Peach Pie

The aroma of freshly baked peach pie wafting through the kitchen instantly signals comfort and indulgence. This classic dessert, with its juicy peach filling and flaky, buttery crust, is a Southern staple that feels like a warm hug. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed chilled straight from the fridge, peach pie is an undeniable summer icon.

Using fresh peaches at the peak of their season ensures a naturally sweet and aromatic filling that doesn’t need excessive sugar. The balance of brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon brings out the vibrant flavor of the fruit, while the hand-formed crust adds a rustic touch. Perfect for gatherings, Sunday suppers, or simply treating yourself, this pie promises to be a repeat favorite all season long.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the crust:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 6–8 tablespoons ice water

For the filling:

• 6 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup light brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

• 1/8 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (to dot)

For the topping:

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

• 1 tablespoon water

• 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional)

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add cold butter cubes and cut in with a pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

2. Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until dough just comes together. Divide dough into two discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.

3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

4. In a separate bowl, mix sliced peaches, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Let sit for 15 minutes.

5. Roll out one dough disc and fit into a 9-inch pie plate. Add peach filling and dot with butter.

6. Roll out second disc and place over filling (lattice or full crust), crimp edges, and cut slits for steam to escape if using full crust.

7. Brush crust with egg wash (beaten egg + water) and sprinkle with coarse sugar.

8. Bake for 20 minutes at 400°F, then reduce heat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 30–35 minutes until crust is golden and filling is bubbling.

9. Let cool before slicing to allow filling to set.

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Kcal: 375 kcal per slice | Servings: 8 slices

Peach Pie: A Timeless Summer Dessert That Celebrates the Sweetness of the Season

Few desserts capture the essence of summer quite like a classic peach pie. With its flaky, golden crust and juicy peach filling that bursts with every bite, this humble pie has earned its place on every American table, particularly in the warmer months when peaches are at their juicy, aromatic peak. The simplicity of the recipe allows the natural flavor of the peaches to shine through, while a hint of cinnamon and lemon adds the perfect balance of warmth and brightness.

Peach pie is more than just a dessert, it’s a celebration of the season, a memory-maker, and a nod to traditional home baking that brings comfort and joy with every slice. From weekend picnics to Fourth of July feasts, this dessert is often the star of the show, pairing beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at pie-making for the first time, this recipe provides a rewarding baking experience and an irresistible final product.

Why Peach Pie is a Summer Classic

The origins of peach pie can be traced back to centuries-old traditions of fruit-based pies in Europe, particularly in England and France. As the recipe crossed the Atlantic and took root in American kitchens, especially in the Southern states, it evolved into a uniquely American dessert featuring locally grown peaches and rustic homemade crusts.

In regions like Georgia, which is famously known as “The Peach State,” peach pie is an iconic representation of local agriculture and culinary heritage. The fruit’s sweet and slightly tangy flavor makes it a natural choice for desserts, and its tender flesh becomes lusciously soft and jammy when baked. Combined with the buttery crunch of a golden pie crust, the result is a flavor and texture contrast that’s hard to beat.

What makes this dessert so beloved is its versatility and relatability. It doesn’t require expensive ingredients or overly complex techniques. Instead, it shines in its simplicity—celebrating fresh fruit, careful preparation, and time-honored baking traditions. It’s the kind of dessert that’s passed down through generations, with each family adding its own little twist.

Choosing the Best Peaches for Pie

When it comes to peach pie, the fruit is undeniably the star. For the best flavor and texture, opt for ripe but firm peaches. Freestone peaches are ideal because their pits separate easily from the flesh, making prep work faster and less messy. Look for varieties like Elberta, Red Haven, or O’Henry for their naturally sweet and slightly tart profile.

Fresh peaches are always preferred for peak-season pies, usually available from late May through August, depending on your location. However, if fresh peaches are out of season, you can substitute with frozen (thawed and drained) or canned peaches (preferably in juice, not syrup) with surprisingly good results, just be sure to adjust sugar levels accordingly to prevent an overly sweet filling.

A quick trick to peeling peaches more easily is to blanch them briefly in boiling water, then plunge them into ice water. The skins will slip right off, making the process faster and smoother.

The Secret to a Perfect Crust

A well-made pie crust can elevate your peach pie from good to unforgettable. The perfect crust is tender, flaky, and golden, offering a delicate crunch that complements the softness of the filling. The key lies in using cold ingredients, especially butter, which creates steam pockets in the dough as it bakes, resulting in a light and flaky texture.

When mixing the dough, avoid overworking it. A gentle hand ensures the fat remains in small chunks throughout the flour, which leads to a tender, crisp crust. After forming the dough, chilling it in the refrigerator for at least an hour not only makes it easier to roll out but also helps prevent shrinkage while baking.

While the classic double crust is a fan favorite, complete with a beautifully latticed top, you can also experiment with other styles. A single crust with a crumble topping turns your peach pie into a hybrid between pie and cobbler, while decorative cutouts or braided strips offer an elegant touch perfect for special occasions.

Flavor Enhancers and Filling Tips

The goal of a peach pie filling is to highlight the natural flavor of the peaches while offering enough structure to slice cleanly. That’s where sugar, starch, and acid come into play.

Granulated and light brown sugar are commonly used to sweeten and deepen the flavor. Brown sugar adds a subtle caramel note that complements the fruit. A small amount of lemon juice brightens the overall flavor and balances the sweetness, while spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a touch of cardamom can add complexity and warmth.

Cornstarch is a popular thickener because it becomes clear when cooked and has a neutral taste. It ensures that your filling isn’t runny without dulling the fresh peach flavor. Letting the peaches sit with sugar before baking helps draw out excess juices, which can be drained slightly or thickened to prevent a soggy bottom crust.

A final touch, dotting the top of the filling with butter, adds a luxurious richness that melts into the pie as it bakes.

Baking Tips and Presentation

Preheating your oven is essential for a well-cooked crust. Starting the pie at a higher temperature helps set the crust and prevents it from becoming soggy. Once the top is golden, the oven temperature can be reduced slightly to finish baking the filling slowly and evenly.

Using a glass or ceramic pie dish helps ensure even heat distribution and allows you to monitor the doneness of the bottom crust. Place the dish on a baking sheet lined with parchment to catch any overflow and keep your oven clean.

After baking, it’s important to let the pie cool completely, at least 3–4 hours before slicing. This allows the filling to set and gives you those clean, picture-perfect slices. For an added touch, brush the crust with an egg wash before baking and sprinkle with coarse sugar for a golden, sparkly finish.

Serving Suggestions

Peach pie is best served slightly warm, with the sweet aroma still lingering in the air. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is the traditional pairing. It melts into the warm filling and adds a creamy contrast. Whipped cream, crème fraîche, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce are also delicious accompaniments.

For a brunch spread, serve peach pie with coffee and fresh fruit. For an evening gathering, pair it with sweet dessert wines like Moscato or a buttery Chardonnay. Its adaptable nature makes it suitable for both casual and elegant occasions.

Storage and Make-Ahead Options

Peach pie can be made ahead and stored at room temperature (loosely covered) for up to 2 days. After that, it’s best refrigerated for up to 4 more days. You can also freeze the unbaked assembled pie for up to 3 months. Simply wrap it tightly and bake from frozen, adding an extra 15–20 minutes to the baking time.

To reheat slices, place them in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes to maintain the crispness of the crust while warming the filling.

Conclusion

Peach pie isn’t just a dessert, it’s an experience, a tradition, and a way to celebrate the joys of home baking. With every slice, you get the rich essence of summer captured in a buttery, flaky shell. Whether you’re baking for family, entertaining guests, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this pie delivers comfort and delight in equal measure.

Making a peach pie from scratch may take a little extra time and care, but the payoff is immense. The aroma that fills your kitchen, the golden crust that flakes under your fork, and the juicy peaches bursting with flavor all come together in a dessert that’s as nostalgic as it is timeless.

So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, grab those ripe peaches, and let this classic peach pie become a new favorite in your home. With one bite, you’ll understand why this recipe has stood the test of time.