The Best Peach Pie

The Best Peach Pie is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of summer with its sweet, gooey peach filling and flaky pie crust. Perfect for family gatherings, picnics, or a cozy evening at home, this pie stands out with its unique touch of smoked paprika, enhancing the natural flavors of fresh peaches. Whether you’re serving it warm with ice cream or at room temperature, this pie is sure to be a hit on any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique Flavor: The addition of smoked paprika elevates the classic peach pie to new heights.
• Fresh Ingredients: Using ripe yellow peaches ensures a vibrant and juicy filling.
• Easy to Follow: Step-by-step instructions make this recipe accessible for bakers of all levels.
• Versatile Dessert: Ideal for summer barbecues or holiday dinners, it fits seamlessly into any event.
• Homemade Crust Option: You can use your favorite pie crust recipe or mine for a personal touch.

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Tools and Preparation

To create The Best Peach Pie, having the right tools will make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Pie dish: A good-quality pie dish helps ensure even baking and crisp crust.
• Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out your pie crust to the perfect thickness.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes peeling and cutting peaches quick and easy.

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
• 1 tbsp (10 g) white granulated sugar
• 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 one. This step can be done one or more days ahead if desired.

Step 2: Prepare the Peaches

Peel and cut the peaches into 1-inch cubes (2.5 cm) for a better texture in your filling. Avoid slicing them, as they tend to become mushy.

Step 3: Make the Peach Filling

In a large bowl:
Add cubed peaches.
Stir in lemon or lime juice, sugar, tapioca starch, vanilla extract, and smoked or regular paprika (or cinnamon).
Combine until everything is mixed well.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready when you finish preparing the pie.

Step 5: Prepare the Pie Base

On a lightly floured surface:
Roll out one chilled disc of pie dough into a 12-inch (30 cm) circle.
Place it in a 9-inch (22 cm) pie dish.
Pour in the peach filling along with any extra liquid from the bowl.

Step 6: Create Lattice Crust

Roll out the second disc of dough into another 12-inch (30 cm) circle. Cut it into six strips about two inches wide:
Weave these strips over each other for a lattice effect.
Trim any excess dough from ends and press them into the bottom layer.

Step 7: Add Egg Wash

In a small bowl:
Beat together egg yolk with milk until smooth.
Brush this mixture over your lattice crust and sprinkle sugar on top.
Add small cubes of butter on top of the peach filling where there’s space.

Step 8: Bake Your Pie

Place your assembled pie in the middle rack of your oven:
Bake for 40-50 minutes, until bubbling appears in the filling.
If browning too quickly, cover with aluminum foil. Allow cooling to room temperature for about two to three hours before serving. Enjoy!

How to Serve The Best Peach Pie

Serving The Best Peach Pie is all about enhancing its delicious flavors. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this sweet treat.

Classic Pairings

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a rich texture and balances the pie’s sweetness.
• Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream complements the peach filling beautifully, making every bite indulgent.

Unique Twists

• Greek Yogurt: For a healthier option, serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt. It adds a tangy flavor that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the pie.
• Fresh Mint: Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a refreshing twist that elevates the appearance and taste of your pie.

Beverage Suggestions

• Sweet Tea: A glass of sweet tea pairs wonderfully with peach pie, enhancing its southern charm.
• Sparkling Water: For a lighter option, sparkling water with a slice of lemon can cleanse the palate between bites.

How to Perfect The Best Peach Pie

To ensure you create The Best Peach Pie, follow these simple tips for an ideal result.

• Use Fresh Peaches: Fresh peaches provide the best flavor and texture. Choose ripe ones for maximum sweetness.
• Don’t Overmix the Filling: Gently combine ingredients to keep the peaches intact and maintain their juicy texture.
• Check for Doneness: Look for bubbling filling as an indicator that your pie is ready to come out of the oven.
• Let it Cool Completely: Allowing your pie to cool completely before serving helps set the filling, making it easier to slice.

Best Side Dishes for The Best Peach Pie

Pairing side dishes with your peach pie can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some delicious options:

1. Cheese Platter: A variety of cheeses like brie or goat cheese can create a savory contrast to the sweet filling.
2. Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and a citrus vinaigrette refreshes the palate between bites of pie.
3. Grilled Chicken Skewers: These savory skewers complement the sweetness without overpowering it.
4. Roasted Veggies: Seasoned roasted vegetables add depth and make for a balanced meal alongside dessert.
5. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad can provide additional natural sweetness and brighten up your meal.
6. Pecan Crust Quiche: This savory dish offers a unique flavor profile that pairs well with peach pie’s sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making The Best Peach Pie is a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Using overripe peaches: Overripe fruit can lead to a mushy filling. Choose firm, ripe peaches for the best texture.
• Not chilling the dough: Failing to chill your pie crust can result in a tough pastry. Always refrigerate your dough before rolling it out.
• Skipping the egg wash: An egg wash gives the crust a beautiful golden color and shine. Don’t skip this step for an appealing finish.
• Ignoring baking times: Baking too short or too long can ruin your pie. Keep an eye on your pie and check for bubbling filling as a sign it’s done.
• Forgetting about cooling time: Serving the pie immediately can cause the filling to be runny. Allow it to cool for 2-3 hours for the best results.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• The pie will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing The Best Peach Pie

• Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating The Best Peach Pie

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30-60 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm individual slices in a skillet over low heat, covered, for about 5-8 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes The Best Peach Pie special?

The combination of fresh peaches, a buttery crust, and a hint of smoked paprika creates a unique flavor profile that sets this recipe apart from others.

Can I use frozen peaches for The Best Peach Pie?

Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just make sure they are thawed and drained of excess moisture before adding them to your filling mixture.

How do I know when my peach pie is done baking?

You’ll know it’s done when the filling starts bubbling and the crust turns golden brown. A good rule of thumb is to bake until it has been bubbling for an additional 3-5 minutes.

Can I customize The Best Peach Pie?

Absolutely! You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or even mix in other fruits like blueberries or cherries for extra flavor.

What is the best way to serve The Best Peach Pie?

This pie is perfect served warm with a dollop of vanilla ice cream on top. It also pairs beautifully with whipped cream!

Final Thoughts

The Best Peach Pie brings together sweet summer flavors in every bite. With its gooey peach filling and flaky crust, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with different spices or fruits, making it uniquely yours. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!