Peaches and Cream Pie: A Delightful Summer Treat

When it comes to summer desserts, few dishes can rival the refreshing goodness of Peaches and Cream Pie. This delightful treat combines juicy, fresh peaches with a rich, creamy filling, all encased in a buttery pie crust. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the summer season and impress your family and friends. In this article, we’ll explore how to make this delectable pie while also offering some tips for selecting the right peaches, pie crust options, and ideas for serving.

The Perfect Peaches: Selecting Fresh Ingredients

One of the stars of this recipe is undoubtedly the peaches. To get the best flavor for your Peaches and Cream Pie, it’s essential to select ripe and delicious peaches. Look for peaches that are slightly soft to the touch and have a sweet aroma. Avoid any that are overly hard or have blemishes. Local farmers’ markets are great places to find fresh, in-season peaches. You can also refer to the USDA Fruits and Vegetables page for information on what fruits are in season.

Choosing Your Pie Crust

The foundation of any great pie is the crust. You have a couple of options when it comes to making a crust for your Peaches and Cream Pie. You can go for a classic homemade pie crust or use store-bought options for convenience.

Homemade Pie Crust

Making a pie crust from scratch allows you to customize its flavor and texture. To make a basic pie crust, you will need:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1-2 tablespoons ice water

Simply combine the flour, sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl. Add the cold butter, and mix until crumbly. Gradually add ice water until the dough holds together, then roll it out and fit it into your pie pan.

Store-Bought Pie Crust

If you’re short on time, a store-bought pie crust can save you effort! Brands like Pillsbury and Marie Callender’s offer reliable pre-made options that taste great. Just thaw the crust according to the package instructions and proceed with the recipe.

Ingredients for Peaches and Cream Pie

To create this mouthwatering pie, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Pie Filling:

4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for macerating the peaches)
1 cup mascarpone cheese
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract

Optional Garnish:

Sliced almonds
Additional peach slices

Directions: How to Make Peaches and Cream Pie

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the crust.
Prepare the pie crust by either using your homemade recipe or store-bought option. Bake it for about 15-20 minutes until lightly golden, then let it cool.
Macerate the peaches by slicing them and mixing them with the granulated sugar in a bowl. Leave this mixture to sit for about 15 minutes to release the natural sugars and juices.
Make the mascarpone whipped cream by whipping the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and almond extract in a mixing bowl until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the mascarpone cheese until well combined.
Assemble the pie: Spread the macerated peaches evenly over the cooled pie crust. Top with the mascarpone whipped cream mixture, smoothing it out.
Chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Garnish, if desired, with sliced almonds or extra peach slices to make it visually appealing.

Serving Suggestions

Peaches and Cream Pie is truly a crowd-pleaser! Serve it at summer barbecues, family gatherings, or simply enjoy it on a sunny afternoon. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent experience.

Final Thoughts

This Peaches and Cream Pie encapsulates the essence of summer. It’s fresh, flavorful, and oh-so-easy to make. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just trying your hand at pie-making for the first time, this recipe is sure to impress. Don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family and relish in the compliments that follow!

For more summer dessert ideas and tips, check out The Spruce Eats for inspiration.

Embrace the summer season with this delightful Peaches and Cream Pie recipe, and enjoy the burst of flavors that it brings to your table!

7 Reasons You’ll Crave This Irresistible Peaches and Cream Pie !