What To Know
- The cold, creamy ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the warm, juicy peaches and the flaky crust.
- It’s a delicious way to celebrate summer’s bounty, and the aroma that fills your kitchen will be a sure sign that something special is about to be enjoyed.
- Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a potluck, or simply for a quiet evening at home, a homemade peach pie is a treat that will always be cherished.
The aroma of cinnamon and sugar, the golden-brown crust, the juicy, bursting-with-flavor peaches – there’s nothing quite like a homemade peach pie. But how to make peach pie from fresh peaches? It might seem daunting, but with a little guidance, you can create a masterpiece that will have your family and friends singing your praises.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you embark on your baking adventure, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. This recipe is for a classic double-crust peach pie, but you can easily adapt it to your preferences:
- For the crust:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
- ½ cup ice water
- For the filling:
- 6 cups sliced fresh peaches, about 6-8 large peaches
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
The Art of the Perfect Crust
The foundation of any great pie is its crust. A flaky, buttery crust is essential for showcasing the sweet, juicy peaches. Here’s how to make a classic pie crust:
1. Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Cut in the butter: Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add the water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Chill the dough: Divide the dough in half, flatten each disc into a round, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Preparing the Peaches
While the crust chills, prepare the peaches. This is where you can personalize your pie:
1. Choose your peaches: Select ripe but firm peaches. Avoid overly soft peaches, as they will become mushy in the pie.
2. Slice or dice: Slice the peaches into thin slices or dice them into small cubes.
3. Toss with the filling ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sliced peaches with the sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gently toss to coat the peaches evenly.
Assembling the Pie
Now comes the fun part – putting together your masterpiece:
1. Roll out the crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate.
2. Fill the crust: Pour the peach filling into the prepared pie crust.
3. Top with the other crust: Roll out the remaining dough into a 12-inch circle. Cut out decorative shapes with a cookie cutter if desired. Place the top crust over the filling and crimp the edges to seal.
4. Vent the pie: Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
5. Brush with milk: Brush the top crust with milk or an egg wash for a golden-brown finish.
6. Bake the pie: Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F for 15 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F and bake for another 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Let It Cool and Enjoy
Once the pie is baked, let it cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This will allow the filling to set and the crust to become crisp.
A Final Touch: The Ice Cream
No peach pie is complete without a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the warm, juicy peaches and the flaky crust.
The Sweetest Conclusion: A Pie for Every Occasion
Making a peach pie from fresh peaches is a labor of love. It’s a delicious way to celebrate summer’s bounty, and the aroma that fills your kitchen will be a sure sign that something special is about to be enjoyed. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a potluck, or simply for a quiet evening at home, a homemade peach pie is a treat that will always be cherished.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh peaches?
A: Yes, you can use frozen peaches. Just thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before using them in the recipe.
Q: How do I know if my pie is done?
A: The pie is done when the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. You can also test the filling by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the pie is done.
Q: Can I make the pie ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the pie ahead of time. Assemble the pie and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Q: What are some other ways to enjoy fresh peaches?
A: Fresh peaches are incredibly versatile! You can enjoy them in smoothies, salads, cobblers, jams, and even grilled as a side dish. Let your creativity run wild!
