Peach Pie is one of the easiest desserts to make
It's nice to make a pie for a Sunday family meal or an afternoon gathering with friends. Peach pie, in particular, is a great choice when peaches are in season, and it uses basic pantry ingredients, making it both easy and delicious. It can be prepared in advance, cooked before company arrives, left to set, and then the pie is ready to eat. Peach pie pairs wonderfully with a lighter meal, leaving just enough room for everyone to savor it.
Did You Know?
Peaches are a beloved summer fruit not just for their flavor but for their nutritional benefits as well. Peaches are rich in vitamins A and C, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin and boosting the immune system. Additionally, they provide dietary fiber, which supports digestion and can help regulate blood sugar levels. Peaches are also packed with antioxidants, which contribute to overall health by fighting free radicals. With such a nutritious profile, peaches make a perfect addition to desserts like this pie.
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients:
Pie Crust:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
6-8 tbsp ice water
Peach Filling:
8 cups peeled, sliced peaches
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground allspice
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 tbsp cornstarch
Topping:
1 egg, beaten
1 tbsp coarse sugar (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Crust:
In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar. Add the chilled butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, 1 tbsp at a time, until the dough comes together.
Personal Tip: Chill the dough for at least an hour before rolling it out. This ensures a flakier crust!
Divide the dough in half, shape into disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Prepare the Filling:
Blanch and Peel Peaches: To blanch peaches, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully lower the peaches into the boiling water and blanch for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the skins start to loosen. Immediately transfer the peaches to a bowl of ice water to cool. Once cooled, the skins should easily peel off. Slice the peaches and remove the pits.
Personal Tip: Blanching makes peeling peaches easier, but if you're short on time, frozen peaches work just as well!
In a small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cornstarch until evenly distributed.
Personal Tip: Pre-mixing the sugars and spices ensures they are evenly spread throughout the pie filling.
Combine the sliced peaches, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Add the sugar and spice mixture to the peaches and stir until evenly coated.
Assemble the Pie:
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out one disk of dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie plate. Transfer the dough to the pie plate.
Add the peach mixture, mounding slightly in the center. Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the filling. Trim and crimp the edges to seal.
Personal Tip: For a lattice top, cut the dough into strips and weave them over the peach filling for an extra beautiful presentation!
Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape if you use a solid top crust. Brush the top crust with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar (optional).
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Personal Tip: To avoid a soggy bottom, bake the pie on the lower oven rack!
Serve:
Allow the pie to cool for at least 1 hour before serving.
Personal Tip: Allowing the pie to cool helps the filling set, making it easier to slice and serve.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 450, Fat: 20g, Saturated Fat: 12g, Carbohydrates: 64g, Fiber: 4g, Sugars: 35g, Protein: 4g
Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money
1. Choosing Budget-Friendly and Healthy Ingredients: Opt for seasonal peaches when they're at their peak to save money and ensure the freshest flavors. Look for sales or buy in bulk for better deals on ingredients like whole wheat flour, natural sweeteners, and spices. Shopping locally at farmers' markets can also reduce costs while supporting local growers.
2. DIY Pie Pans: You don't need to invest in expensive pie pans. Use standard pie plates or even baking dishes you already have on hand. Lining them with parchment paper can help with easy release and minimize the need for extra greasing, saving both time and money. You can also find reusable silicone pie molds, which can be a one-time investment to cut down on disposable bakeware.
3. Efficient Oven Use: Maximize your oven’s efficiency by baking multiple pies or other dishes at once. You can position them on separate racks and rotate halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking. This not only saves energy but also reduces overall baking time if you're preparing multiple dishes for a gathering.
4. Homemade Pie Crust Versatility: Don’t let leftover pie dough go to waste. You can use the extra dough to make small tarts, savory turnovers, or even pie crust cookies. Roll out the dough, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and bake for a quick and easy treat. Making pie crust from scratch with basic pantry staples is also more economical than buying pre-made crusts.
5. Storage and Freshness: Store leftover peach pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you prefer longer storage, individual slices can be wrapped in plastic wrap and frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw the slices overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven before serving for a fresh, warm dessert.
6. Reusable Baking Essentials: Instead of using disposable parchment paper or aluminum foil, consider investing in reusable silicone baking mats. These mats last for years, are easy to clean, and are perfect for rolling out pie dough or baking cookies. Not only are they environmentally friendly, but they also help you save money over time.
7. Creative Garnishing: For an extra touch of creativity, try adding decorative cutouts made from the pie dough. You can use small cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them around the edges of the crust or on top of the lattice. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey on the top crust before baking adds both flavor and visual appeal.
8. Educational Cooking Resources: If you’re new to baking pies, consider watching free tutorials or online videos to improve your skills. Many resources are available that show you how to roll out pie dough, create lattice tops, and make the perfect peach filling. You can also find community forums where bakers share tips and tricks.
9. Smart Ingredient Substitutions: If you’re looking for a lighter pie, try substituting the butter in the crust with coconut oil or a lower-fat option. You can also experiment with using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber and a slightly nutty flavor. When using substitutions, it’s always a good idea to try small batches first to see how the texture and taste are affected.
10. Preserving Pie Freshness: To keep your peach pie as fresh as possible, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate the pie, ensuring that it is properly wrapped to retain moisture and flavor. By storing it correctly, you can enjoy delicious pie for days after baking without it becoming dry or soggy.
Let's Learn About Peaches
Peaches come in many varieties, but when it comes to baking, freestone peaches are your best choice. Varieties like Elberta, Red Haven, and O'Henry are especially popular because their pits easily separate from the flesh, making them perfect for pies and cobblers. These peaches are typically larger, juicier, and have a firm texture that holds up well during baking. If you need to peel peaches, blanching is a quick and easy method. Simply dip the peaches in boiling water for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then transfer them to an ice bath. The skins will slip right off, leaving perfectly peeled peaches ready for your recipe!