How to Bake a Delicious Peach Pie from Scratch
There’s nothing quite like the sweet, juicy flavor of a homemade peach pie. Baking a peach pie from scratch is a wonderful way to showcase the natural sweetness of fresh peaches and create a delightful dessert that everyone will love. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and get baking, here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a mouthwatering peach pie from scratch.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. For a classic peach pie, you’ll need:
- 6-8 fresh, ripe peaches
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 9-inch pie crusts (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Step 2: Prepare the Peaches
Start by peeling the peaches and removing the pits. Slice the peaches into thin, even slices and place them in a large mixing bowl. Add the granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice to the bowl, and gently toss the mixture until the peaches are evenly coated.
Step 3: Roll Out the Pie Crust
If you’re using store-bought pie crusts, follow the package instructions for rolling out the crusts. If you prefer to make your own pie crust, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Carefully transfer one crust to a 9-inch pie dish, and trim any excess dough from the edges.
Step 4: Fill the Pie Crust
Once the pie crust is in the dish, pour the peach filling into the crust, mounding it slightly in the center. Dot the filling with small pieces of unsalted butter to add richness and flavor to the pie.
Step 5: Add the Top Crust
If you’re making a traditional two-crust peach pie, carefully place the second pie crust over the filling. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal the pie. For a decorative touch, use a sharp knife to create small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Before baking, brush the top crust with a beaten egg to create a beautiful, golden finish. Place the pie in a preheated oven and bake at 425°F for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly and fragrant.
Step 7: Let It Cool
Once the pie is done baking, remove it from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool. Allowing the pie to cool for at least an hour will help the filling set and make for easier slicing and serving.
Now that you’ve mastered the art of baking a peach pie from scratch, all that’s left to do is slice, serve, and enjoy! Whether you’re serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoying a slice with a cup of coffee, your homemade peach pie is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
So, the next time you find yourself with an abundance of fresh peaches, don’t hesitate to whip up a delightful peach pie from scratch. With a little time and effort, you can create a delectable dessert that celebrates the natural sweetness of this beloved summer fruit.