The Best Peach Pie is a delightful treat that captures the essence of summer in every bite. This pie features a gooey peach filling made from fresh peaches, nestled in a buttery crust. One unique twist is the addition of paprika, which enhances the sweet and warm flavors of the fruit. Perfect for family gatherings, barbecues, or simply as a comforting dessert at home, this pie will surely impress everyone at your table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of fresh peaches and smoked paprika creates a unique taste that stands out among other peach pies.
- Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps, anyone can master this recipe and serve it with pride.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer picnic or a holiday dinner, this pie fits right in.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite spices or add ingredients like nuts for extra texture.
- Serve Warm or Cold: Enjoy it straight from the oven with ice cream or chilled for a refreshing dessert.
Tools and Preparation
To make The Best Peach Pie, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9-inch pie dish
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowls
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Pastry brush
Importance of Each Tool
- 9-inch pie dish: A sturdy dish helps maintain the shape of your pie while baking.
- Rolling pin: Ensures an even thickness when rolling out your crust for consistent baking.
- Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining ingredients without mess.
- Pastry brush: Perfect for applying egg wash, giving your crust a beautiful golden finish.
Ingredients
The Best Peach Pie has a deliciously gooey peach filling made with fresh peaches, a buttery pie crust, a dollop of vanilla ice cream on top, and a secret ingredient that brings out all the sweet and warm summery flavor of peaches: paprika! Forget all the other peach pie recipes; this one gives you the perfect texture and flavor!
Ingredients:
– 2 discs pie crust (I used my Homemade Pie Crust Recipe to make mine)
– 2 lbs (900 g) fresh yellow peaches (about 6-7 peaches)
– 2 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice or lime juice (freshly-squeezed)
– 3/4 cups (150 g) white granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup + 1 tbsp (50 g) tapioca starch
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 tsp smoked paprika or regular paprika (or 1 tsp cinnamon)
– 1 tbsp (15 g) unsalted butter (for topping)
– 1 tbsp (10 g) white granulated sugar (for topping)
– 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp (15 ml) milk (beaten together, for the egg wash)
For Garnish
- Vanilla ice cream
How to Make The Best Peach Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Make the pie crust following my Homemade Pie Crust recipe or use your favorite pie crust recipe. This step can be done 1 or more days ahead of time if desired.
Step 2: Cut the Peaches
Peel and cut the peaches into 1-inch cubes (2.5 cm). Slicing may lead to mushy filling due to the softness and juiciness of peaches.
Step 3: Make the Peach Filling
In a large bowl, combine:
* Cubed peaches
* Lemon or lime juice
* Sugar
* Tapioca starch
* Vanilla extract
* Smoked or regular paprika (or cinnamon)
Stir until fully combined.
Step 4: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 400F (200C).
Step 5: Assemble the Pie
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a 12-inch circle. Fit it into your 9-inch pie dish. Pour in the peach filling along with any extra liquid from mixing.
Step 6: Create the Lattice Crust
Roll out your second disc of dough into another 12-inch circle. Cut it into six strips about 2 inches wide. Weave these strips over and under each other atop the peach filling. Trim excess dough as needed and crimp edges together.
Step 7: Apply Egg Wash
In a small bowl, beat together an egg yolk with milk until smooth. Brush this mixture over your crust and sprinkle with sugar. Dot small butter pieces on top of the filling through gaps in the lattice.
Step 8: Bake Your Pie
Bake on the middle rack for about 40-50 minutes until bubbling occurs in the filling. If needed, cover edges with foil if browning too quickly. Let cool at room temperature for about 2-3 hours before serving. Enjoy!
How to Serve The Best Peach Pie
Serving The Best Peach Pie is a delightful experience that can be enhanced by pairing it with complementary flavors and textures. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your dessert.
A La Mode
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Adding a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream on top creates a creamy contrast to the warm pie.
- Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds airiness and pairs wonderfully with the fruity filling.
With Fresh Fruits
- Sliced Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add a burst of tartness that balances the sweetness of the pie.
- Mint Leaves: A few sprigs of fresh mint offer a refreshing touch and visual appeal.
For Extra Crunch
- Toasted Nuts: Chopped pecans or almonds can sprinkle over the pie for an added crunch and nutty flavor.
- Granola Crumble: A sprinkle of granola adds texture and a hearty element that complements the soft peaches.
How to Perfect The Best Peach Pie
Creating The Best Peach Pie involves some key tips for achieving that perfect taste and texture. Follow these suggestions for optimal results.
- Choose Ripe Peaches: Use fresh, ripe peaches for the best flavor; they should be slightly soft to the touch.
- Avoid Overmixing: When preparing the peach filling, mix just until combined to keep the texture intact.
- Use Cold Ingredients: Keep your pie crust ingredients cold for flakiness; chilled butter and water are essential.
- Check for Doneness: Look for bubbling in the filling as a sign it’s done, ensuring it’s cooked through without being overbaked.
- Let it Cool: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing to help maintain its structure.
- Experiment with Spices: Try different spices like cinnamon or nutmeg if you want unique flavor variations.
Best Side Dishes for The Best Peach Pie
Complementing your peach pie with side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses like brie or goat cheese pairs beautifully with sweet peach flavors.
- Salad Greens: Light, mixed greens dressed in vinaigrette provide a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the pie.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add depth and balance out the sweetness of your dessert.
- Chilled Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad can refresh your palate after enjoying a slice of pie.
- Savory Crostini: Toasted bread topped with savory spreads can create an interesting contrast with sweet peach pie.
- Herbed Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs serves as a neutral backdrop, letting your pie shine.
- Grilled Peaches: Grilling peaches brings out their natural sweetness and offers a wonderful complement when served alongside your pie.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making The Best Peach Pie can be a delightful experience, but avoiding common mistakes will ensure your pie turns out perfectly.
- Using Overripe Peaches: Overripe peaches can lead to a mushy filling. Choose firm, ripe peaches for the best texture and flavor.
- Skipping the Tapioca Starch: Not using enough thickener like tapioca starch can result in a runny filling. Always measure accurately to achieve the perfect consistency.
- Not Cooling the Pie: Cutting into the pie while it’s still hot may cause the filling to spill out. Allow it to cool completely before serving for better presentation.
- Ignoring the Egg Wash: Omitting the egg wash can result in a dull-looking crust. Brush it on for a beautiful golden finish.
- Using Frozen Peaches Unprepared: If using frozen peaches, make sure to thaw and drain them well. This prevents excess liquid from making your pie soggy.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Keep the pie at room temperature for up to 2 days, but refrigerate if you plan to keep it longer.
Freezing The Best Peach Pie
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months without compromising flavor.
Reheating The Best Peach Pie
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat slices on medium power for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for even warming.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes The Best Peach Pie unique?
The inclusion of smoked paprika adds a surprising depth of flavor that elevates this classic dessert beyond traditional peach pies.
Can I use frozen peaches for this recipe?
Yes! Just ensure they are thawed and drained properly before adding them to your filling mixture.
How can I customize The Best Peach Pie?
Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or add a splash of bourbon for an extra kick!
Is there a way to make this pie gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute regular flour in your pie crust with gluten-free flour blends specifically designed for baking.
Final Thoughts
The Best Peach Pie is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing room for creativity with flavors and textures. Whether enjoyed fresh or warmed with ice cream on top, this classic dessert is sure to impress. Try it out and feel free to customize it according to your taste!
The Best Peach Pie
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 slices 1x
Description
The Best Peach Pie is a delightful summer dessert that combines juicy, ripe peaches with a unique hint of smoked paprika, creating an irresistible flavor profile. Nestled in a buttery pie crust, this luscious pie is perfect for any occasion—be it family gatherings, barbecues, or simply enjoying a slice at home. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chilled for a refreshing treat. Whether you’re a novice baker or an experienced chef, this recipe is straightforward and allows for customization to suit your taste buds. Get ready to impress your friends and family with the best peach pie they’ve ever tasted.
Ingredients
- 2 discs pie crust
- 2 lbs fresh yellow peaches
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3/4 cup white granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup + 1 tbsp tapioca starch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for topping)
- 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Prepare the pie crust using your favorite recipe and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Peel and cube the peaches into 1-inch pieces.
- In a bowl, mix together peaches, lemon juice, sugar, tapioca starch, vanilla extract, and smoked paprika until well combined.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out one disc of dough and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish; pour in the peach filling.
- Roll out the second disc and cut into strips to create a lattice top over the filling.
- Brush the lattice with an egg wash and sprinkle sugar on top.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes until bubbly; cool before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 125g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Choose ripe but firm peaches for optimal flavor and texture. Allow cooling time before slicing to prevent spilling of filling. Customize with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for different flavor profiles.