or milk
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Pinch of salt
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish and crimp edges.
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In a mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, melted butter, eggs, vinegar, vanilla, water or milk, and salt until smooth.
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Pour the filling into the prepared crust.
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Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly wobbly.
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Cool completely before slicing. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Servings and timing
Serves 8 people.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
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Spiced Vinegar Pie: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves for a warm flavor.
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Citrus Twist: Use lemon juice instead of vinegar for a lemon custard pie.
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Brown Sugar Version: Swap half the sugar for brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
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Whipped Cream Topping: Serve with lightly sweetened whipped cream.
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Mini Pies: Bake in small tart shells for individual portions.
Storage/Reheating
Store in the refrigerator, loosely covered, for up to 4 days.
Enjoy chilled or at room temperature—no reheating needed.
The pie can also be frozen (without whipped cream) for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
FAQs
Why put vinegar in pie?
It balances the sweetness and gives the custard a unique tang.
Does it taste like vinegar?
No, the flavor is mild and pleasantly tart, not sharp.
Can I use white vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar?
Yes, but apple cider vinegar gives a softer, fruitier flavor.
Is vinegar pie the same as chess pie?
They’re similar, but chess pie usually includes cornmeal and more butter.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free butter and milk alternatives.
How do I know when it’s done?
The center should be set but still have a slight jiggle.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, it keeps well for several days.
What’s the best crust to use?
A traditional butter pie crust works perfectly, but a graham cracker crust can be used for a twist.
Can I serve it warm?
It’s best served cooled so the filling fully sets.
Can I add fruit?
Yes, berries or thinly sliced apples can be baked into the filling for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Vinegar Pie is a humble yet surprisingly elegant dessert that turns basic pantry ingredients into something creamy, sweet, and memorable. Whether you’re honoring tradition or just curious to try a vintage recipe, it’s a pie worth baking at least once—and likely again
Vinegar Pie
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Vinegar Pie is a vintage custard-style dessert from the Great Depression era, made with simple pantry staples. Its silky filling has a subtle tang from vinegar that balances the sweetness, baked in a flaky crust for a humble yet elegant treat.
Ingredients
- 1 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup water or milk
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish and crimp edges.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, melted butter, eggs, vinegar, vanilla, water or milk, and salt until smooth.
- Pour the filling into the prepared crust.
- Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly wobbly.
- Cool completely before slicing. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Notes
Apple cider vinegar adds a softer, fruitier tang than white vinegar.For a spiced version, add cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves.Best served fully cooled so the custard sets properly.Pairs well with lightly sweetened whipped cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 33g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
