Homemade Peach Pie

Peach Pie is a classic homemade dessert that brings the sweet, juicy flavor of fresh peaches into a flaky, buttery crust. Perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or a comforting treat at home, this pie is simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Using fresh ingredients ensures a bright, natural flavor, while the combination of cinnamon and sugars adds warmth and depth to every bite.

Ingredients

• 6 cups fresh peaches, peeled
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 recipe double pie crust
• 1 tablespoon milk

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 450°F.
• In a bowl, combine peaches, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Gently toss to coat.
• Roll out one pie crust into a 12-inch circle and line a 9-inch pie plate with it.
• Pour the peach mixture into the crust evenly.
• Roll the second crust into a 12-inch circle and place it over the peaches.
• Trim the edges to leave a ½-inch overhang, fold, and crimp edges as desired.
• Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape and brush with milk. Optionally, sprinkle with sugar.
• Place pie on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet and bake at 450°F for 15 minutes.
• Reduce oven temperature to 375°F and continue baking 55-65 minutes until filling is hot and bubbly.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve the peach pie warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator for up to four days. To maintain a crisp crust, reheat slices in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. You can also freeze the pie before or after baking; wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months.

Variations

• 1. Caramel Peach Pie
• Drizzle 2-3 tablespoons of caramel sauce over the peach filling before placing the top crust. This adds a rich, buttery sweetness that pairs perfectly with the natural peach flavor.
• 2. Bourbon Peach Pie
• Add 1-2 tablespoons of bourbon to the peach mixture for a warm, boozy depth. This variation is excellent for adult gatherings and gives the pie a gourmet flair.
• 3. Peach and Cream Cheese Pie
• Spread a thin layer of sweetened cream cheese on the bottom crust before adding the peach filling. This creates a creamy, tangy layer that balances the sweet peaches beautifully.
• 4. Peach and Raspberry Crumble Pie
• Top the pie with a crumb topping made of ½ cup flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup butter, and a pinch of cinnamon instead of a top crust. The crumble adds texture and extra sweetness.
• 5. Spicy Peach Pie
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ground ginger to the filling for a subtle spicy kick that enhances the peach flavor.
• 6. Peach and Almond Cream Pie
• Add ¼ teaspoon almond extract to the peach filling and sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking. The almond flavor complements the peaches and adds crunch.
• 7. Peach and Blueberry Pie
• Mix 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries with the peaches for a colorful, fruity combination. Blueberries add slight tartness that balances the sweetness.
• 8. Peach and Apple Pie
• Combine 2 cups of thinly sliced apples with 4 cups of peaches. The apples provide a firmer texture and slightly tart flavor for a more complex pie.
• 9. Peach and Coconut Pie
• Add ½ cup shredded coconut to the peach filling or sprinkle on top of the crust before baking. This adds a tropical flavor and chewy texture.
• 10. Mini Handheld Peach Pies
• Use muffin tins or small tart pans to make individual-sized pies. Great for parties or lunchbox treats, and you can mix in any of the above variations for variety.
• 11. Peach and Ginger Pie
• Add 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger to the peach filling. Ginger enhances the flavor profile and adds a slight warmth to the pie.
• 12. Peach and Nutmeg Pie
• Sprinkle ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg over the filling to add a warm, aromatic note that pairs beautifully with cinnamon and peaches.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen peaches?
   Yes, thaw and drain them before using to prevent excess liquid.
2. Can I make the pie ahead of time?
   Yes, assemble it and refrigerate before baking, adding extra baking time if chilled.
3. How do I prevent a soggy crust?
   Use cornstarch in the filling and bake on a foil-lined baking sheet to catch any overflow.
4. Can I use store-bought pie crust?
   Yes, store-bought or homemade crusts work perfectly.
5. How do I know when the pie is done?
   The filling should be hot and bubbly, and the crust golden brown.
6. Can I freeze the pie?
   Yes, you can freeze before or after baking. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil for up to three months.
7. Can I add other spices?
   Yes, nutmeg, ginger, or a pinch of allspice complement the peaches nicely.
8. How do I prevent the crust edges from burning?
   Cover the edges with foil after the first 20-30 minutes of baking.
9. Can I make mini pies?
   Yes, use smaller pie plates or muffin tins for individual servings.
10. How do I reheat leftovers?
    Bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to refresh the crust and filling.

Homemade Peach Pie is a comforting, flavorful dessert that highlights the natural sweetness of fresh peaches. Its golden, flaky crust and warm, spiced filling make it perfect for any occasion. Serve it warm with ice cream or enjoy it at room temperature. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days and reheated to enjoy a fresh, delicious slice anytime.

Print