If you are looking for a dessert that truly captures the essence of summer, this Fresh Peach Pie Recipe is an absolute must-try. Vibrant, juicy peaches baked inside a flaky, golden crust create an irresistible combination that tastes like sunshine on a plate. Every slice bursts with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making it a delightful treat to share with family and friends. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just beginning to explore homemade pies, this recipe offers straightforward steps and simple ingredients to deliver a heartwarming, classic dessert that never goes out of style.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving that perfect harmony of flavors and textures in your pie. Each component plays an essential role, from the buttery crust that holds everything together, to the spices that add depth and warmth to the juicy peaches.
- Double pie crust: Use store-bought or homemade for a crisp, flaky foundation that encases the filling beautifully.
- Fresh peaches (5 cups, peeled and sliced): The star of the show; choose ripe but firm peaches for the best texture and flavor.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Adds sweetness that complements the peaches naturally.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Brings a subtle caramel note that enhances the fruit’s richness.
- Cornstarch (1/4 cup): Thickens the juicy filling so every slice holds together perfectly.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Introduces warm spice that evokes nostalgic pie aromas.
- Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a delicate hint of earthiness.
- Salt (1/8 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- Butter (1 tablespoon, cut into small pieces): Dotting the filling with butter enriches it with a luscious, silky finish.
- Egg (1 beaten): For an egg wash that creates a gorgeous golden crust.
- Coarse sugar (1 tablespoon, optional): Sprinkled on top for a sparkling, sweet crunch.
How to Make Fresh Peach Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C), ensuring it reaches the right temperature for a perfectly baked pie. Roll out your bottom crust and gently fit it into a 9-inch pie dish, making sure it covers the surface evenly and extends slightly up the sides. This crust acts as the sturdy vessel for your juicy filling.
Step 2: Mix the Peach Filling
In a large bowl, combine the sliced peaches with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to coat the fruit evenly. Letting this mixture sit for 10 minutes encourages the juices to release, melding the sugars and spices into a luscious filling.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Pour the peach filling into the prepared bottom crust, spreading it out evenly. Scatter small pieces of butter over the filling to add richness as the pie bakes. Roll out your top crust and place it over the filling. You can choose to leave it whole with slits cut in the top to vent steam or create a beautiful lattice pattern for visual appeal. Trim and crimp the edges to seal all those flavors inside.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
Brush the top crust with beaten egg to give it a shiny, golden finish. If desired, sprinkle coarse sugar on top for an extra touch of sparkle and sweetness. Placing the pie on a baking sheet will catch any drips during baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the pie at 425°F for 20 minutes to set the crust. Then lower the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the crust is beautifully golden and the filling is bubbling with that inviting caramelized aroma. Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing so the filling can set perfectly.
How to Serve Fresh Peach Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your slice of Fresh Peach Pie Recipe with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream. The cold creaminess complements the warm, spiced peach filling while adding a luxurious texture contrast. Fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of cinnamon can also add a pretty finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with simple sides such as a fresh green salad for a summer barbecue or a light cup of herbal tea or coffee. The natural sweetness of the pie balances savory meals or can stand alone as a delightful finale to any gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual mini pies using muffin tins or turn slices into hand pies wrapped in parchment for picnic-style treats. You could even plate a warm slice alongside a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for added texture and gourmet flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once baked and cooled, cover your Fresh Peach Pie Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It keeps well for 3 to 4 days while retaining the moist texture of the filling and the flakiness of the crust.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy the pie later, it’s best to freeze it before baking. Assemble the pie, wrap it securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, potentially adding extra baking time to compensate for chilling.
Reheating
To bring your leftover pie back to life, warm slices gently in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10 to 15 minutes. This method reheats evenly and restores some of the original crispness to the crust without making the filling too runny.
FAQs
Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh for this Fresh Peach Pie Recipe?
While fresh peaches are recommended for their texture and flavor, you can use canned peaches in a pinch. Just be sure to drain them well and adjust the amount of cornstarch since canned peaches can be much juicier.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
One helpful tip is to brush the bottom pie crust with a thin layer of beaten egg white before adding the filling. This creates a moisture barrier and helps keep the crust crisp once baked.
Is it okay to use a store-bought pie crust?
Absolutely! Store-bought crusts are a convenient option and work wonderfully in this recipe. Just be sure to pick one that’s buttery and flaky for the best taste and texture.
Can I make this pie vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and use a vegan pie crust. For the egg wash, brushing the crust with a mixture of almond milk and maple syrup can provide a similar golden finish.
What is the best way to slice this pie without it falling apart?
Allowing the pie to cool completely before slicing is key to letting the filling set nicely. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts for clean, perfect slices every time.
Final Thoughts
This Fresh Peach Pie Recipe is more than just dessert; it’s a celebration of summer’s sweetest bounty in every bite. Easy to make, yet impressively delicious, it’s perfect for sharing on warm afternoons or special occasions. Once you try it, this will become your go-to recipe for showcasing fresh peaches in true homemade style.
Print
Fresh Peach Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Fresh Peach Pie recipe combines juicy, ripe peaches with a perfectly buttery double crust to create a classic American dessert that’s perfect for summer. With hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, and a sweet, bubbling filling, this pie is a delightful treat to enjoy on warm days, especially served alongside vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 double pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Filling
- 5 cups fresh peaches (peeled and sliced)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter (cut into small pieces)
Topping
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the pie.
- Prepare Bottom Crust: Roll out the bottom pie crust and fit it carefully into a 9-inch pie dish, ensuring it is evenly placed and covers the bottom and sides.
- Mix Peach Filling: In a large bowl, combine the peeled and sliced peaches with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss the ingredients gently to coat the peaches evenly and let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the juices to release.
- Fill Pie: Pour the peach mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter distributed over the top.
- Add Top Crust: Roll out the top crust and place it over the peach filling. You can cover it whole with slits cut for steam to escape or create a lattice pattern. Trim the edges to match the bottom crust and crimp them together to seal the pie completely.
- Apply Egg Wash and Sugar: Brush the top crust with the beaten egg to give it a shiny, golden color after baking. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired to add texture and sweetness.
- Bake at High Temperature: Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch drips and bake in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes to set the crust and start cooking the filling.
- Reduce Temperature and Continue Baking: Lower the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake the pie for an additional 30–35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling vigorously.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely before slicing to allow the filling to thicken and set properly, ensuring clean slices when served.
Notes
- For best results, use ripe but firm peaches to maintain texture during baking.
- If the peaches are especially juicy, consider adding an extra teaspoon of cornstarch to prevent a runny filling.
- This pie is delicious when served warm or at room temperature, especially with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
