The Best Peach Pie

The Best Peach Pie is the ultimate dessert to impress your friends and family. This pie features a heavenly peach filling made from fresh peaches, complemented by a buttery crust that melts in your mouth. The addition of smoked paprika elevates the flavor, offering a unique twist that you won’t find in typical peach pie recipes. Whether for a summer barbecue or a cozy family dinner, this pie is perfect for any occasion and will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Unique Flavor: The secret ingredient, smoked paprika, enhances the natural sweetness of the peaches, giving this pie a standout taste.
• Simple to Prepare: With straightforward steps and ingredients, making this pie is easier than you think!
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for summer gatherings, holiday celebrations, or just a sweet treat at home.
• Gooey Peach Filling: The cubed peaches create a delightful texture that keeps the filling from becoming mushy.
• Perfect with Ice Cream: Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

Tools and Preparation

To create The Best Peach Pie, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having these tools on hand will help make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Pie dish
• Rolling pin
• Mixing bowls
• Knife
• Pastry brush

Importance of Each Tool

• Pie dish: A sturdy pie dish ensures even baking and helps maintain the shape of your pie.
• Rolling pin: This tool is crucial for rolling out your pie crust to the perfect thickness.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows you to prepare your filling and crust separately without any mess.
• Pastry brush: Use this to apply egg wash on the crust for a beautiful golden finish.

Ingredients

The Best Peach Pie has a deliciously gooey peach filling made with fresh peaches, a buttery pie crust, a dollop of vanilla ice cream on top, and a secret ingredient that brings out all the sweet and warm summery flavor of peaches: paprika! Forget all the other peach pie recipes: this one gives you the perfect texture and flavor!

For the Crust

• 2 discs pie crust ((I used my Homemade Pie Crust Recipe to make mine))

For the Filling

• 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))

For Topping

• 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: Make the Pie Crust

Follow my Homemade Pie Crust recipe or use your favorite recipe. You can prepare this step one or more days ahead if desired.

Step 2: Prepare the Peaches

Peel and cut the peaches into 1-inch cubes (2.5 cm). Avoid slicing them as they are very soft and can turn mushy in filling.

Step 3: Make the Peach Filling

In a large bowl:
1. Add cubed peaches.
2. Squeeze in lemon or lime juice.
3. Stir in sugar, tapioca starch, vanilla extract, and smoked or regular paprika (or cinnamon).
4. Mix until well combined.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 400F (200C).

Step 5: Assemble the Pie

On a lightly floured surface:
1. Roll out one disc of dough into a 12-inch (30 cm) circle to fit a 9-inch (22 cm) pie dish.
2. Place it into your pie plate.
3. Pour in peach filling along with any extra liquid from mixing.

Step 6: Create Lattice Crust

Remove second disc from refrigerator:
1. Roll it out into a 12-inch circle.
2. Cut out six strips about 2 inches wide using a knife.
3. Weave strips over each other; trim any excess dough from ends and crimp edges.

Step 7: Apply Egg Wash

In a small bowl:
1. Beat egg yolk with milk until smooth.
2. Brush mixture over crust; sprinkle with sugar.
3. Dot small butter cubes on top of peach filling where there are gaps.

Step 8: Bake

Place in middle rack of oven:
– Bake for about 40–50 minutes, until filling bubbles.
– If crust browns too quickly, cover with aluminum foil.
Allow cooling at room temperature for about 2–3 hours, then serve and enjoy!

How to Serve The Best Peach Pie

Serving The Best Peach Pie can enhance its flavors and create a delightful experience for your guests. Here are some creative serving ideas to make the most of this delicious dessert.

Pair with Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic choice that complements the sweet and tangy peach filling.
• Cinnamon Ice Cream: Adds a warm spice that pairs beautifully with the peaches.

Drizzle with Sauce

• Caramel Sauce: A rich, buttery sauce that adds a decadent touch.
• Berry Coulis: A fresh berry sauce brings brightness and acidity, balancing the pie’s sweetness.

Add Fresh Toppings

• Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream adds a nice texture and creaminess.
• Fresh Mint Leaves: A garnish of mint provides a refreshing contrast to the dessert.

Serve Warm or Cold

• Warm Pie: Serving it warm enhances the gooeyness of the peach filling.
• Chilled Pie: Refrigerating it first gives a refreshing twist, perfect for hot summer days.

How to Perfect The Best Peach Pie

To ensure The Best Peach Pie turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Peaches: Select ripe, juicy peaches for optimal flavor and texture in your pie filling.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining ingredients for the peach filling, mix just until combined to prevent a mushy texture.
• Pre-bake Crust: For an extra flaky crust, consider pre-baking your pie crust before adding the filling.
• Watch for Bubbling: Keep an eye on your pie while baking; once the filling bubbles, it’s usually done!
• Cool Properly: Allowing the pie to cool for several hours helps set the filling for easier slicing.

Best Side Dishes for The Best Peach Pie

Complementing The Best Peach Pie with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Grilled Chicken Salad: A light salad with grilled chicken, mixed greens, and a citrus vinaigrette balances the sweetness of the pie.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide savory depth and contrast against the sweet dessert.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses pairs well with fruit pies; try sharp cheddar or creamy brie.
4. Vanilla Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fresh fruits offers a refreshing bite alongside the pie.
5. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy fries seasoned lightly add a delightful crunch that complements the soft filling of the pie.
6. Berry Salad: A fresh salad made of mixed berries adds acidity and brightness that enhances your dessert experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making The Best Peach Pie, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Using Sliced Peaches: Slicing peaches can lead to a mushy filling. Instead, cube the peaches for better texture.
• Skipping the Lemon Juice: Failing to add lemon or lime juice can dull the flavor. Always include freshly squeezed juice for brightness.
• Overbaking the Pie: Baking too long can burn the crust. Keep an eye on it and remove when the filling is bubbling.
• Not Weaving the Lattice Properly: A poorly constructed lattice can affect baking. Ensure strips overlap evenly for even cooking.
• Forgetting the Egg Wash: Skipping the egg wash results in a dull crust. Brush it on for a beautiful golden finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• The Best Peach Pie stays fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing The Best Peach Pie

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating The Best Peach Pie

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about The Best Peach Pie:

What makes The Best Peach Pie different?

The addition of smoked paprika enhances the peach flavor, giving it a unique twist that sets it apart from other recipes.

Can I use frozen peaches for this pie?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before using them in your filling.

How do I know when my pie is done?

The pie is ready when the filling bubbles and the crust turns golden brown.

What should I serve with The Best Peach Pie?

A dollop of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with this pie, adding creaminess to each slice.

Final Thoughts

The Best Peach Pie is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with spices or even experiment with different crusts. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or enjoying it on a cozy night at home, this pie is sure to impress. Give it a try and delight your taste buds!