Homemade Southern peach pie is a classic dessert that captures the essence of summertime in the South. With its flaky crust, juicy peach filling, and warm spices, this timeless treat is a celebration of the region’s rich culinary heritage. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, learning to make this mouthwatering pie from scratch is a rewarding experience that will fill your home with the aroma of sweet, ripe peaches and evoke memories of lazy summer days.
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The Charm of Southern Desserts
Southern cuisine is renowned for its comforting, soulful dishes that bring people together around the table. Homemade Homemade Southern Peach Pie is no exception, as it represents the heartwarming traditions and flavors that have been passed down through generations. In the South, desserts are more than just a sweet indulgence – they are a way to express love, celebrate special occasions, and create lasting memories with family and friends.
Why Homemade Peach Pie?
While store-bought Homemade Southern Peach Pie can be convenient, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of creating this delectable dessert from scratch. By making your own pie crust and filling, you can customize the flavors to your liking, experiment with different spice combinations, and enjoy the pride of presenting a truly homemade masterpiece. Plus, the process of bringing together simple ingredients to produce a warm, flaky, and perfectly balanced Homemade Southern Peach Pie is a rewarding experience that can be shared with loved ones.
Ingredients for the Perfect Peach Pie
Essential Ingredients
To make a classic Homemade Southern Peach Pie, you’ll need a few key ingredients: fresh or canned peaches, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and butter. These simple components work together to create the perfect balance of sweetness, acidity, and warmth that defines this beloved Southern dessert.
Choosing the Best Peaches
The star of the show in Homemade Southern Peach Pie is, of course, the peaches. Look for ripe, juicy freestone peaches that are slightly soft to the touch and have a sweet, fragrant aroma. Freestone peaches are ideal for baking because the flesh separates easily from the pit, making them simple to slice and arrange in the pie crust.
Variations in Crust Options
While a classic double-crust pie is the traditional choice for Homemade Southern Peach Pie, you can also experiment with different crust styles. A lattice top crust adds a beautiful and rustic touch, while a crumble or streusel topping provides a delightful contrast to the juicy peach filling. For an extra flaky crust, consider using a combination of butter and shortening in your dough.
Preparation Steps for Southern Peach Pie
Prepping the Peaches
Start by preparing your peaches. If using fresh peaches, peel, pit, and slice them into thin, even wedges. If using canned peaches, drain them well and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. In a large bowl, toss the peach slices with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg until the fruit is evenly coated.
Making the Filling
Once your peaches are prepped, it’s time to assemble the filling. Gently fold in the vanilla extract and dot the top with small pieces of butter. This will help create a luscious, syrupy consistency as the pie bakes.
Rolling Out the Pie Crust
Prepare your pie crust according to your preferred recipe or use a store-bought option. Roll out one of the crusts and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it firmly into the edges. Trim any excess dough, leaving a 1-inch overhang. Roll out the second crust for the top of the pie.

Assembling the Peach Pie
Filling the Pie Crust
Carefully pour the peach filling into the prepared bottom crust, spreading it out evenly. This step is crucial to ensure the filling cooks through and creates a beautifully layered pie.
Creating a Beautiful Top Crust
Top the filled pie with the second crust, either as a full top crust or a lattice design. Crimp the edges of the crust together to seal in the filling, and cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape during baking.
Egg Wash and Toppings
For a golden, shiny crust, brush the top of the pie with a beaten egg. You can also sprinkle the crust with a bit of coarse sugar for a delightful crunch.
Baking the Pie to Perfection
Oven Temperature and Timing
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the Homemade Southern Peach Pie for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil to prevent overbrowning.
Signs of Doneness
The perfect Homemade Southern Peach Pie is done when the crust is a beautiful golden-brown color and the filling is bubbly and thick. The juices should be gently bubbling through the slits in the top crust.
Tips for Preventing Overbaking
To avoid a dry, overcooked pie, keep a close eye on it during the latter stages of baking. If the crust is browning too quickly, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking until the filling is fully set.
Cooling and Serving Suggestions
Importance of Cooling
Once your Homemade Southern Peach Pie has finished baking, it’s crucial to let it cool completely before slicing. This allows the filling to set and ensures a clean, neat slice when serving.
Serving Options: A La Mode or Plain?
Homemade Southern Peach Pie is delicious on its own, but a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream takes it to the next level. The contrast of the warm, juicy pie and the cool, creamy topping is simply irresistible.
Pairing with Beverages
For the perfect Homemade Southern Peach Pie experience, consider serving it with a hot cup of coffee, a cold glass of sweet tea, or a refreshing lemonade. The flavors of the pie pair beautifully with these classic Southern beverages.
FAQs About Homemade Southern Peach Pie
What type of peaches are best for making Southern peach pie?
The best peaches for a Southern peach pie are ripe, juicy varieties like Freestone peaches. These peaches are easier to slice and have less cling to the pit, making them ideal for baking. Look for peaches that are slightly soft to the touch and have a sweet aroma.
Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches for your Southern peach pie. Make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before using them in your pie to prevent a soggy crust. It’s also a good idea to add a bit of extra thickener, like cornstarch, to help absorb the moisture.
How do I prevent my peach pie crust from becoming soggy?
To prevent a soggy crust, consider the following tips: 1. Pre-bake the bottom crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling. 2. Use a high-quality pie crust recipe that includes a fat like butter or shortening for flakiness. 3. Avoid overfilling the pie with juicy peaches, and consider adding a thickening agent like cornstarch or tapioca to absorb excess moisture.
What spices should I add to my peach pie filling?
Traditional Southern peach pie filling often includes spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for warmth and depth of flavor. You can also add a splash of vanilla extract or a hint of lemon juice to enhance the natural sweetness of the peaches. Adjust the spices to your personal taste for the best results.
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Conclusion
Homemade Southern Peach Pie is a timeless classic that embodies the warmth and hospitality of the South. By following this recipe and incorporating your own personal touches, you can create a truly remarkable dessert that will delight your family and friends. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a slice of summertime bliss with this irresistible Homemade Southern Peach Pie.
Craving even more magical meals? Browse Amelia’s Pinterest boards for quick dinners, cozy bakes, and tons of flavorful inspiration.
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Homemade Southern Peach Pie 6 Ingredients Perfect Delicious
- Total Time: 80
- Yield: 8
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Homemade Southern peach pie is a classic dessert that captures the essence of summertime in the South. With its flaky crust, juicy peach filling, and warm spices, this timeless treat is a celebration of the region’s rich culinary heritage.
Ingredients
- Fresh or canned peaches
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Cornstarch
- Lemon juice
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Vanilla extract
- Butter
Instructions
1. Prepare your peaches by peeling, pitting, and slicing fresh peaches or draining canned peaches.
2. Toss the peach slices with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Gently fold in vanilla extract and dot with butter.
4. Roll out the pie crust and fit it into a pie dish.
5. Pour the peach filling into the prepared bottom crust.
6. Top with a second crust and crimp the edges to seal.
7. Brush with a beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
8. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
Let the pie cool completely before slicing to allow the filling to set.
Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful treat.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 50
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 50
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 30