The Best Peach Pie

The Best Peach Pie is a timeless dessert that celebrates the vibrant flavors of fresh peaches. This delightful pie features a gooey peach filling enveloped in a buttery crust, making it perfect for summer gatherings, family dinners, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. The addition of paprika adds a unique twist that enhances the natural sweetness of the peaches, setting this recipe apart from traditional peach pies. Get ready to impress your friends and loved ones with this irresistible treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh peaches and spices creates a uniquely flavorful filling that bursts with sweetness.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this pie without any hassle.
• Versatile Dessert: Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or at room temperature; it’s delicious either way!
• Perfect Texture: The use of cubed peaches ensures a delightful texture rather than a mushy filling.
• Unique Twist: The secret ingredient, smoked paprika, elevates the flavor profile, making your pie stand out.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Rolling pin
• 9-inch pie dish
• Mixing bowls
• Knife
• Pastry brush

Importance of Each Tool

• Rolling pin: This tool is essential for evenly rolling out the pie crust to fit your dish perfectly.
• 9-inch pie dish: A sturdy pie dish helps maintain the shape of your pie while baking and makes for easy serving.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple mixing bowls allows you to prepare different components simultaneously without mixing flavors prematurely.

Ingredients

For the delicious filling and crust of The Best Peach Pie, you will need:

• 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))

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 one 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) for a textured filling. I don’t recommend slicing as peaches are very soft and juicy; fillings with sliced peaches can easily turn out mushy.

Step 3: Make the Peach Filling

In a large bowl, add:
* Cubed peaches
* Lemon or lime juice
* Sugar
* Tapioca starch
* Vanilla extract
* Smoked or regular paprika (or cinnamon)

Stir until combined.

Step 4: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat the oven to 400F (200C).

Step 5: Prepare the Pie Dish

On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the chilled discs of pie dough into a 12-inch (30 cm) circle to fit a 9-inch (22 cm) pie dish. Place it in the dish, then add in the peach filling making sure you pour in all extra liquid from the bowl.

Step 6: Create Lattice Crust Topper

Remove the second disc of pie dough from the refrigerator and roll it out into a 12-inch (30 cm) circle. Use a knife to cut out six strips about 2 inches wide (about 5 cm) each. Lay them over and under one another to create a lattice design. Press them into the bottom layer of crust and flute or crimp edges.

Step 7: Apply Egg Wash

In a small bowl, beat together an egg yolk with milk until combined. Brush this mixture over your top crust and sprinkle with sugar. Add small butter cubes on top of peach filling where gaps remain from lattice strips.

Step 8: Bake Your Pie

Place it in the middle rack of your oven for 40-50 minutes, or until filling begins to bubble. Once bubbling occurs, let it cook for an additional 3-5 minutes. If crust browns too quickly, cover with aluminum foil. Allow cooling 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 natural flavors and creating a delightful experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions to make your dessert even more special.

A La Mode

• Serve a warm slice of peach pie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess pairs perfectly with the gooey peach filling.

Whipped Cream Delight

• Top each slice with fresh whipped cream for a light and airy addition. It adds sweetness while complementing the pie’s flavors.

Nutty Crunch

• Sprinkle some chopped pecans or almonds over a slice for added texture and crunch. This contrast enhances the overall eating experience.

Fruit Compote

• Drizzle a spoonful of mixed berry compote on top for a burst of flavor. The tartness of berries balances the sweetness of the pie.

Coffee Pairing

• Serve alongside a cup of brewed coffee or tea. The warm beverage complements the pie and makes for a cozy dessert option.

How to Perfect The Best Peach Pie

Perfecting your peach pie involves careful attention to detail in every step. Here are some tips to ensure your pie is irresistible.

• Use fresh peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches provide the best flavor and texture, making your pie taste exceptional.
• Adjust sugar levels: Depending on the sweetness of your peaches, you may want to adjust the sugar amount in your filling for balance.
• Don’t skip the tapioca starch: This ingredient helps thicken the filling, preventing it from becoming too runny after baking.
• Chill your crust: Keep your pie dough chilled before rolling it out to maintain flakiness and prevent shrinkage during baking.
• Watch baking time: Keep an eye on your pie as it bakes. Remove it once the filling bubbles to avoid burning or overcooking.

Best Side Dishes for The Best Peach Pie

Pairing side dishes with peach pie can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options that complement this sweet dessert beautifully.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream – A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances sweetness.
2. Fresh Berries Salad – A refreshing mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries that adds tartness.
3. Coconut Whipped Cream – A dairy-free alternative that’s light and fluffy, perfect for topping.
4. Lemon Sorbet – A citrusy treat that cleanses the palate between bites of sweet peach pie.
5. Chilled Mint Tea – Refreshing and herbal, this drink complements the rich flavors without overpowering them.
6. Spiced Nuts – Roasted nuts seasoned with cinnamon or nutmeg provide a crunchy contrast to soft pie filling.
7. Caramel Sauce – Drizzling warm caramel over each slice adds richness and depth of flavor.
8. Cheese Platter – A selection of mild cheeses can offer savory notes that balance out the sweetness of the dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can make your peach pie even more delightful. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Bold ingredient selection: Using overripe or underripe peaches can affect the flavor and texture. Choose peaches that are firm yet slightly soft to the touch for the best results.
• Bold ignoring measurements: Not following the measurements accurately can lead to an overly sweet or runny filling. Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Bold pie crust issues: Skipping the chilling step for your pie crust can result in a tough texture. Ensure you chill the dough before rolling it out for a flaky crust.
• Bold neglecting cooling time: Cutting into the pie too soon can cause the filling to ooze out. Allow it to cool completely for at least 2-3 hours to set properly.
• Bold overlooking spices: Not adding spices like paprika or cinnamon can result in flat flavors. The right spices enhance the sweetness and aroma of the peaches.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover peach pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing The Best Peach Pie

• Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before freezing.
• You can freeze it for up to 2-3 months; just be sure to label it with the date.

Reheating The Best Peach Pie

• Bold Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover the pie with foil. Warm for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Bold Microwave: Heat individual slices in a microwave-safe dish for about 30 seconds, checking frequently.
• Bold Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed, about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making The Best Peach Pie:

How do I know when my peaches are ripe?

Look for peaches that yield slightly when pressed and have a sweet aroma. They should not feel mushy.

Can I use frozen peaches instead?

Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before using them.

What if I don’t have tapioca starch?

You can substitute cornstarch or arrowroot powder as thickening agents in your filling.

How do I customize The Best Peach Pie?

Feel free to add other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a mixed fruit version, or incorporate nuts for added crunch!

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it one day ahead and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.

Final Thoughts

The Best Peach Pie is not only delicious but also versatile! With its gooey peach filling and flaky crust, it’s perfect for summer gatherings or cozy nights at home. Feel free to customize it with different spices or mix in other fruits. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy every bite!