Irresistible Chef John’s Sweet Peach Pie Recipe to Savor

There’s nothing quite like a homemade peach pie, especially when it comes from a cherished family recipe like Chef John’s. The warm, juicy peaches entwined with a buttery crust create a symphony of flavors that is hard to resist. This recipe not only celebrates the vibrant taste of fresh peaches but also brings together friends and family around the dining table to enjoy a slice of summer in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Have you ever tasted a piece of pie that makes your heart sing? That’s what this peach pie does! Here are just a few reasons why you’ll adore this recipe:

  • Fresh Ingredients: When peaches are in season, they taste like sunshine. This pie makes the most of that freshness.
  • Simple Process: Even if you’re not a baking whiz, Chef John’s instructions are easy to follow, ensuring you’ll succeed.
  • Versatile Enjoyment: How about serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream or cold as a summer treat? The possibilities are endless!
  • Family Tradition: This pie has the potential to become a beloved recipe in your home too. Who knows? It might be passed down through generations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this scrumptious pie. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Pie Crust:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
  • 6-8 tbsp ice water

For the Peach Filling:

  • 6 cups fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced (about 6-8 medium peaches)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces (for dotting)

For the Topping (Optional):

  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 tbsp sugar (for sprinkling on top)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pie Crust

To start, you’ll want to make the crust for your pie, which is the foundation of its delightful flavor:

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
  2. Add the cold, cubed butter. Using a fork or pastry cutter, blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Gradually mix in the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together.
  4. Divide the dough into two equal parts, shape each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

2. Make the Peach Filling

While the dough is chilling, you can prepare the luscious peach filling:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced peaches, sugar, flour, cinnamon, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir gently to combine all ingredients, ensuring the peaches are coated.
  2. Let the mixture sit for about 15-20 minutes to allow the juices to develop.

3. Assemble the Pie

Now comes the fun part—putting everything together!

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Roll out one disk of chilled dough on a floured surface to fit into your pie dish. Transfer the dough to the pie dish and trim any excess.
  3. Pour the peach filling into the crust and dot with small pieces of butter.
  4. Roll out the second dough disk for your top crust. You can either place it whole over the filling or cut it into strips for a lattice top. If using strips, weave them over the peaches, creating a crisscross pattern.
  5. Trim any overhanging dough, then crimp the edges to seal.
  6. Brush the top crust with beaten egg for shine and sprinkle with sugar.

4. Bake the Pie

It’s time for your creation to bake to perfection:

  1. Place the pie in the preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
  2. If the crust edges brown too quickly, cover them with strips of aluminum foil.

5. Cool and Serve

After baking, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This cooling period helps the filling set.

Once cooled, slice the pie and serve it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat!

Serving and Storage Tips

How to Serve

Peach pie is a crowd-pleaser and can be served warm or cold. Here are some serving ideas:

  • Top with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream.
  • Serve with freshly whipped cream for an extra touch of sweetness.
  • Add a drizzle of caramel or a sprinkle of cinnamon for more flavor.

How to Store

To store your peach pie:

  • Cover it loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  • If you want it to last longer, refrigerate it, where it will stay good for about 4-5 days.
  • You can also freeze the pie! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, storing it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To eat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as needed.

Helpful Tips

  • If you are using frozen peaches, make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid a watery filling.
  • Feel free to mix in other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a delightful fruit combination.
  • For a hint of spice, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of almond extract to the filling.
  • Don’t rush the cooling time; this is essential for the peach filling to set properly!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use canned peaches for this pie?

Yes, you can use canned peaches! Make sure to drain them thoroughly before using. However, fresh peaches will give the best flavor and texture.

What is the best way to peel peaches?

The easiest way to peel peaches is to blanch them. Simply boil the peaches for about 30 seconds, then transfer them to an ice bath. The skins should slide off easily!

Can I make the pie crust ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just let it thaw in the fridge overnight before using.

Is it necessary to add lemon juice to the filling?

The lemon juice not only adds flavor but also helps prevent the peaches from browning. However, if you don’t have lemon juice on hand, you can skip it or add a splash of vinegar as an alternative.

How do I know when the pie is done baking?

Look for a golden brown crust and bubbling filling. You can also insert a knife into the filling; if it comes out clean, the pie is done!

Can I make this pie with other fruits?

Definitely! Feel free to substitute peaches with other fruits like apples, cherries, or blueberries for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the sugar according to the sweetness of the fruit.

Conclusion

Chef John’s peach pie is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience that ties together memories, flavors, and the essence of summer. From the golden crust to the succulent filling, every bite invites a smile and a sense of warmth. Whether you’re baking it for a family gathering, a summer picnic, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Now that you have the steps, ingredients, and tips at your fingertips, it’s time to invite some friends over, bake this delightful pie, and share the joy of homemade goodness! Happy baking!

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Chef John's Peach Pie

Irresistible Chef Johns Sweet Peach Pie Recipe to Savor


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  • Author: souzanfood
  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

Savor Chef Johns irresistible Sweet Peach Pie recipe Delight in a perfect blend of flavors and techniques for a dessert like no other


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
  • 68 tbsp ice water
  • 6 cups fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces (for dotting)
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 tbsp sugar (for sprinkling on top)

  • Instructions

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
  • Add the cold, cubed butter. Using a fork or pastry cutter, blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Gradually mix in the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together.
  • Divide the dough into two equal parts, shape each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced peaches, sugar, flour, cinnamon, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir gently to combine all ingredients, ensuring the peaches are coated.
  • Let the mixture sit for about 15-20 minutes to allow the juices to develop.
  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • Roll out one disk of chilled dough on a floured surface to fit into your pie dish. Transfer the dough to the pie dish and trim any excess.
  • Pour the peach filling into the crust and dot with small pieces of butter.
  • Roll out the second dough disk for your top crust. Place it whole over the filling or cut it into strips for a lattice top.
  • Trim any overhanging dough, then crimp the edges to seal.
  • Brush the top crust with beaten egg for shine and sprinkle with sugar.
  • Place the pie in the preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
  • After baking, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours.
  • Slice the pie and serve it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat!
    • Prep Time: 45 minutes
    • hour: 1
    • Cook Time: 1 hour
    • Category: Dessert
    • Cuisine: American

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 slice
    • Calories: 300 calories
    • Sugar: 20 grams
    • Fat: 15 grams
    • Saturated Fat: 15 grams
    • Carbohydrates: 45 grams
    • Fiber: 2 grams
    • Protein: 3 grams

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