The Best Peach Pie is a delightful dessert that showcases the sweet, juicy goodness of fresh peaches. This pie is perfect for summer gatherings, family dinners, or simply as a treat to enjoy at home. The combination of a buttery crust and gooey peach filling creates a comforting dessert that everyone will love. Plus, the addition of smoked paprika adds an unexpected twist that elevates the flavor profile, making this recipe stand out from all other peach pie recipes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor: The secret ingredient—paprika—enhances the natural sweetness of the peaches.
- Easy to Follow: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create this delicious pie.
- Perfect Texture: Using cubed peaches ensures a satisfying texture in every bite.
- Versatile Dessert: This pie pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer barbecue or a cozy family dinner, this pie is sure to impress.
Tools and Preparation
To make The Best Peach Pie, having the right tools on hand makes the process smooth and enjoyable. Here’s what you need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Pie dish
- Rolling pin
- Knife
- Mixing bowls
- Pastry brush
Importance of Each Tool
- Pie dish: Provides the perfect shape for your pie and ensures even baking.
- Rolling pin: Helps achieve a uniform thickness for your pie crust, ensuring it cooks evenly.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without making a mess.
- Pastry brush: Useful for applying egg wash on the crust for that beautiful golden finish.
Ingredients
To make The Best Peach Pie, gather these fresh ingredients:
For the Crust
- 2 discs pie crust ((I used my Homemade Pie Crust Recipe to make mine))
For the Filling
- 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))
For Topping
- 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))
How to Make The Best Peach Pie
Step 1: Make the Pie Crust
Follow my Homemade Pie Crust recipe or use your favorite method. You can prepare this step ahead of time—up to several days in advance if needed.
Step 2: Prepare the Peaches
Peel and cut the peaches into 1-inch cubes (2.5 cm). Cubes maintain the fruit’s texture better than slices, preventing a mushy filling.
Step 3: Make the Peach Filling
In a large bowl, combine:
* Cubed peaches
* Lemon or lime juice
* Sugar
* Tapioca starch
* Vanilla extract
* Smoked paprika (or cinnamon)
Stir until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready when you assemble your pie.
Step 5: Prepare the Pie
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a 12-inch (30 cm) circle. Place it in your 9-inch (22 cm) pie dish and pour in your peach filling, including all excess liquid.
Step 6: Create Lattice Crust
Roll out the second disc into another 12-inch (30 cm) circle. Cut six strips about 2 inches wide (5 cm) each. Weave them over and under each other across the top of your filling. Trim any excess dough and crimp edges to seal.
Step 7: Apply Egg Wash
Beat together an egg yolk and milk in a small bowl. Brush this mixture over your crust and sprinkle with sugar. Dot small pieces of butter on top of the filling before baking.
Step 8: Bake Your Pie
Place your pie on the middle rack and bake for 40-50 minutes, until bubbling. If browning too quickly, cover with foil. Cool at room temperature for about 2-3 hours, then serve and enjoy!
How to Serve The Best Peach Pie
Serving The Best Peach Pie is all about enhancing its delicious flavors. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that will elevate your dessert experience.
With Vanilla Ice Cream
- A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on top of warm peach pie creates a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
With Whipped Cream
- Light and airy whipped cream adds a sweet touch to each slice, balancing the richness of the pie.
A Drizzle of Caramel Sauce
- Pouring caramel sauce over the pie enhances its sweetness and adds a luxurious finish that pairs beautifully with peaches.
Fresh Mint Garnish
- A sprig of fresh mint not only adds color but also provides a refreshing taste that complements the rich flavors of the pie.
With Greek Yogurt
- For a tangy twist, serve the pie with a dollop of Greek yogurt. It offers a creamy texture and balances the sweetness of the peaches.
How to Perfect The Best Peach Pie
To ensure your peach pie is truly the best, consider these helpful tips for perfecting your recipe.
Choose ripe peaches: Use fresh, ripe peaches for maximum flavor. They should be slightly soft to the touch and fragrant.
Don’t skip the tapioca starch: This ingredient helps thicken your filling, preventing it from becoming too runny while still keeping it juicy.
Pre-bake your crust: If you prefer a crispier bottom crust, consider pre-baking it for 5-10 minutes before adding your peach filling.
Allow cooling time: Letting your pie cool for 2-3 hours allows the filling to set properly, making it easier to slice.
Best Side Dishes for The Best Peach Pie
Pairing side dishes with The Best Peach Pie can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:
Fresh Fruit Salad
A mix of seasonal fruits brings brightness and acidity that complements the sweetness of peach pie perfectly.Cheese Platter
Including mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese can add an interesting savory element to balance out the dessert.Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips
Crisp tortilla chips dusted with cinnamon sugar provide a crunchy contrast to the soft pie.Chilled Lemonade
Refreshing lemonade adds a zesty note that cuts through the richness of the pie while keeping things light.Ice Cream Sundae Bar
Offer toppings like chocolate syrup, nuts, and cherries for guests to create their own sundaes alongside slices of peach pie.Coffee or Tea
A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea can serve as a soothing counterpart to this sweet treat, enhancing its flavors even further.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making peach pie can be simple, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
- Using Overripe Peaches: Overripe peaches can lead to a mushy filling. Choose firm, fresh peaches for the best texture.
- Skipping the Lemon Juice: Neglecting the lemon or lime juice can result in a bland filling. The acidity enhances the peach flavor and balances sweetness.
- Not Pre-baking the Crust: If you don’t pre-bake your crust, it may become soggy. Pre-baking helps achieve a crispy base.
- Ignoring the Resting Time: Cutting into the pie too soon can cause the filling to spill out. Let it cool for at least 2-3 hours before serving.
- Using Too Much Sugar: Over-sweetening can mask the natural flavor of peaches. Start with less sugar and add more if needed after tasting.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Cover with plastic wrap or foil if not using a container.
Freezing The Best Peach Pie
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating The Best Peach Pie
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on high for about 30-60 seconds, depending on your microwave’s power.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when The Best Peach Pie is done?
The pie is done when the filling bubbles vigorously, indicating that it’s cooked through. A golden brown crust also signals readiness.
Can I use frozen peaches for The Best Peach Pie?
Yes! Frozen peaches work well but should be thawed and drained before using them in the recipe.
What is the secret ingredient in The Best Peach Pie?
The secret ingredient is smoked paprika, which adds depth and enhances the natural sweetness of peaches.
How do I customize The Best Peach Pie?
You can experiment by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg or mixing in berries or other fruits for added flavor.
Final Thoughts
The Best Peach Pie stands out for its unique flavors and delightful texture. It’s perfect for summer gatherings or comforting desserts year-round. Feel free to customize it by adding different spices or fruits to suit your taste!
The Best Peach Pie
The Best Peach Pie is a summer delight that perfectly captures the essence of fresh, juicy peaches nestled in a flaky, buttery crust. This delightful dessert not only showcases the sweetness of ripe peaches but also features a hint of smoked paprika, adding a unique twist that elevates its flavor profile. Ideal for family gatherings or a cozy night at home, this pie is sure to impress everyone at the table. With easy-to-follow steps, even novice bakers can create this comforting treat. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream for an irresistible dessert experience.
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 slices 1x
Ingredients
- 2 discs pie crust
- 2 lbs fresh yellow peaches (about 6–7 peaches)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup + 1 tbsp tapioca starch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp butter (for topping)
- 1 tbsp sugar (for topping)
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Prepare your pie crust using your favorite recipe.
- Peel and cube the peaches into 1-inch pieces.
- In a large bowl, mix the cubed peaches with 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 place it in a pie dish; fill with peach mixture.
- Create a lattice crust with the second disc and cover the filling.
- Brush with egg wash and sprinkle sugar on top. Dot with butter.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Let cool for 2-3 hours before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 33mg