Easy Peach Pie with Buttery Crust

Introduction

Craving a slice of homemade heaven? Look no further! This Easy Peach Pie with Buttery Crust recipe is the perfect dessert for summer gatherings, potlucks, or simply a comforting treat on a cool evening. Forget complicated baking techniques; this recipe is designed for ease and deliciousness, even if you’re a beginner baker. Get ready to impress your friends and family with a pie that tastes like it came straight from grandma’s kitchen.

The Perfect Peach Pie: Step-by-Step

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive in, gather these essential ingredients. We’ve focused on simplicity and fresh flavors to create the ultimate peach pie experience.

• For the Buttery Crust:
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water
• For the Peach Filling:
• 6-8 ripe peaches, peeled and sliced
• ¾ cup granulated sugar (adjust to peach sweetness)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
• For the Egg Wash (optional):
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon milk or water

Making the Buttery Crust

The crust is the foundation of any great pie! This recipe creates a flaky and tender buttery crust that perfectly complements the sweet peach filling.

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The key here is to keep the butter cold!
3. Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Don’t overmix!
4. Form Dough Disks: Divide the dough in half and form each half into a disc. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours). This allows the gluten to relax and prevents shrinkage during baking.

Preparing the Peach Filling

Now for the star of the show: the juicy, sweet peach filling! Using ripe, flavorful peaches is crucial for the best results.

1. Prepare the Peaches: Peel and slice the peaches into approximately ½-inch thick slices.
2. Combine Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss the peach slices with the sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). The flour helps to thicken the filling as it bakes.

Assembling and Baking the Pie

Putting it all together is the final step before that warm, peachy aroma fills your kitchen!

1. Roll Out the Bottom Crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the dough disks into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges.
2. Add the Filling: Pour the peach filling into the prepared pie crust. Dot the top of the filling with the small pieces of butter. This adds richness and flavor.
3. Roll Out the Top Crust: Roll out the remaining dough disk into a 12-inch circle. Carefully place the dough over the filling. Trim and crimp the edges to seal. Cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
4. Egg Wash (Optional): For a golden brown crust, brush the top of the pie with the egg wash. Sprinkle with coarse sugar for extra sparkle (optional).
5. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil.
6. Cool: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set properly.

Tips for the Best Peach Pie

• Use Ripe Peaches: The riper the peaches, the sweeter and more flavorful the pie will be. Look for peaches that are fragrant and yield slightly to gentle pressure.
• Keep Ingredients Cold: Cold butter and ice water are essential for creating a flaky pie crust.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough crust.
• Let the Pie Cool Completely: This is the hardest part, but it’s crucial for allowing the filling to set.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Conclusion

This Easy Peach Pie with Buttery Crust is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can create a stunning and delicious dessert. So, gather your peaches, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of summer heaven! Don’t forget to share your pie creations with us on social media using #EasyPeachPie #ButteryCrust #HomemadePie. Happy Baking!