Easy Homemade Peach Pie Recipe: A Classic Summer Dessert from Scratch

There’s nothing quite like a slice of homemade peach pie to celebrate the sweetness of summer. This classic easy peach pie recipe guides you through creating a truly delicious old-fashioned dessert from scratch, featuring a tender, flaky butter pie crust generously filled with luscious fresh or frozen peaches. It’s a perfect treat for gatherings, holidays, or simply a cozy evening at home.

As soon as peach season arrives, my kitchen fills with the delightful aroma of this incredible fruit. While there are countless ways to enjoy peaches—like a quick Peach Dump Cake (Peach Cobbler Dump Cake), a refreshing No Bake Peach Cheesecake, or even a creamy Peaches and Cream Dip—nothing captures their essence quite like a classic pie. Many home bakers find the idea of making a homemade pie from scratch intimidating. However, this easy homemade peach pie recipe is designed to be foolproof, ensuring a successful and satisfying baking experience every time. I’ve tested it repeatedly with family and friends, refining every step to be as seamless and stress-free as possible, packing in all my best tips and tricks.

This recipe promises a golden, bubbly filling and a perfectly crisp, buttery crust that will make you feel like a seasoned baker. Forget store-bought desserts; your family will rave about this authentic, made-with-love classic peach pie.

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Why You’ll Love This Easy Peach Pie Recipe

This isn’t just another pie recipe; it’s a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients transformed into an extraordinary dessert. Here’s why this homemade peach pie will become your go-to recipe:

• Simple Ingredients: You won’t find any complicated components here. Just fresh peaches, a good crust, and a few pantry staples.
• No-Fail Method: My detailed instructions and valuable tips ensure that even beginners can achieve a beautifully baked, flavorful pie with a perfectly set filling and flaky crust.
• Versatile for Any Season: While fresh peaches shine brightest, this recipe is adaptable for frozen or even quality canned peaches, meaning you can enjoy this comforting dessert year-round.
• Customizable: Whether you prefer a crumb topping, a lattice crust, or added spices, this recipe offers plenty of room for personalization.
• Incredible Flavor: The balance of sweet, juicy peaches with a hint of cinnamon and lemon, encased in a rich, buttery crust, creates a flavor profile that is simply irresistible.

Key Ingredients for a Perfect Peach Pie

The secret to any outstanding pie lies in the quality of its ingredients. For this classic peach pie, a few essential items truly make all the difference:

• Peach Pie Filling: The star of the show! I highly recommend using ripe, fresh peaches when they are in season for the most vibrant flavor and texture. If fresh peaches aren’t available, high-quality frozen peaches work wonderfully—just be sure to thaw and drain them properly. Canned peaches can also be used, provided they are packed in water or their own juice, not heavy syrup. You’ll need to peel and slice your peaches for the best results.
• Pie Crust: A flaky, buttery crust is non-negotiable for a truly authentic pie. You have options here:
  • Homemade Butter Pie Crust: For the ultimate flavor and texture, making your own homemade flaky butter pie crust is worth the effort. It creates an incredibly tender and rich foundation. You’ll need two batches for a double-crust pie.
  • Store-Bought Refrigerated Pie Crust: For convenience without sacrificing quality, a good store-bought refrigerated pie crust is a fantastic alternative. These often come in packages of two, perfect for a double-crust pie.
  • Frozen Unbaked Pie Crust: You can also use a pre-made frozen unbaked pie crust for the bottom and a rolled-out refrigerated crust for the top.
• Sweeteners & Spices: Granulated sugar to sweeten the peaches, cornstarch to thicken the filling, a touch of lemon juice to brighten the flavors, and a hint of cinnamon and vanilla extract for warmth and depth. These simple additions elevate the natural taste of the peaches.

By focusing on these core ingredients, you’re already well on your way to baking a masterpiece that will impress everyone at your table.

Variations to Customize Your Peach Pie

While this easy peach pie recipe is perfect as is, it’s also incredibly versatile, allowing you to get creative and tailor it to your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fantastic variations to try:

• Slab Pie/Pie Bars: Transform your round pie into easily portioned bars by baking it in a rectangular baking dish (like a 9×13 inch pan). Once cooled, slice it into squares for a more casual, crowd-friendly dessert that’s great for picnics or potlucks. You might need to adjust baking time slightly.
• Make Mini Pies: For individual servings, line the individual holes of a cupcake or muffin pan with pie crust circles. Fill them with the peach mixture, then top with another smaller pie crust circle or a lattice design. Don’t forget to make small slits for venting. These are adorable, perfectly portioned, and fun for parties!
• Peaches and Cream Option: Create an open-faced pie by using only a bottom crust and omitting the top crust. Bake as directed, then once cooled, generously top it with Homemade Whipped Cream just before serving. A dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg would be a lovely addition.
• Peach Crumble Topping: Instead of a second pie crust, sprinkle a delicious crumb topping over the peach filling. This adds a wonderful textural contrast and a rustic charm. You can use a recipe similar to the crumb topping found in my Easy Crumb Cake (With Cake Mix) for inspiration.
• Add Additional Fruits: Peaches pair beautifully with other fruits! Consider adding raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, apples, or rhubarb to your filling. A peach blueberry pie is a particularly delicious combination, offering a delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors. Just be sure to adjust the sugar and thickener slightly depending on the added fruit.
• Use a Different Pie Crust: Expand your flavor profile by trying a different type of crust. An Oreo Pie Crust or a Graham Cracker Crust makes for a fantastic no-bake alternative. Simply fill the pre-made crust with the cooled peach mixture, chill until set, and top with whipped cream before serving. This is an excellent option for warmer weather when you want to avoid turning on the oven.
• Add a Crunchy Sugar Topping: For an extra sparkle and crisp texture, brush the top pie crust with an egg wash (one egg beaten with a tablespoon of water) and sprinkle generously with sanding sugar (not granulated sugar) before baking.
• Throw on a Topping: While this homemade peach pie is absolutely wonderful plain, a simple topping can elevate it further. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, vanilla frozen yogurt, a drizzle of white chocolate ganache, a sprinkle of shredded white chocolate, chopped nuts, or even shredded coconut.

How to Make Easy Peach Pie Recipe from Scratch

Baking this classic peach pie is a straightforward process, especially with these detailed steps. Remember, patience is key, especially during the cooling phase!

1. Prepare Your Pie Crust: Start by gently unfolding your pie crust (either homemade or store-bought) and carefully placing it into a 9-inch pie tin. Press it firmly against the bottom and sides of the dish, then trim any excess and crimp the edges decoratively. Set this aside.
2. Create the Peach Filling: In a non-stick saucepan, combine your peeled and sliced peaches with water, fresh lemon juice, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and a touch of cinnamon. Stir everything together until well combined.
3. Cook and Thicken the Filling: Cook this peach mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it begins to bubble and thicken. The cornstarch will activate, transforming the liquid into a rich, glossy filling. Once thickened to your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool completely. This cooling step is crucial for the filling to set properly and prevent a soggy bottom crust.
4. Assemble the Pie: Once the filling is perfectly cooled, spread it evenly into the prepared pie crust in your dish. Then, carefully unfold the second pie crust and place it gently over the fruit filling.
5. Seal and Vent: Trim and crimp the edges of both crusts together to seal them securely. This creates that beautiful, classic double-crust look. Crucially, use a sharp knife to make several slits on top of the upper pie crust. These vents allow steam to escape during baking, preventing the crust from becoming soggy and ensuring even cooking. Alternatively, you can create a decorative lattice top.
6. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place your pie on a baking tray (to catch any potential drips) and bake it in a preheated oven. Start at a higher temperature (425°F) for the first 15 minutes to help the crust set quickly, then reduce the temperature to 375°F and continue baking for another 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is beautifully golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
7. Cool Completely and Enjoy: This is arguably the most important step for a perfect slice. Allow the pie to cool down completely on a wire rack, which can take several hours. Resist the urge to slice it warm, as the filling will be runny. The cooling period allows the filling to firm up, making for clean, neat slices. Once cooled, serve as is or with your favorite toppings!

Tips and Techniques for the Best Peach Pie

Achieving a truly spectacular homemade peach pie involves a few key techniques and considerations. Follow these tips for a result that’s sure to impress:

• Adjust Flavorings to Your Taste: The amounts of vanilla extract and cinnamon powder in the filling can be adjusted based on your preference. Feel free to experiment with other extracts like almond, or add fresh orange, lemon, or lime zest for an extra burst of citrusy brightness that complements the peaches.
• Always Peel Your Peaches: It’s essential to peel your peaches before adding them to the filling. Peach skins can have a slightly bitter aftertaste and an unpleasant chewy texture that you definitely don’t want in your smooth, sweet filling. A quick blanch in boiling water makes peeling much easier.
• Use a Nonstick Saucepan: When preparing the peach filling on the stovetop, a good quality nonstick saucepan is invaluable. This prevents the fruit mixture from sticking to the bottom and burning, ensuring a smooth, evenly cooked filling.
• Don’t Over-bake: Over-baking can lead to a dry, tough crust and an overly browned or even burnt topping. Keep an eye on your pie, especially towards the end of the baking time.
• Don’t Under-bake: Conversely, under-baking results in a raw, doughy, or soggy bottom crust, and a runny filling. The crust should be golden brown, and the filling should be visibly bubbling in the center. A perfectly baked crust will have that desired crispy, flaky texture.
• Cool Down Completely Before Serving: This tip cannot be stressed enough! If you slice your pie while it’s still warm, the filling will be runny, and your slices will be messy and fall apart. The extended cooling period allows the cornstarch to fully set the filling, making for beautiful, clean slices. Plan ahead and give your pie at least 3-4 hours (or even longer) to cool.
• Venting is Crucial: Remember to make those slits on the top crust with a knife. These vents are vital for allowing steam to escape during baking. Without proper venting, steam gets trapped, leading to a soggy top crust and a less appealing texture. For a decorative touch, you can use small cookie cutters to create cute shapes for your vents, like stars or hearts.
• Embrace a Butter Crust: If you’re making your own crust, always opt for a butter crust over a shortening-based one. Butter imparts significantly more flavor and helps achieve that irresistible golden, flaky texture.
• Combat a Soggy Crust with Blind Baking: If you’re particularly worried about a soggy bottom crust, consider blind baking your bottom crust before adding the filling. This pre-baking step helps to dry out and crisp up the crust. You can find detailed instructions on How to Blind Bake Pie Crust for extra assurance.

Recipe FAQs for Easy Peach Pie

Storage Tips for Your Homemade Peach Pie

Proper storage ensures your homemade peach pie remains delicious for as long as possible. Here’s how to store it effectively:

• Make Ahead: This pie can be prepared up to 5 days in advance. Once fully cooled, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best results, I recommend baking it no more than 1-2 days before serving for optimal freshness and crust crispness.
• Room Temperature: A freshly baked and cooled pie can safely sit at room temperature for about 3-4 hours. Beyond that, it’s best to refrigerate it, especially if your kitchen is warm, due to the fruit filling.
• Refrigerate: For longer storage, place any leftover slices or the entire cooled pie in a sealed, airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Chilled pie is also delicious, and some even prefer it!
• Freeze: While freshly baked pies always taste superior, you can certainly freeze this easy peach pie. Once it has completely cooled (this is critical!), wrap it tightly in multiple layers of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This double protection helps prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the pie overnight in the refrigerator, then let it come to room temperature or gently reheat slices in the oven for about 10-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

More Pie Recipes to Enjoy

If you loved this easy peach pie, you might enjoy exploring other fantastic pie recipes from my collection:

• Easy Cherry Pie (With Homemade Pie Filling)
• Easy Blueberry Pie (With Fresh or Frozen Berries)
• Lemon Meringue Pie (No Weeping)
• Easy Pumpkin Pie (5 Ingredients)
• Easy Homemade Apple Pie

Recipe

I truly hope this detailed guide encourages you to bake this amazing easy homemade peach pie. There’s immense satisfaction in creating such a delightful dessert from scratch, and the taste is unparalleled. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or savoring a slice on your own, this classic recipe is guaranteed to bring warmth and joy to any occasion. Happy baking!