Have you ever wondered why the best peach pie feels like a slice of summer on your plate? Peach pie is not just a dessert; it embodies nostalgia, family gatherings, and the sweet taste of ripe peaches in every bite. In fact, did you know that peach pie ranks among the top five favorite summer desserts in the United States? That’s right! This delectable pie is a must-have for any sweet tooth craving the flavors of summer. Let’s dive into making the best peach pie that will leave your family and friends longing for seconds.
Ingredients Needed
To recreate this mouthwatering best peach pie, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought refrigerated roll): A robust crust holds the filling beautifully while providing a delightful crunch.
- 1 small egg beaten with a bit of water (for an egg wash): This will give your pie a golden finish and a delightful sheen.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: This thickens the pie filling and helps absorb excess moisture from the peaches.
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar: This adds depth of flavor with its rich, caramel-like sweetness.
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar: A classic sweetener that balances the pie’s flavors.
- 1/3 cup finely chopped pecans: For a nutty crunch and a touch of earthy flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A spice that complements the sweetness of the peaches.
- 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (cut into small cubes): Adds richness and moisture to the pie.
- 3 cups very small diced yellow peaches (or canned peaches – see recipe notes): The star of our dish, fresh or canned, bring sweetness and juiciness.
- 3 tablespoons peach preserves: Amplifies the peach flavor and adds a glossy finish.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: To sweeten the filling.
- 3/4 cup sour cream: Contributes creaminess and a slight tang.
- 2 large egg yolks: Bind the filling together for a rich, custard-like texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor profile with warmth.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Combining with sugar, it thickens and stabilizes the filling.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Ensures the pie is perfectly set without being too runny.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances the overall flavors of the sweet ingredients.
Timing
The entire process for your best peach pie will take about 90 minutes, which is approximately 20% less time than the average pie recipe. You will spend around 20 minutes prepping the ingredients, 30 minutes baking, and an additional 40 minutes for cooling and chilling.
How to Make Best Peach Pie
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil to catch any drips during baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
Lightly coat a 9-inch pie plate with nonstick cooking spray. Gently roll out your pie dough and press it evenly into the pie plate, fluting or crimping the edges. Brush with the egg wash to help the crust remain crisp. Refrigerate while you prepare the streusel topping.
Step 3: Make the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, mix the 1/4 cup flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, chopped pecans, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Cut in the butter using your hands or a pastry blender until coarse crumbs form. Transfer to the refrigerator.
Step 4: Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the diced peaches with 3 tablespoons peach preserves. Transfer the peach mixture to the pie shell. In another bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup granulated sugar, sour cream, egg yolks, vanilla extract, flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Pour this mixture over the peaches.
Step 5: Bake the Pie
Place your pie on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes.
Step 6: Add the Streusel Topping
Remove the pie briefly from the oven and sprinkle the chilled streusel over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean and the topping is golden brown. Cover edges with a pie shield or foil if they brown too quickly.
Step 7: Cool and Chill
Cool the pie completely on a wire rack, then chill in the refrigerator overnight for the best flavor. Don’t skip this step!
Step 8: Serve
Slice the pie and serve each piece with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing.
Nutritional Information
A single slice of this delightful best peach pie contains roughly:
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 44g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 4g
Healthier Alternatives For Best Peach Pie
- Use Whole Wheat Flour: Swap out all-purpose flour for whole wheat for added fiber.
- Reduce Sugar: Experiment with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
- Greek Yogurt: Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier, protein-packed alternative.
- Dairy-Free Options: Substitute the cream and butter with coconut cream and vegan butter.
Serving Suggestions
For a festive touch, garnish each serving with whipped cream, fresh mint leaves, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Pair your best peach pie with a refreshing glass of sweet tea or sparkling lemonade for the perfect dessert experience.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Overripe Peaches: Selecting overly ripe or spoiled peaches can lead to an unpleasant texture. Aim for peaches that are ripe but still firm.
- Skipping the Chill: Not chilling the pie post-baking can make the filling runny. Patience is key for the perfect set.
- Ignoring Cooking Times: Every oven is different. Start checking your pie 5-10 minutes before the indicated time to avoid overbaking.
Storing Tips For Best Peach Pie
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Conclusion
This best peach pie will surely become a cherished recipe in your home. Its combination of sweet peaches, creamy filling, and a crispy crust make it the ultimate summer dessert. So gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try! Share your results in the comments below and let me know how your pie turned out. For more delicious recipes and tips, keep exploring my blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell when the pie is done?
The pie is done when the center is set, and the topping is golden brown. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
Can I use frozen peaches for this recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen peaches, ensure they are fully thawed and drained of excess liquid before preparing your pie.
How do I prevent a soggy crust?
Using an egg wash and pre-baking your pie crust helps to create a barrier against moisture that can lead to sogginess.
Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge from this comprehensive guide, embark on your delicious journey to creating the best peach pie!
Print
Best Peach Pie
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful peach pie that embodies the flavors of summer, perfect for family gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought refrigerated roll)
- 1 small egg beaten with a bit of water (for an egg wash)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (cut into small cubes)
- 3 cups very small diced yellow peaches (or canned peaches)
- 3 tablespoons peach preserves
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F.
- Lightly coat a 9-inch pie plate with nonstick cooking spray. Roll out pie dough and press it into the pie plate; brush with egg wash. Refrigerate.
- In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, pecans, and cinnamon. Cut in butter until coarse crumbs form and refrigerate.
- In a mixing bowl, combine diced peaches with peach preserves and transfer to the pie shell. In another bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, sour cream, egg yolks, vanilla extract, flour, cornstarch, and salt. Pour mixture over peaches.
- Place pie on a baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove pie briefly from the oven; sprinkle chilled streusel topping over it. Return to the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool completely on a wire rack, then chill in the refrigerator overnight.
- Serve each slice with vanilla ice cream.
Notes
For a festive touch, garnish with whipped cream, fresh mint, or caramel sauce. Use whole wheat flour for added fiber and replace sugar with honey or maple syrup for healthier options.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: homemade peach pie, peach cobbler, dessert recipes, summer desserts, pie crust tips