Description
This fresh peach pie recipe layers juicy peaches in a buttery lattice crust, baked until golden, bubbly, and utterly irresistible.
There’s a certain kind of joy that comes from pulling a fresh peach pie out of the oven, watching the lattice crust deepen to golden brown while syrupy peach filling bubbles up through the gaps. This fresh peach pie recipe has become my go-to every summer once the peaches finally turn ripe and fragrant, and it’s the dessert my family requests before I’ve even finished slicing the fruit.
Ingredients
A Short History of Peach Pie
Peach pie has deep roots in American baking, particularly across the South, where peach orchards have flourished for generations. Long before it became a symbol of Southern hospitality, peach pie was simply a practical way for home cooks to use an abundant summer harvest before the fruit spoiled. The lattice top became a popular way to showcase the vibrant peach filling underneath, transforming a humble fruit pie into the show-stopping dessert we know today.
Ingredients for Fresh Peach Pie
Here’s what you’ll need for this fresh peach pie recipe, made in a 9-inch pie dish.
For the crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 6–8 tablespoons ice water
For the filling:
- 6 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (about 6–7 medium peaches)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
For finishing:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon coarse or granulated sugar, for sprinkling
Instructions
How to Make Fresh Peach Pie Step by Step
This fresh peach pie recipe takes a bit of patience for the crust, but the payoff is well worth it.
Step 1: Make the Pie Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter throughout. Add the ice water a tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough comes together. Divide into two discs, wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
Step 2: Prep the Peaches
Peel and slice the peaches into a large bowl. Toss with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and cinnamon until evenly coated. Let sit for about 15 minutes to release some of the juices.
Step 3: Roll Out the Bottom Crust
On a floured surface, roll one disc of dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing gently into the bottom and sides. Trim any excess overhang, leaving about an inch.
Step 4: Fill the Pie
Spoon the peach filling into the crust, spreading it evenly. Dot the top with the small pieces of butter.
Step 5: Weave the Lattice Top
Roll the second disc of dough into a 10 to 12-inch circle and cut into even strips, about 1 inch wide. Lay half the strips across the pie in one direction, then weave the remaining strips perpendicularly, over and under, to create a lattice pattern. Trim and crimp the edges to seal.
Step 6: Brush and Bake
Brush the lattice top with beaten egg and sprinkle generously with coarse sugar. Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F and continue baking for 30 to 35 minutes, until the crust is deep golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Step 7: Cool Before Slicing
Let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. This resting time is essential for the filling to set properly.
Picture the Finished Fresh Peach Pie
Imagine a golden lattice-topped pie resting on a wire cooling rack, its woven crust deeply browned and dusted with sugar, thick peach filling just visible through the gaps. One slice, cut and set on a wooden board, reveals glistening peach slices layered beneath a flaky, golden crust, the syrup pooling gently at the edges. That’s exactly the moment this fresh peach pie recipe is built to deliver.
Tips for Fresh Peach Pie Success
- Use ripe but firm peaches. Overripe peaches release too much liquid and can make the filling watery.
- Let the pie cool completely before slicing, or the filling won’t have time to set.
- Keep your butter and water ice cold when making the crust for the flakiest results.
- Bake on a baking sheet to catch any bubbling juices and keep your oven clean.
Nutritional Values (Per Slice, 8 Servings)
- Calories: approximately 380
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fat: 17g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
These values are estimates and will vary depending on the ripeness of your peaches and exact ingredients used.