Discover the Joy of Baking Homemade Peaches and Cream Pie

Ah, the sweet, creamy delight of homemade peaches and cream pie – a Southern classic that transports you to a warm summer evening on the porch, sipping sweet tea and savoring each delectable bite. This dreamy dessert is the perfect blend of juicy, ripe peaches nestled in a flaky, buttery crust, all smothered in a rich, velvety cream filling. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a potluck, or just treating yourself, this Homemade Peaches and Cream Pie is sure to be the star of the show.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Homemade Peaches and Cream Pie

To create this heavenly pie, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together to create the ultimate sweet and creamy delight. Let’s dive in!

For the Crust:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1/2 cup ice water

For the Filling:

• 6-8 ripe peaches, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp almond extract (optional)
• Pinch of salt

Making the Perfect Pie Crust

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Crust

Creating the flakiest, most buttery pie crust is the foundation for this Homemade Peaches and Cream Pie. Start by combining the flour and salt in a large bowl. Using a pastry cutter or two forks, cut the chilled butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, mixing just until the dough comes together. Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disc, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.

Chilling and Handling the Dough

Letting the dough chill is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. The resting period allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out and preventing it from shrinking during baking. When you’re ready to use the dough, be sure to handle it gently, avoiding overworking it. This will ensure a tender, flaky crust that perfectly complements the sweet, creamy filling.

Preparing the Peach Filling

The star of this Homemade Peaches and Cream Pie is, of course, the fresh, juicy peaches. To make the filling, simply combine the sliced peaches, heavy cream, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Gently toss the ingredients together until the peaches are evenly coated. The cornstarch helps to thicken the filling, ensuring a perfectly creamy texture that won’t become too runny.

Assembling the Pie

Once you’ve prepared the dough and the filling, it’s time to bring this Homemade Peaches and Cream Pie together. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to fit a 9-inch pie plate. Carefully transfer the crust to the pie plate, gently pressing it into the bottom and up the sides. Pour the peach filling into the crust, spreading it out evenly.

For the top crust, roll out the remaining dough disc and place it over the filling. Trim any excess dough from the edges, then crimp and seal the edges to create a decorative finish. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.

Baking the Pie

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the assembled pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips, and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on the crust towards the end, and cover the edges with foil if they’re browning too quickly.

Once the pie is baked to perfection, let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This allows the filling to set and prevents a runny, messy situation when you cut into it. Patience is a virtue, my friends!

Serving and Enjoying Your Homemade Peaches and Cream Pie

When the Homemade Peaches and Cream Pie has cooled completely, it’s time to dive in! Serve it as is or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. The sweet, creamy filling paired with the flaky, buttery crust is a match made in dessert heaven. Savor each bite and let the flavors transport you to a summer day filled with Southern charm and sweetness.

FAQs About Homemade Peaches and Cream Pie

How long is homemade peach pie good for?

Properly stored, a homemade peach pie can last 3-4 days at room temperature or up to 1 week in the refrigerator. To maximize freshness, cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.

How to keep peach pie from being soggy?

To prevent a soggy bottom crust, be sure to use ripe, but not overly juicy peaches. The cornstarch in the filling helps to thicken the juices, and baking the pie on a preheated baking sheet can also help create a crisp, flaky crust.

Why did my peach pie turn out runny?

If your Homemade Peaches and Cream Pie ended up with a runny filling, it’s likely that you didn’t use enough cornstarch or the peaches were too juicy. Next time, try increasing the amount of cornstarch in the filling by a tablespoon or two to help absorb the excess moisture from the peaches.

What is the metaphor peaches and cream?

The metaphor “peaches and cream” is used to describe something that is deliciously perfect, smooth, and creamy. It’s a reference to the classic combination of sweet, ripe peaches and rich, velvety cream – a flavor pairing that is often considered the epitome of indulgence and comfort.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Creamy Mozzarella Chicken Linguine with Garlic Cajun Butter
• Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake
• Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie

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