If summer had a flavor, it would taste just like a Fresh Peach Pie – juicy, fragrant, and downright irresistible! This classic dessert brings together the season’s ripest peaches tucked lovingly inside a flaky golden crust, all kissed with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of lemon. Each bite captures sunshine and nostalgia in the most delectable way, whether you grew up picking peaches off the tree or just love the fruity burst of the first slice. There’s nothing quite like the anticipation as your kitchen fills with the sweet scent of bubbling fruit and buttery pastry, promising a treat that’s meant to be shared and savored.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Fresh Peach Pie lies in its simplicity – the ingredients are humble, but each one adds something essential to flavor, texture, or that inviting golden color. With peaches as the star of the show and a few pantry staples, you’re only steps away from pie bliss. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Refrigerated Pie Crusts (2 crusts): Perfect for saving time without sacrificing that flaky, golden pie base and top.
- Fresh Ripe Peaches (6 cups, peeled and sliced): The true heart and soul of the pie – choose fragrant, brightly colored peaches for the juiciest filling.
- Granulated Sugar (3/4 cup): Adds sweetness and helps bring out the luscious juices of the peaches.
- Light Brown Sugar (1/4 cup): Introduces a subtle caramel note that makes the filling richer and more complex.
- Cornstarch (1/4 cup): Thickens up the filling just enough while keeping the fruit juicy but not runny.
- Ground Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the warmth of the fruit with a comforting spice note.
- Ground Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): A pinch makes the pie taste even more old-fashioned and cozy.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and lifts all the flavors.
- Lemon Juice (2 teaspoons): Brightens and contrasts the peaches, preventing them from turning brown and keeping the flavor vibrant.
- Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons, cut into small cubes): Dots on top of the filling to add richness and gloss as the pie bakes.
- Egg (1, beaten with 1 tablespoon water): The simple egg wash gives the crust that coveted glossy sheen.
- Coarse Sugar, for sprinkling (optional): Adds sparkle and a little crunch to the top crust for a bakery-worthy finish.
How to Make Fresh Peach Pie
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pie Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) – this initial burst of heat helps the crust crisp up nicely. While the oven gets ready, unroll one refrigerated pie crust and gently fit it into a 9-inch pie dish, making sure there are no air bubbles and letting the edges hang over slightly. Your future slices will thank you for a sturdy, well-fitted base!
Step 2: Make the Peach Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine your sliced peaches, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice. Give everything a gentle stir so the peaches are evenly coated, but don’t overmix – you want the slices to stay lush and juicy, not mushy. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes while you prepare the top crust to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Pour your gorgeous peach filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading out the fruit so it’s evenly distributed. Dot the top of the filling with little cubes of butter; they’ll melt into the fruit as the pie bakes, making it extra glossy and flavorful. Unroll the second pie crust and lay it gently over the filling. You can go classic with a solid top and a few slits for steam, or get creative and cut the crust into strips to make a stunning lattice pattern. Trim and crimp the edges to seal in all those juices.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
Brush the top crust generously with the beaten egg wash – this is your ticket to an enviable golden sheen once the pie is baked. For an extra bakery-like touch, sprinkle coarse sugar over the top before it heads into the oven. Not only does this look beautiful, but it adds a welcome bit of crunch.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your assembled pie on a baking sheet (to catch any drips!) and bake for 20 minutes at 400°F so the crust sets. Then, reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 35 to 40 minutes, until the crust turns a deep golden brown and you see the luscious filling bubbling up through the vents or lattice. The aroma wafting through your kitchen at this stage is pure magic.
Step 6: Cool Completely Before Slicing
Once out of the oven, let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This patience pays off: it gives the filling time to set, so your slices come out clean and picture-perfect, with all those beautiful peaches nestled perfectly in their flavorful syrup.
How to Serve Fresh Peach Pie
Garnishes
For the prettiest, tastiest slices of Fresh Peach Pie, try serving each piece with a dollop of softly whipped cream or a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream. A scatter of fresh mint leaves or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a lovely touch that’ll make everyone’s eyes light up at the table.
Side Dishes
Keep things light and summery by pairing your pie with a fresh fruit salad for brunch or a side of tangy yogurt if you’re serving it for breakfast (don’t worry, I won’t tell!). In the afternoon, a tall glass of cold lemonade or sweet iced tea is the perfect complement to the pie’s warm spices and juicy filling.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your Fresh Peach Pie to the next level by serving it as rustic hand pies for picnics, or bake the filling in mini tart shells for an elegant party spread. If you’ve made a lattice or decorative crust, place the whole pie on a cake stand so everyone gets to admire your handiwork before slicing. You can even offer a pie bar with toppings like caramel sauce, toasted nuts, or berries for guests to customize their own slice.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Fresh Peach Pie covered loosely with plastic wrap or foil at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is especially warm, tuck it into the fridge so the filling stays fresh and the crust keeps its tender bite.
Freezing
To save a taste of summer for later, you can freeze completely cooled slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. For longer storage, you can also freeze a whole baked pie; just allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. The crust may lose a bit of its crispness, but the flavor will still be heavenly.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, warm it up in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes – this revives the crust’s flakiness and softens the filling just enough. Microwave reheating works in a pinch (just 20-30 seconds per slice) but the pie will be softer. Add a scoop of ice cream and you’re instantly transported to peach paradise once more.
FAQs
Do I have to peel the peaches?
While you’ll get the smoothest texture by peeling the peaches, you can absolutely leave the skins on if you prefer a more rustic look and a bit of extra fiber. Blanching the peaches for 30 seconds in boiling water makes the skins slip off easily.
Can I use frozen peaches for Fresh Peach Pie?
Yes! If fresh peaches aren’t in season, frozen ones are a fantastic substitute. Just thaw and drain them well to avoid excess liquid in your filling so your pie bakes up beautifully.
How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?
Placing your filled pie on a preheated baking sheet and baking at a high initial temperature helps the bottom crust cook through. Using enough cornstarch in the filling is also key to soaking up extra juicy peaches.
Can I make the pie crust from scratch?
Absolutely! Homemade crust lends an extra layer of flavor and pride to your Fresh Peach Pie. Use your favorite buttery recipe, or keep things easy with quality store-bought crusts if you’re pressed for time.
What’s the best way to make my pie look beautiful?
A shiny egg wash, a sprinkle of coarse sugar, and creative lattice or cut-out patterns always make pies stand out. If you want extra wow factor, brush the cooled crust lightly with warm apricot jam for a glossy finish.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing more joyful than baking and sharing a Fresh Peach Pie, especially when peaches are at their sun-ripened peak. Gather your peaches, roll out that crust, and delight in the kind of homemade dessert that fills your home with laughter and the sweetest aromas imaginable. Give this recipe a try – I promise, it’ll quickly become a beloved summer tradition!
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Fresh Peach Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the sweetness of summer with this delightful Fresh Peach Pie. Made with juicy ripe peaches and warm spices, this classic dessert is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the pie:
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 6 cups fresh ripe peaches, peeled and sliced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water for egg wash
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the crust: Roll out one pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish.
- Make the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the peaches, sugars, cornstarch, spices, salt, and lemon juice. Stir gently until the peaches are evenly coated.
- Assemble the pie: Pour the filling into the prepared crust and dot the top with butter. Cover with the second crust, venting as desired. Trim and crimp the edges.
- Finish and bake: Brush the top crust with egg wash, sprinkle with sugar, and place the pie on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 375°F and bake for an additional 35-40 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing to set the filling.
Notes
- For easier peeling, blanch peaches in boiling water for 30 seconds and then transfer to an ice bath.
- This pie is best with fresh peaches, but frozen peaches can be substituted if thawed and drained well.
- Pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delicious treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 230 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
