The Best Peach Pie

Published: July 29, 2025

by Victoria

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unique Flavor Combination: The addition of smoked paprika elevates the peach filling to new heights, enhancing the natural sweetness of the fruit.
Fresh Ingredients: Made with ripe peaches and simple pantry staples, this recipe showcases the best flavors of summer.
Easy to Follow: With clear steps and easy instructions, you’ll be able to create this stunning pie with confidence.
Versatile Dessert: Perfect for any occasion—serve it warm or chilled, with ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Impressive Presentation: The lattice crust not only looks beautiful but also allows the delicious filling to shine through.

Tools and Preparation

Before starting to make The Best Peach Pie, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready ensures a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowls
Rolling pin
Pie dish
Sharp knife
Baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without making a mess.
Rolling pin: Helps achieve the perfect thickness in your pie crust for an even bake.
Pie dish: A good quality dish conducts heat evenly, ensuring a perfectly cooked crust.

Ingredients

The Best Peach Pie has a deliciously gooey peach filling made with fresh peaches, a buttery pie crust, a dollop of vanilla ice cream on top, and a secret ingredient that brings out all the sweet and warm summery flavor of peaches: paprika! Forget all the other peach pie recipes: this one gives you the perfect texture and flavor!

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 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 pie crust recipe. You can prepare it one or more days ahead if desired.

Step 2: Prepare the Peaches

Peel and cut the peaches into 1-inch cubes. Avoid slicing them as they are soft and can turn mushy when baked.

Step 3: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, combine cubed peaches with lemon juice, sugar, tapioca starch, vanilla extract, and smoked paprika. Stir until well mixed.

Step 4: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to preheat at 400F (200C). This step ensures even cooking once you place your pie inside.

Step 5: Assemble the Pie

On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of pie dough into a 12-inch circle. Place it in your pie dish and pour in the peach filling along with any liquid from mixing.

Step 6: Create the Lattice Top

Roll out your second disc into another circle. Cut it into six strips about 2 inches wide. Weave these strips over each other on top of the filled pie. Trim excess dough and crimp edges together.

Step 7: Apply Egg Wash

In a small bowl, beat together egg yolk and milk until smooth. Brush this mixture over your lattice crust and sprinkle some sugar on top. Add small cubes of butter directly onto the filling through openings in the crust.

Step 8: Bake Your Pie

Bake on the middle rack for 40-50 minutes until bubbly. Let it cool for about 2-3 hours at room temperature before serving. Enjoy!

How to Serve The Best Peach Pie

Serving The Best Peach Pie is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with a few thoughtful accompaniments. Here are some ideas to elevate your peach pie presentation and enjoyment.

A La Mode

Serve a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of each slice for a creamy contrast to the warm, gooey filling.

Fresh Whipped Cream

Top each slice with freshly whipped cream for a light and airy complement that balances the sweetness of the pie.

Caramel Sauce Drizzle

Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the pie for an extra layer of sweetness and richness that pairs beautifully with peaches.

Fresh Mint Garnish

Add fresh mint leaves as a garnish for an aromatic touch that adds color and freshness to your dish.

Sweetened Yogurt

Serve with a dollop of sweetened Greek yogurt for a tangy twist that cuts through the pie’s sweetness.

Coffee or Tea Pairing

Enjoy your peach pie with a cup of coffee or tea, which enhances the flavors and makes for a comforting dessert experience.

How to Perfect The Best Peach Pie

Creating The Best Peach Pie requires attention to detail. Here are some essential tips to ensure your pie turns out perfectly every time.

Use fresh peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches yield the best flavor and texture. Look for firm yet slightly soft peaches for optimal results.
Avoid mushy filling: Cut peaches into 1-inch cubes rather than slices to maintain texture and prevent excessive juiciness in the filling.
Preheat your oven: A properly preheated oven ensures even baking and helps achieve that perfect golden crust.
Watch the baking time: Keep an eye on your pie as it bakes. Remove it when the filling starts bubbling to avoid overcooking.
Let it cool: Allow your pie to cool at room temperature before serving. This helps set the filling for easier slicing.
Experiment with spices: Don’t hesitate to try different spices like cinnamon or nutmeg alongside paprika to find your favorite flavor combination.

Best Side Dishes for The Best Peach Pie

Pairing side dishes with The Best Peach Pie can create a balanced meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider:

Vanilla Ice Cream
Classic choice, always complements fruity desserts beautifully.
Homemade Biscotti
Crunchy biscotti can provide a delightful contrast in texture when enjoyed alongside peach pie.
Cheese Platter
A selection of cheeses, particularly creamy ones, pairs well with the sweetness of peach pie.
Fruit Salad
A light fruit salad can refresh the palate after enjoying rich, gooey pie.
Chocolate Sauce
For chocolate lovers, serving with drizzled chocolate sauce adds indulgence and richness.
Nut Mix
A simple nut mix offers crunch and saltiness that balances out the sweetness of the dessert.
Savory Quiche
A slice of savory quiche creates a perfect brunch pairing with peach pie for an elegant touch.
Sparkling Water or Lemonade
Refreshing drinks like sparkling water or homemade lemonade cleanse the palate perfectly after dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the Best Peach Pie can be a delight, but common mistakes can spoil your efforts. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

Using overripe peaches: Overripe peaches can make your pie soggy. Choose peaches that are firm yet slightly soft to the touch for the best texture.
Ignoring the importance of tapioca starch: Not adding enough tapioca starch can lead to a runny filling. This ingredient helps thicken the juices, ensuring that your pie has the perfect consistency.
Rolling out dough too thin: If your crust is too thin, it may break during baking. Aim for about 1/8 inch thickness when rolling out your pie crust for durability.
Skipping the egg wash: An egg wash gives your crust a beautiful golden color. Don’t skip this step; it makes a significant difference in presentation!
Not letting the pie cool properly: Cutting into your pie while it’s still hot can cause the filling to spill out. Allow it to cool for at least 2-3 hours before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
The Best Peach Pie will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil if not using a container.

Freezing The Best Peach Pie

Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating The Best Peach Pie

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place pie on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5-10 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

The following FAQs address common inquiries about making and enjoying the Best Peach Pie.

How do I prevent my peach pie from being watery?

To prevent excess liquid, make sure to use tapioca starch and let your peach filling sit briefly before adding it to the crust.

Can I use frozen peaches instead?

Yes! Fresh peaches are ideal, but you can substitute with frozen peaches. Just thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before use.

What is the best way to serve The Best Peach Pie?

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top for an extra treat!

Can I customize the spices in my peach pie?

Absolutely! While paprika adds warmth, you might prefer cinnamon or nutmeg instead. Feel free to experiment with flavors!

How long will The Best Peach Pie last?

When stored correctly, it lasts up to four days in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

The Best Peach Pie is not just delicious but also versatile. You can easily adjust ingredients or add spices based on personal preferences. Try this recipe and savor its delightful flavors; it’s perfect for any occasion!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card