The Best Peach Pie

Name: The Best Peach Pie
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 discs pie crust; 2 lbs fresh yellow peaches (about 6-7); 2 tbsp lemon juice; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup + 1 tbsp tapioca starch; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp smoked paprika; Butter, sugar, egg yolk, and milk for topping

Recipe By:

Juliette

Posted:

July 30, 2025

Updated:

July 30, 2025

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The Best Peach Pie is a delightful dessert that perfectly captures the essence of summer with its gooey peach filling and buttery crust. This pie is not only a fantastic centerpiece for family gatherings and holidays but also a sweet treat to enjoy on any sunny day. What sets this peach pie apart is the unique addition of paprika, enhancing the natural sweetness of the fresh peaches. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or looking for a comforting dessert, The Best Peach Pie will impress everyone!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistible Flavor: The combination of fresh peaches and smoked paprika creates a uniquely delicious taste.
Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions, anyone can master this recipe, regardless of baking experience.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for summer picnics, holiday gatherings, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or at room temperature; it’s delicious either way!
Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare the pie crust in advance, making it easier to put together when you’re ready to bake.

Tools and Preparation

To whip up The Best Peach Pie, you’ll need some essential tools and equipment that make baking easier and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Pie dish
Rolling pin
Sharp knife
Mixing bowl
Baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

Pie dish: A good pie dish ensures even cooking and supports the structure of your pie.
Rolling pin: This tool helps you roll out dough evenly for a perfect crust every time.
Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to combine all ingredients without mess.

Ingredients

The following ingredients are needed to create The Best Peach Pie:

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 (for topping)
1 tbsp (10 g) white granulated sugar (for topping)
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 version. You can prepare this step one or more days ahead if desired.

Step 2: Prepare the Peaches

Peel and cut the peaches into 1-inch cubes (about 2.5 cm). This size helps maintain texture in the filling. Avoid slicing as it can lead to mushy results.

Step 3: Create the Peach Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
* Cubed peaches
* Lemon or lime juice
* Sugar
* Tapioca starch
* Vanilla extract
* Smoked or regular paprika

Stir until all ingredients are well combined.

Step 4: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to preheat at 400°F (200°C).

Step 5: Assemble the Pie

On a floured surface, roll out one disc of pie dough into a 12-inch circle suitable for a 9-inch pie dish. Place it in the dish and pour in your prepared peach filling along with any extra juices.

Step 6: Make the Lattice Top

Roll out the second disc into another 12-inch circle. Cut out six strips about 2 inches wide each. Weave these strips over and under each other across the top of your filled pie. Trim any excess dough at the ends and crimp edges securely.

Step 7: Prepare Egg Wash

In a small bowl, mix together an egg yolk with milk until smooth. Brush this mixture over the lattice crust and sprinkle with sugar. Dot small pieces of butter over the peach filling through openings in the crust.

Step 8: Bake Your Pie

Place your assembled pie on the middle rack of your oven. Bake for about 40-50 minutes or until you see bubbling in the filling. If necessary, cover edges with aluminum foil if they brown too quickly. Allow cooling at room temperature for about 2–3 hours before serving. Enjoy!

How to Serve The Best Peach Pie

Serving The Best Peach Pie is all about enhancing its delightful flavors and textures. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this delicious dessert.

A La Mode

Serve a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of each slice. The creamy ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, gooey peach filling.

With Fresh Whipped Cream

Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a fluffy texture that complements the rich pie. It’s simple to make and elevates your dessert experience.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

A drizzle of warm caramel sauce brings an extra layer of sweetness. It pairs perfectly with the peach flavors for a decadent treat.

Pairing with Coffee or Tea

Enjoy your pie alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. The warmth of the beverage enhances the comforting aspects of the pie.

As a Breakfast Treat

Leftover peach pie makes a delightful breakfast option. Serve it with a side of yogurt for a balanced morning meal.

With Sliced Almonds on Top

Sprinkle some toasted almonds over the pie before serving. This adds crunch and nutty flavor that complements the peaches.

How to Perfect The Best Peach Pie

Perfecting The Best Peach Pie involves attention to detail and a few key techniques. Here are some tips to ensure your pie turns out amazing every time.

Use Fresh Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches yield the best flavor and texture in your pie filling, making it juicy yet firm.
Don’t Skip the Tapioca Starch: This ingredient helps thicken the filling while keeping it from becoming too watery, ensuring perfect consistency.
Preheat Your Oven: Always preheat your oven before baking to achieve an even cook and golden crust on your peach pie.
Cool Before Serving: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. This helps set the filling and makes serving easier.
Experiment with Spices: While smoked paprika is unique, you can try other spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for different flavor profiles.
Use an Egg Wash: Brushing the crust with an egg wash before baking creates a beautiful golden-brown finish that looks as good as it tastes.

Best Side Dishes for The Best Peach Pie

To complement The Best Peach Pie, consider serving it alongside these delicious side dishes. Each one enhances your dessert experience in its own way.

Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette balances out the sweetness of the pie.
Grilled Chicken Skewers: These savory skewers add protein and contrast nicely with the fruity flavors of peach pie.
Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables provides heartiness without overpowering the dessert.
Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses offers a savory counterpoint; choose mild cheeses that won’t compete with peach flavors.
Fruit Salad: Keep it light with fresh fruit salad; opt for melons, berries, or citrus to maintain freshness.
Crusty Bread: Serve slices of crusty bread; it’s perfect for soaking up any leftover juices from your plate after dessert!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making The Best Peach Pie, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some tips to help you avoid them:

Not using fresh peaches: Always opt for fresh, ripe peaches for the best flavor and texture. Frozen peaches can make the filling watery, so select quality ingredients.
Overmixing the filling: Mixing too much can break down your peaches and lead to a mushy filling. Gently stir until just combined to maintain the peach’s structure.
Ignoring the egg wash: Skipping the egg wash can result in a dull crust. Brush it on generously for a beautiful golden-brown finish.
Not letting the pie cool: Cutting into a pie right out of the oven can cause the filling to run. Allow it to cool for at least 2-3 hours for the perfect slice.
Using too much sugar: While sugar enhances flavor, too much can overwhelm the natural sweetness of peaches. Measure accurately based on your taste preference.

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover pie in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap.
The pie will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing The Best Peach Pie

Wrap slices or whole pies tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating The Best Peach Pie

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 30-60 seconds, checking often.
Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, covering it to retain moisture; heat for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this the best peach pie?

This recipe stands out due to its unique addition of smoked paprika, enhancing the sweet peach flavor while providing depth.

Can I use frozen peaches instead?

While fresh is preferred, you can use frozen peaches. Just ensure they are thawed and drained well to avoid excess moisture.

How do I know when my peach pie is done?

The pie is ready when the filling bubbles and the crust turns golden brown. A good rule of thumb is about 40-50 minutes of baking time.

Can I customize this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg or mix in other fruits like berries for a twist on The Best Peach Pie.

What should I serve with peach pie?

A scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream complements this pie perfectly, adding creaminess to each bite.

Final Thoughts

The Best Peach Pie is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to customize it with different spices or fruits. Its delightful balance of flavors makes it perfect for any occasion, from summer picnics to holiday gatherings. Try this recipe today and enjoy a slice of summer goodness!