Southern Peach Pie

Here’s a comprehensive guide to making Southern Peach Pie:

Southern Peach Pie Recipe

Servings: Makes 8 servings
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 unbaked pie crust for a 9-inch pan (refrigerated or your favorite pie crust recipe)

For the Filling:

• 5 cups sliced fresh peaches (about 6-7 medium peaches)
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the pie crust: If using refrigerated pie crust, follow the package instructions for unrolling and placing it into a 9-inch pie pan. If using homemade pie crust, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Carefully transfer the dough to the pan, pressing it gently to fit. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges and crimp the edges as desired.

Step 2: Prepare the Peach Filling

1. Slice the peaches: If using fresh peaches, start by peeling and slicing them. You’ll need about 5 cups of sliced peaches for the filling. If you prefer, you can blanch the peaches in boiling water for 30 seconds to make peeling easier.
2. Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced peaches, melted butter, sugar, flour, beaten egg, and ground nutmeg. Gently stir the mixture until the peaches are evenly coated.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

1. Fill the crust: Pour the peach filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
2. Decorate (optional): If desired, you can add a lattice crust on top by cutting strips of pie dough and weaving them over the filling. Alternatively, you can create decorative cutouts from any leftover dough to place on top of the pie.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

1. Bake: Place the pie on the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the crust is golden brown. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can cover the edges with aluminum foil.
2. Check doneness: The pie is done when the crust is golden brown and the filling is thickened and bubbling. The peaches should be tender but still hold their shape.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

1. Cool the pie: Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving. This cooling time helps the filling set, making it easier to slice and serve.
2. Serve: Serve the pie slightly warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips for Success:

• Use ripe, firm peaches: The best peaches for this pie are ripe but still firm, as they will hold their shape during baking and prevent the filling from becoming too watery.
• Adjust sweetness: Depending on the sweetness of your peaches, you may want to adjust the amount of sugar in the filling. Taste the peaches before adding sugar to ensure the right balance of sweetness.
• Nutmeg alternatives: If you’re not a fan of nutmeg, you can substitute it with cinnamon or a blend of warm spices like cinnamon and allspice for a slightly different flavor profile.

Variations:

• Add a crumble topping: For a different texture, you can add a streusel topping made of flour, brown sugar, butter, and oats to the top of the pie before baking.
• Use frozen peaches: If fresh peaches are not in season, you can use frozen peaches. Make sure to thaw and drain them before using.
• Spiked peach pie: Add a tablespoon of bourbon or rum to the filling for an adult twist on this classic dessert.

Southern Peach Pie is a quintessential dessert that brings the flavors of summer to your table. Its sweet and juicy peach filling combined with a buttery, flaky crust is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you enjoy it as a simple family dessert or as the highlight of a festive occasion, this pie is a must-try for peach lovers.

This recipe is versatile and can be adapted with different spices or topped with a scoop of ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this Southern Peach Pie is a recipe worth mastering. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of the South in every bite!