Concord Grape Pie

This Concord grape pie recipe is perfect for those who love a juicy, unique homemade fruit pie that is perfect for Fall.

Nothing says fall quite like a warm Concord Grape Pie, especially if you’re in grape country. This pie is packed with the rich, tangy-sweet flavor of Concord grapes, making it a nostalgic dessert perfect for gatherings or just a cozy evening at home. Inspired by the celebrated grape pies of Upstate New York, this recipe combines the juicy essence of grapes with a hint of lemon for a balanced sweetness that’s sure to impress.

The Story Behind Concord Grape Pie

Concord Grape Pie became a regional favorite in Upstate New York, particularly around Naples, where grape festivals celebrate the harvest season and the grape pie queen. First made popular in the 1960s by home bakers selling pies at roadside stands, Concord Grape Pie has grown into a tradition that defines the autumn season in the Finger Lakes region.

Now, with this grape pie recipe, you can enjoy a piece of that tradition at home, especially if you know how to grow Concord grapes in your backyard.

Delicious Homemade Concord Grape Pie Recipe

Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour & 20 minutes

• 1 double-crust pie dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 4 Cups of Concord grapes, stemmed
• 1 cup of sugar
• 2 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 1/2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 Teaspoon of Salt
• Egg Wash for Crust

Concord Grape Pie Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Roll out half of the pie dough on a lightly floured surface into a circle large enough to fit a 9-inch pie plate. Place it on the pie plate, trim the edges, and chill if directions call for that. Roll out the second half for the top crust and refrigerate according to crust instructions.

Step 2: Process the Grapes

Rinse the grapes well, discarding any blemished ones. Squeeze each grape to separate the skins from the pulp. Place the pulp in a saucepan, setting the skins aside.

You could also use a juicer to quickly separate the seeds and skins from the grape juice.

Step 3: Cook the Pulp

Gently mash the grape pulp and cook over medium heat until it begins to boil. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes. Let it cool slightly, then press the mixture through a sieve to remove the seeds.

Step 4: Make the Filling

In a heavy pot, combine the seedless pulp, reserved grape skins, sugar, cornstarch, salt, and lemon juice. Simmer over low heat, stirring, until the filling thickens and bubbles, about 5 minutes. Allow it to cool completely.

Step 5: Assemble the Pie

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Pour the cooled filling into the prepared pie shell. Place the top crust over the filling, seal the edges, and cut a few slits for steam vents. Wipe with eggwash for a perfect crust.

Step 6: Bake the Pie

Bake on the lower oven rack for 30 minutes at 400°F. Reduce the heat to 375°F and bake another 25-30 minutes, until the crust is golden and the filling bubbles.

Let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 3 hours to set.

Tips for the Perfect Concord Grape Pie

• Thickening the Filling: Grapes can create a very juicy filling, so pre-cooking with cornstarch helps thicken it to avoid a soggy crust.
• Avoid a Soggy Bottom: Make sure the filling is completely cooled before pouring it into the crust; the hot filling can melt the bottom crust.
• Cutting the Crust Vents: Don’t skip the slits in the top crust—these small vents allow steam to escape and help prevent an overly moist pie interior.

Why Concord Grapes?

Concord grapes are celebrated for their intense, aromatic flavor and deep purple color, which gives the pie its beautiful hue. These grapes have a unique “grapey” taste, unlike any other, making them ideal for desserts and a favorite in pies from New York to the Midwest.

More Recipes Using Concord Grapes

• Fastest Homemade Grape Jelly Using Concord Grapes
• Easy Grape Pops – Concord Grape Popsicles
• Grape Lemonade Recipe
• Easy Canned Biscuit Donut Recipe + Fillings & Glazes