This Easy Homemade Peach Pie is bursting with fresh, juicy peaches and wrapped in a flaky crust. Perfect for summer gatherings or cozy evenings at home!
I always love making this pie because it fills the kitchen with such a sweet aroma. Plus, who can resist a slice of warm peach pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream? 🍑🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Peaches: The star of this pie is, of course, fresh peaches! Look for ripe, juicy peaches for the best flavor. If you can’t find fresh ones, you can use canned peaches in syrup, but be sure to drain them well.
Granulated Sugar: This balances the tartness of the peaches. For a healthier option, you can try using honey or maple syrup. Actually, I personally love using a mix of granulated and brown sugar for a deeper flavor!
Brown Sugar: Adds a hint of caramel flavor. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can make your own by mixing granulated sugar with a bit of molasses. Just one tablespoon molasses per cup of sugar works wonders!
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These spices enhance the flavor of the peaches beautifully. If you prefer, you can swap for apple pie spice, which is a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, or simply omit if you’re not a spice fan!
Lemon Juice: This helps brighten the peach flavor and prevents browning. If you don’t have fresh lemon juice, bottled juice works fine. A splash of orange juice can be a nice twist too!
How Do You Get a Perfectly Flaky Pie Crust?
Making a flaky pie crust can be tricky, but it’s worth it! If you’re using refrigerated crusts, you’re already on an easier path. Just remember, if you’re making your own crust, the key is keeping everything cold.
- Start with cold butter and ice-cold water.
- Mix until the dough just combined; overworking it will make it tough.
- Chill the dough for at least an hour before rolling it out; it helps maintain the flaky texture.
When it’s time to bake, place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. This also allows for even cooking. And don’t skip adding those slits on the top crust—that lets steam escape and keeps your crust crispy!
Happy baking! 🍑
Easy Homemade Peach Pie with Fresh Fruit
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 5 cups fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
For the Crust:
- 1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade pie dough for top and bottom crust)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This peach pie takes about 20 minutes to prepare and about 45-50 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll need to let it cool for a couple of hours after baking so the filling sets properly. In total, you can expect to spend about 3 hours from start to finish, including cooling time. But trust me, the wait is worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures your pie will have a nice, golden crust once it’s finished baking!
2. Prepare the Pie Crust:
Take one pie crust and gently fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Make sure to trim the edges if they’re too long, so they won’t overhang too much.
3. Mix the Peach Filling:
In a large bowl, mix together your sliced peaches, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Gently toss everything until the peaches are well coated.
4. Fill the Pie Crust:
Pour the peach mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly. This gives you that delightful peach goodness in every bite!
5. Add the Butter:
Dot the filling with small pieces of butter. This adds an extra layer of richness to the pie.
6. Cover with the Second Crust:
Take your second pie crust and cover the filling. Trim, seal, and flute the edges to crimp them nicely. Don’t forget to cut several small slits in the top crust to let steam escape while it bakes!
7. Optional Brush for Shine:
If you want a beautiful golden finish, you can brush the top crust with a little milk or a beaten egg.
8. Bake Your Pie:
Place your pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips, and bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
9. Cool the Pie:
Once done, remove the pie from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool for at least 2 hours. This cooling time allows the filling to set up properly.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the pie and serve it warm or at room temperature. It’s delicious all on its own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!
Enjoy your delicious homemade fresh peach pie! 🍑
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead?
Absolutely! If using frozen peaches, thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before mixing them with the sugars and other ingredients. This ensures your pie filling doesn’t become too watery.
How Can I Make This Pie Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the pie filling up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, assemble it in the crust and follow the baking instructions. If you want to bake the pie ahead, it keeps well at room temperature for up to 2 days!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Pie?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you prefer, you can also cover it loosely with foil or plastic wrap. Reheat in a microwave or oven before serving for the best flavor!
Can I Substitute the Sugar?
Yes! You can use coconut sugar or honey as alternatives. If using honey, reduce the amount slightly since it is sweeter than granulated sugar. Just be careful not to add too much moisture if you’re using liquid sweeteners!
