Peach Pie Recipe

There’s no better way to celebrate the season’s fruity abundance than with a delightful homemade peach pie. Bursting with the juiciness and sweetness of fresh, ripe peaches, this easy-to-make dessert is a true ode to the warmth of summer. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe promises a flaky, golden crust embracing a luscious peach filling that captures the essence of sunny orchards and lazy afternoons.

Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for an easy peach pie using fresh peaches:

Ingredients:

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water

the Peach Filling:

• 6-7 cups fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced
• 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust based on the sweetness of peaches)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

For the Pie Crust:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
• Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Peach Filling:

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
• In a large bowl, combine the sliced peaches, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss until the peaches are well coated.
• Roll out one disc of pie dough and place it into a 9-inch pie dish.
• Pour the peach filling into the pie crust.
• Roll out the second disc of pie dough and place it over the peach filling. Trim the excess dough and crimp the edges to seal the pie.
• Make a few slits on the top crust to allow steam to escape.
• Optionally, brush the top crust with a beaten egg for a golden finish.
• Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
• Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before slicing.

Enjoy your delicious and easy homemade peach pie!

Tips while making peach pie at Home:

Making a peach pie at home can be a delightful experience. Here are some tips to help you achieve a delicious peach pie:

Choose Ripe Peaches:

• Select ripe but firm peaches for the best flavor and texture.
• If your peaches are not fully ripe, you can place them in a paper bag for a day or two to ripen.

Peeling Peaches:

Blanch the peaches in water for about 30 seconds, then transfer them to an ice bath. This will make peeling easier.

Slice Evenly:

Slice the peaches into uniform pieces so they cook evenly in the pie.

Adjust Sugar:

Adjust the amount of sugar based on the sweetness of your peaches and personal preference.

Add Cornstarch or Tapioca:

To prevent a runny filling, add a thickening agent like cornstarch or tapioca to absorb excess liquid

Spices:

Enhance the flavor with a touch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or a pinch of cardamom. These spices complement the sweetness of peaches.

Prevent Soggy Crust:

Blind bake the bottom crust for a few minutes before adding the filling to prevent it from becoming soggy.

Egg Wash:

Brush the top crust with an egg wash (beaten egg) to give it a golden, shiny finish.

Ventilation:

Make slits or a lattice pattern in the top crust to allow steam to escape and prevent the filling from becoming too watery.

Baking Temperature:

Preheat your oven and bake at a higher temperature initially (around 425°F/220°C) to set the crust. Then, reduce the temperature for the remainder of the baking time.

Use a Baking Sheet:

Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and prevent a messy oven.

Cooling:

Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. This helps the filling set, making it easier to cut neat slices.

Serve with Ice Cream:

Peach pie pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold and creamy texture complements the warm pie.

• Baking is also about personal preference, so feel free to experiment and adjust the recipe to suit your taste. Enjoy your homemade peach pie!

Your Queries Answered: FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) guide for making peach pie at home:

1: What ingredients do I need to make a peach pie?

To make a peach pie, you’ll need fresh peaches, sugar, flour, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and a pie crust (either homemade or store-bought).

2: Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh ones?

While fresh peaches are preferred for the best flavor and texture, you can use canned peaches as a substitute. Just make sure to drain them well and adjust the sugar accordingly since canned peaches are often sweeter.

3: How do I peel and slice peaches easily?

peel peaches easily, you can blanch them in boiling water for about 30 seconds, then transfer them to an ice bath. The skins should easily peel off. For slicing, cut around the peach pit and then slice the peach into thin wedges.

4: Can I make the pie crust from scratch?

Making a pie crust from scratch can enhance the overall flavor. Basic ingredients include flour, butter, salt, and cold water. You can find many recipes online with detailed instructions.

5: How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?

to prevent a soggy crust, you can bake the crust before adding the peach filling. Simply line the pie crust with parchment paper, fill it with pie weights or dried beans, and bake for about 10 minutes. This helps set the crust before adding the moist filling.

6: How do I keep the pie filling from being too runny?

Use a combination of flour and cornstarch in your peach filling. These thickeners will help absorb excess liquid from the peaches, preventing a runny filling. Also, let the pie cool completely before slicing to allow the filling to set.

7: Can I make the pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pie ahead of time. You can assemble the pie, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. Bake it the next day for a fresh pie. Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked pie and bake it later. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

8: How do I store leftover peach pie?

Store leftover peach pie in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. Cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It’s best to consume within a few days for the best quality.

9: Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh ones?

frozen peaches if fresh ones are not available. Thaw and drain them before using. However, fresh peaches generally yield better results in terms of flavor and texture.

10: Can I make a vegan or gluten-free peach pie?

adapt the recipe for a vegan or gluten-free version. For a vegan pie, use plant-based butter and ensure the pie crust is vegan. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free pie crust and substitute gluten-free flour or a thickening agent for the regular flour.

• Feel free to tailor the recipe to your preferences and dietary needs!