The Best Peach Pie

The Best Peach Pie is a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of summer with its gooey peach filling and buttery crust. This pie is ideal for family gatherings, barbecues, or any occasion where you want to impress your friends and loved ones. What sets this recipe apart is a unique twist: smoked paprika, which elevates the sweet flavor of fresh peaches. Get ready to enjoy a pie that’s not only delicious but also unforgettable!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of fresh peaches and smoked paprika creates a unique flavor profile that will wow your taste buds.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile Dessert: Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or at room temperature for a dessert that’s suitable for any occasion.
• Fresh Ingredients: Using ripe, fresh peaches ensures the best taste and texture in every bite.
• Impressive Presentation: The lattice crust not only looks beautiful but adds a delicious crunch to the pie.

Tools and Preparation

To make The Best Peach Pie, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having these tools ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Pie dish
• Rolling pin
• Mixing bowls
• Knife
• Baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

• Pie dish: This provides the shape and structure necessary for your pie, ensuring even baking.
• Rolling pin: A rolling pin helps you achieve an even thickness in your pie crust, crucial for texture.
• Mixing bowls: Using separate bowls allows for easy mixing of ingredients without mess.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures precise cutting of peaches, preventing bruising.

Ingredients

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))

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) 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 the cubed peaches, lemon or lime juice, sugar, tapioca starch, vanilla extract, and smoked or regular paprika (or cinnamon). Stir until combined.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400F (200C).

Step 5: Prepare the Pie

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 into the pie plate, then add in the peach filling making sure you pour in all extra liquid that’s in the bowl.

Step 6: Create the Lattice Crust

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 two inches wide each. Lay these strips over and under one another to weave them together. Cut off any extra dough from the ends of the strips. Press them into the bottom layer of the crust and flute or crimp the edges.

Step 7: Make Egg Wash

In a small bowl, beat together an egg yolk with milk until combined and smooth. Brush this mixture over your prepared pie crust and sprinkle with sugar. Add small butter cubes on top of the peach filling in areas left by the top crust.

Step 8: Bake

Place in your oven on the middle rack for about 40-50 minutes or until you see bubbling in your pie filling. Let it cook for another three to five minutes after bubbling begins before removing it from your oven. If browning too quickly, cover with aluminum foil. Allow cooling to room temperature (about two to three hours), serve, and enjoy!

How to Serve The Best Peach Pie

Serving The Best Peach Pie is all about enhancing its delicious flavors and making the experience memorable. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your peach pie enjoyment.

À La Mode

• Serve a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of the warm pie for a classic combination that balances sweetness and creaminess.

With Fresh Whipped Cream

• Top your slice with fluffy, freshly whipped cream for an added richness that complements the peach filling beautifully.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• A drizzle of warm caramel sauce over each slice adds a decadent touch, enhancing the flavors of the peaches and crust.

Accompanied by Fresh Berries

• Serve with a side of seasonal fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries for a refreshing contrast to the pie’s sweetness.

Paired with Mint Leaves

• Garnish your slice with fresh mint leaves to add a pop of color and a burst of freshness that brightens up each bite.

As a Breakfast Treat

• Enjoy leftover peach pie as a breakfast option, warmed slightly and paired with coffee or tea for a sweet start to your day.

How to Perfect The Best Peach Pie

Perfecting The Best Peach Pie involves attention to detail in both preparation and baking. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Choose ripe peaches: Use fresh, juicy peaches at their peak ripeness for maximum flavor and sweetness in your pie.
• Don’t skip the tapioca starch: This ingredient helps thicken the filling, preventing it from becoming watery as it bakes.
• Pre-bake your crust: Consider pre-baking the pie crust for 5-10 minutes before adding the filling to ensure it remains crisp.
• Let it cool properly: Allowing the pie to cool completely helps set the filling, making it easier to slice without spilling.
• Experiment with spices: While paprika adds warmth, feel free to try other spices like nutmeg or ginger for unique flavor twists.
• Cover edges if browning too fast: If the crust browns quickly during baking, cover it with foil to prevent burning while allowing the filling to cook through.

Best Side Dishes for The Best Peach Pie

Pairing sides with The Best Peach Pie can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options that complement its flavors perfectly.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A creamy classic that balances the sweetness of peach pie.
2. Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing mix of seasonal fruits that adds brightness.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses like brie or goat cheese can provide a savory contrast.
4. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and berries as a tasty side that echoes summer flavors.
5. Chocolate Sauce Dip: For chocolate lovers, a small dish of chocolate sauce offers an indulgent dipping option.
6. Nutty Granola Bars: Homemade granola bars can serve as chewy accompaniments that add texture to your dessert table.
7. Herbed Tea: A calming herbal tea can cleanse the palate after enjoying sweet peach pie.
8. Savory Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits filled with herbs pair well alongside sweet desserts for variety on your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making The Best Peach Pie can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Using overripe peaches: Overripe peaches can lead to a mushy filling. Choose firm, ripe peaches for the best texture.
• Skipping the tapioca starch: This is crucial for thickening the filling. Without it, your pie may turn soupy.
• Not chilling the pie crust: A warm crust can become soggy. Always chill your pie dough before rolling it out.
• Neglecting the egg wash: An egg wash gives your crust a beautiful golden finish. Don’t skip this step for an appealing look.
• Cutting into the pie too soon: Letting the pie cool is essential for setting up the filling. Cutting too early can result in runny slices.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover pie in an airtight container.
• The Best Peach Pie can be kept in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing The Best Peach Pie

• Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating The Best Peach Pie

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 30-60 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, covered, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use frozen peaches for The Best Peach Pie?

Yes! You can substitute fresh peaches with frozen ones. Just thaw and drain excess liquid before using.

How do I prevent my peach pie from being watery?

Make sure to use tapioca starch and let your peach filling sit for a few minutes before pouring it into the crust.

What’s the secret ingredient in The Best Peach Pie?

The secret ingredient is smoked paprika (or cinnamon), which enhances the sweet flavor of peaches beautifully.

Can I make The Best Peach Pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

What should I serve with The Best Peach Pie?

A dollop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream complements this pie perfectly!

Final Thoughts

The Best Peach Pie offers a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors, enhanced by its unique seasoning. Whether enjoyed warm with ice cream or cold as leftovers, this recipe allows room for customization—try adding nutmeg or swapping out different fruits! Give it a try; you won’t regret it!