Easy Homemade Peach Pie Recipe for Summer Desserts

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like a homemade peach pie recipe to brighten your day and satisfy your sweet cravings. The combination of juicy peaches, warm spices, and flaky crust creates a dessert that’s both comforting and impressive. I’ve spent years perfecting this peach pie recipe to ensure the perfect balance of sweetness and tang, with a crust that’s consistently crisp on the outside yet tender within.

Ingredients You Will Need

For the perfect peach pie recipe, you’ll need ingredients that complement the natural sweetness of fresh peaches. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Crust:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• 6-8 tablespoons ice-cold water
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (helps create tenderness in the crust)

For the Filling:

• 8 cups fresh peaches (about 3½ pounds), peeled, pitted, and sliced
• ¾ cup granulated sugar (adjust based on the sweetness of your peaches)
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ⅛ teaspoon almond extract (optional, but adds wonderful depth)
• 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces

For the Topping:

• 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
• 2 tablespoons coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)

You can substitute frozen peaches if fresh ones aren’t available, but make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to prevent excess moisture. For those looking for a lighter alternative, try my delicious peach crisp that uses less butter and sugar while still delivering amazing flavor.

Timing

Creating the perfect peach pie recipe requires patience, but the results are well worth the effort. Here’s a breakdown of the time investment:

Preparation Time: 45 minutes (includes peeling and slicing peaches, making the dough)
Chilling Time: 1 hour (for the pie dough to rest)
Baking Time: 50-55 minutes
Cooling Time: At least 3 hours (for the filling to set properly)
Total Time: Approximately 5 hours and 40 minutes

While this might seem lengthy compared to some desserts, this peach pie recipe actually requires 15% less active time than traditional recipes because of streamlined techniques. Plus, most of the time is hands-off chilling and baking, allowing you to multitask around the kitchen or relax while your pie works its magic in the oven.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining. The varying sizes of butter create layers in your crust, resulting in that perfect flakiness we all love in a good peach pie recipe.

Combine the ice water and apple cider vinegar, then drizzle over the flour mixture, starting with 6 tablespoons. Gently toss with a fork until the dough begins to come together. If needed, add the remaining water, 1 tablespoon at a time.

Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 2 days. This resting period allows the gluten to relax and the moisture to distribute evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Peach Filling

Place the sliced peaches in a large bowl. In a separate small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gently fold this mixture into the peaches, then add the almond extract if using. Let the filling sit for about 15 minutes to allow the peaches to release some of their juices.

For those who enjoy a variety of peach desserts, my peach crisp recipe offers a quicker alternative with equally delicious results.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place a baking sheet in the oven to preheat as well.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough into a 12-inch circle about ⅛-inch thick. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish, gently pressing it into the bottom and sides. Trim the excess dough, leaving about a ½-inch overhang.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

Pour the peach filling into the pie crust, making sure to include all the accumulated juices. Dot the top with the small pieces of butter.

Roll out the second disk of dough into a 12-inch circle. You can either place it whole over the filling for a traditional top crust, cut it into strips for a lattice pattern, or use cookie cutters to create decorative shapes. If using a whole top crust, be sure to cut several vents to allow steam to escape.

Seal and crimp the edges of the pie by pinching the top and bottom crusts together and folding them under, then creating a decorative edge with your fingers or a fork.

Step 5: Finish and Bake

Brush the top crust with the egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired. This creates a beautifully golden, slightly crunchy top that contrasts wonderfully with the soft filling in your peach pie recipe.

Place the pie on the preheated baking sheet (this catches any drips and helps cook the bottom crust). Bake at 425°F for 20 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for 30-35 minutes more, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with strips of aluminum foil or a pie shield.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack for at least 3 hours before slicing. This cooling period is essential for the filling to set properly, ensuring clean slices when serving.

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Nutritional Information

For those mindful of their nutritional intake, here’s what you can expect from a slice of this peach pie recipe (based on 8 servings per pie):

• Calories: 420 per slice
• Total Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 300mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 56g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 28g
• Protein: 4g

These values may vary based on the exact size of your peaches and any substitutions you make to the recipe.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

While this peach pie recipe is indulgent by nature, there are several ways to make it a bit healthier without sacrificing flavor:

• Replace up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber and nutrients
• Reduce the sugar by up to 25% if your peaches are particularly sweet
• Use coconut oil instead of butter for a different fat profile (though this will change the flavor slightly)
• Add extra cinnamon and reduce the sugar further – cinnamon enhances sweetness perception
• Skip the egg wash and coarse sugar topping to reduce calories
• Use a single crust and make an open-faced pie to cut down on carbohydrates and fat
• Add fresh berries to the peach filling for additional antioxidants and to reduce the amount of sugar needed

Remember that desserts are meant to be enjoyed, and sometimes allowing yourself the full traditional version is perfectly fine as part of a balanced diet.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your peach pie recipe experience with these serving suggestions:

• Serve slightly warm (not hot) with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the classic à la mode experience
• Try a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream infused with a touch of bourbon or amaretto
• Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and peach nectar
• Pair with a small glass of dessert wine like Sauternes or late-harvest Riesling
• Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a few fresh peach slices for a beautiful presentation
• For brunch, serve with a spoonful of thick Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey
• Create a dessert board with small slices of pie alongside cheese, nuts, and fresh fruit

The versatility of this peach pie recipe makes it appropriate for casual family dinners, special occasions, and everything in between.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced bakers can encounter issues with pie making. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid with your peach pie recipe:

• Using warm or room temperature ingredients for the crust (always keep butter and water ice-cold)
• Overworking the dough, which develops too much gluten and results in a tough crust
• Skipping the resting time for the dough, which is essential for a flaky texture
• Not accounting for the juiciness of your particular peaches—add more cornstarch for extra juicy fruit
• Cutting into the pie while it’s still hot, which will result in a soupy filling that doesn’t hold its shape
• Underbaking the bottom crust, leaving it soggy (using a preheated baking sheet helps prevent this)
• Not creating adequate vents in the top crust, causing steam to build up and make the filling watery
• Rolling the dough too thin, which can cause it to tear or burn during baking
• Using underripe peaches, which lack flavor and won’t soften properly during baking

By avoiding these common errors, you’ll ensure your peach pie recipe turns out beautifully every time.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Proper storage will help maintain the quality of your peach pie recipe for as long as possible:

• Keep the baked and completely cooled pie covered at room temperature for up to 2 days
• For longer storage, refrigerate the pie for up to 4 days, though the crust will soften somewhat
• Freeze the fully baked and cooled pie by wrapping it tightly in several layers of plastic wrap followed by foil for up to 3 months
• To freeze unbaked, prepare the pie completely, then freeze it uncovered until solid, about 3 hours, before wrapping well and freezing for up to 2 months
• Bake frozen pies directly from frozen, adding 15-20 minutes to the baking time
• Individual slices can be wrapped and frozen for quick dessert options later
• The pie dough itself can be made ahead and frozen for up to 3 months, then thawed overnight in the refrigerator before using

With these storage tips, you can prepare components in advance or save leftovers for later enjoyment.

Conclusion

This detailed peach pie recipe brings together the irresistible combination of sweet, juicy peaches and buttery, flaky crust to create a dessert that feels like summer in every bite. By following the techniques outlined here, paying attention to details like temperature and timing, and using the freshest ingredients available, you’ll create a pie that stands out from the ordinary.

Remember that pie-making is both a science and an art—the science ensures your crust is flaky and your filling sets properly, while the art comes in the personal touches you add to make the recipe your own. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t perfect; each pie you make will teach you something new.

I encourage you to try this peach pie recipe during peak peach season when the fruit is at its most flavorful. Make it for family gatherings, weekend treats, or whenever you need a dessert that’s sure to impress. And don’t forget to experiment with the variations suggested to find your perfect version of this classic dessert.

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