Imagine sinking your fork into a slice of perfectly baked peach pie, the sweet, juicy filling bursting with flavor, all encased in a flaky, golden crust. The "New York Times Perfect Peach Pie" is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of summer's best fruit, a delightful treat that will impress your friends and family alike. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of love, you can create a pie that rivals any bakery's offering. Ready to elevate your baking game and create a dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds? Let’s dive into the recipe that will make your kitchen the heart of summer gatherings!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 pounds fresh peaches, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 pie crust
Instructions
- Prepare the peaches by washing, peeling, and slicing them into uniform pieces, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. To easily peel peaches, blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then immediately transfer to an ice bath.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced peaches with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and ground cinnamon. Gently mix until the peaches are evenly coated, ensuring the cornstarch is fully incorporated without breaking the peach slices.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Position a rack in the lower third of the oven to ensure even baking and prevent the bottom crust from becoming soggy.
- Roll out the pie crust and carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish. Trim the edges, leaving about a 1/2-inch overhang around the rim of the dish.
- Pour the prepared peach filling into the pie crust, spreading it evenly and creating a slight mound in the center. The filling should be distributed uniformly to ensure consistent baking.
- If using a top crust, roll it out and place it over the filling. Trim the edges and crimp or seal the pie crust edges to prevent filling from leaking. Cut several small vents in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Optional: Brush the top crust with an egg wash (1 beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon water) and sprinkle with granulated sugar for a golden, crisp finish.
- Place the pie on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any potential drips, and bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2-3 hours. This allows the filling to set and makes slicing easier.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. For best results, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips
- Choose the Right Peaches: For the best flavor, select ripe, in-season peaches. Look for peaches that are slightly soft to the touch and fragrant. If they're not quite ripe, you can let them sit at room temperature for a few days.
- Perfectly Peel Peaches: To easily peel peaches, blanch them in boiling water for about 30 seconds, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath. This method helps the skin slip off effortlessly.
- Mixing the Filling: When combining your peach slices with sugar and cornstarch, be gentle. You want to coat the peaches without breaking them apart, preserving that beautiful texture.
- Prevent a Soggy Crust: Pre-bake your pie crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling. This helps to create a barrier that keeps the crust crispy, even with the juicy filling.
- Egg Wash for Shine: For a beautiful, golden crust, brush the top with an egg wash made from one beaten egg mixed with a tablespoon of water before baking. This adds a lovely sheen and enhances the pie's presentation.
- Let It Cool: Allow your pie to cool for at least 2-3 hours after baking. This cooling time is crucial for the filling to set properly, making it easier to slice and serve.
- Serving Suggestions: For an extra indulgent treat, serve your peach pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The combination of warm pie and cold ice cream is simply irresistible!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 10mg
