What’s your favorite summer dessert? Make this easy homemade peach strawberry pie with fresh peaches and strawberries for a quick family favorite dessert, Save for later

Peach Strawberry Pie: The Ultimate Summer Fruit Pie

Introduction

As the warmth of summer sets in, our taste buds crave something refreshing, sweet, and tangy. The Peach Strawberry Pie is the epitome of summer desserts, combining the luscious flavors of peaches and strawberries in a delightful harmony. What makes this pie truly special is its ease of preparation, using everyday ingredients that are readily available in most kitchens. The creativity lies in the simplicity of its preparation, allowing anyone to be a master baker for the day. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, this pie is sure to impress your family and friends, making it an ideal dessert for summer gatherings and barbecues.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of peaches and strawberries creates a unique and delicious flavor profile that is both sweet and slightly tart. The ingredients are easily accessible and can be found in most local markets during the summer season.
Ease of preparation: The pie requires minimal preparation and cooking time, making it perfect for a quick dessert or a special occasion. The filling can be prepared in advance, and the crust can be made from scratch or store-bought, depending on your preference.
Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its simplicity, the Peach Strawberry Pie presents beautifully, with the vibrant colors of the peaches and strawberries making it a stunning centerpiece for any dessert table. The combination of the flaky crust, the sweet and tangy filling, and the freshness of the fruits will surely impress your guests.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients for the Peach Strawberry Pie include fresh peaches, strawberries, sugar, flour, and butter for the crust. For the filling, you will also need lemon juice, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Practical substitutions can be made for some ingredients, such as using frozen peaches and strawberries when fresh ones are not available, or substituting the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile. The crust can be made gluten-free by using almond flour or coconut flour, making the pie accessible to those with dietary restrictions.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by preparing the crust. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together in a ball. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish and trim the edges to fit. Crimp the edges to form a decorative border.
Step 3: Prepare the filling. In a large bowl, combine the sliced peaches and strawberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, until the fruits start to release their juice and the mixture becomes syrupy. Pour the filling into the pie crust.
Step 4: Bake the pie for 40-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature, topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.

Handy Tips

To prevent the crust from becoming too brown, cover the edges with foil or a pie shield for the last 20 minutes of baking.
Use a variety of peach and strawberry that holds its shape well when cooked, such as Baldwin peaches and Camarosa strawberries.
Don’t overmix the filling, as this can make the fruits release too much juice and the filling become too runny.

Heat Control

The ideal temperature for baking the pie is 375°F (190°C). The pie is done when the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. To check for doneness, insert a knife into the filling; if it comes out clean, the pie is ready. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (180°C) or cover the edges with foil.

Crunch Factor

The crust should be flaky and slightly crunchy, while the filling should be tender and slightly syrupy. To achieve this texture, make sure to not overwork the dough when making the crust, and don’t overbake the pie. The filling should be cooked until the fruits are tender, but still hold their shape. If the filling becomes too runny, it can be thickened with a little more cornstarch or flour.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

Use a pastry brush to apply an egg wash to the crust before baking, giving it a golden brown color and a shiny finish.
Chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking to help the crust hold its shape and prevent it from shrinking.
Use a pie crust shield or foil to cover the edges of the crust during baking, preventing them from becoming too brown.

Storage Tips

The pie can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
To freeze the pie, bake it first, then let it cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen pie at room temperature or reheat it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20-30 minutes.
Leftover pie can be reheated in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Gift Packaging Ideas

The Peach Strawberry Pie makes a wonderful gift for friends and family, especially during the summer season. To package the pie as a gift, consider using a decorative pie box or a gift basket filled with fresh fruits and flowers. You can also wrap the pie in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and tie it with a ribbon or twine. Add a personalized note or card to make it an extra special gift.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm and spicy flavor.
🌟 Use different types of fruits, such as blueberries or raspberries, to create a unique flavor profile.
🌟 Substitute the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If the crust is too tough, it may be overworked. If the filling is too runny, it may need more cornstarch or flour.
Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have peaches or strawberries, you can substitute them with other fruits, such as blueberries or raspberries.
Over/undercooking signs: If the crust is too brown, it may be overcooked. If the filling is not bubbly, it may be undercooked.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? Yes, the pie can be frozen for up to 3 months. Bake it first, then let it cool completely before freezing.
Is it gluten-free? The crust can be made gluten-free by using almond flour or coconut flour. However, the filling contains cornstarch, which may contain gluten. Make sure to use gluten-free cornstarch or substitute it with a gluten-free thickener.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, the recipe can be doubled. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as a larger pie may take longer to cook.

Conclusion

The Peach Strawberry Pie is a delicious and refreshing dessert perfect for the summer season. With its ease of preparation, unique flavor profile, and impressive presentation, it’s sure to become a favorite among your family and friends. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make the pie your own. Share your creations on social media and tag us, and don’t forget to save this recipe for future reference. Happy baking!

Ultimate Peach Strawberry Summer Fruit Pie