oven-baked peach pie

Step-by-Step Instructions for Oven-Baked Peach Pie

1. Make the Pie Crust:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
• Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to add too much water—just enough to bring the dough together without being too sticky.
• Once the dough has formed, divide it into two equal portions, shape them into discs, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This will make it easier to roll out and ensure a flaky crust.

2. Prepare the Peach Filling:

• If using fresh peaches, peel, pit, and slice them into thin wedges. If using frozen peaches, make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid.
• In a large bowl, combine the sliced peaches, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Gently toss the ingredients together until the peaches are coated and the mixture is thickened.

3. Assemble the Pie:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Take one disc of dough from the fridge and roll it out on a floured surface into a circle large enough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Carefully transfer the dough to the pie dish and gently press it into place, making sure the edges are even.
• Pour the prepared peach filling into the pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
• Dot the filling with small pieces of butter to add richness and flavor to the pie.
• Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the peach filling to create the top crust. You can create a lattice pattern by cutting the dough into strips and weaving them over the filling, or simply place the dough in one piece and cut a few slits in the center to allow steam to escape.
• Trim any excess dough from the edges and crimp the edges to seal the pie. You can also fold the edges under to create a thicker, fluted crust.

4. Bake the Pie:

• Brush the top crust with a light coating of heavy cream or milk to give it a golden shine when baked.
• Sprinkle a tablespoon of coarse sugar over the top crust for a sweet, crunchy finish.
• Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
• If the edges of the crust begin to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil or a pie shield to prevent burning.

5. Cool and Serve:

• Once the pie is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for at least an hour before slicing. This helps the filling set and makes the pie easier to cut.
• Serve warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Tips for Perfect Oven-Baked Peach Pie

1. Choose Ripe Peaches:
   For the best flavor, choose ripe peaches that are sweet and juicy. If peaches are out of season, you can use frozen peaches, but make sure to thaw and drain them before using.
2. Add Spice for Extra Flavor:
   While cinnamon is a popular choice for peach pie, you can experiment with other spices such as nutmeg or ginger to add depth of flavor to your filling.
3. Use a Cold Butter for Flakier Crust:
   The colder the butter, the flakier the crust will be. Make sure to use chilled butter and work quickly to avoid it melting before it’s baked.
4. Allow the Pie to Cool Before Slicing:
   Allowing the pie to cool completely before slicing helps the filling set, so it won’t run out when you cut it.
5. Make Ahead:
   If you want to prepare the pie ahead of time, you can assemble it and freeze it before baking. Just bake the frozen pie as usual, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Why You’ll Love This Peach Pie

Oven-baked peach pie is a wonderful combination of juicy fruit, sweet filling, and a perfectly crisp crust. It’s a dessert that’s loved by everyone, from kids to adults, and it’s a great way to showcase the natural sweetness of peaches.

Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a holiday celebration, or a casual gathering, this pie will never disappoint. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about baking a pie from scratch, with the heavenly aroma filling your home as it bakes.

Conclusion

There’s no better way to enjoy peaches than in a freshly baked pie. With its perfect balance of sweetness, rich flavor, and flaky crust, this oven-baked peach pie is the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself to a homemade dessert, this pie will be a hit every time. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the deliciousness of homemade peach pie!