Recipe: Peach Pie with Streusel Topping

Recipe: Peach Pie with Streusel Topping

Peach pie with a streusel topping is a classic dessert that combines the sweet, juicy flavor of peaches with the richness of a buttery, crumbly streusel. This pie is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying it on a warm summer day or serving it for a special gathering. The combination of tender peaches and the crunchy streusel creates a mouthwatering contrast of textures, making each bite irresistible.

In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the steps to make this perfect peach pie, including the preparation of the streusel topping and the assembly of the pie. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

For the Pie Filling:

• 6-7 fresh peaches (peeled, pitted, and sliced)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for added flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• Pinch of salt

For the Streusel Topping:

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1/3 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter (cut into small cubes)
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 premade pie crust (or homemade, if preferred)
• 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing the crust)
• 1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling on the crust)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Filling

1. Peel and Slice the Peaches
   Peel the peaches by blanching them in boiling water for 30 seconds and then transferring them to an ice bath. Once peeled, slice the peaches into thin wedges.

2. Combine the Filling Ingredients
   In a large bowl, toss the sliced peaches with the granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to combine, making sure the peaches are evenly coated with the mixture. Set aside for a few minutes to allow the peaches to release their juices.

Step 2: Prepare the Streusel Topping

1. Combine Dry Ingredients
   In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.

2. Cut in the Butter
   Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, work the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter. This will create the signature crumbly texture of the streusel topping.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

1. Prepare the Pie Crust
   Roll out the pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to form a decorative border. Brush the edges of the crust with milk and sprinkle a little sugar on top to help it brown.

2. Fill the Pie
   Pour the peach filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly. Make sure the peaches are well distributed.

3. Top with Streusel
   Evenly sprinkle the prepared streusel topping over the peach filling. The topping should cover the entire pie, creating a nice layer of crumbles on top.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips during baking.

2. Bake the Pie
   Bake the pie for 45-50 minutes, or until the streusel topping is golden brown and the peach filling is bubbling. You may need to cover the edges of the crust with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking to prevent it from overbrowning.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

1. Cool the Pie
   Once the pie is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the filling to set and makes slicing easier.

2. Serve
   Slice the pie into wedges and serve warm. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips and Variations

1. Use Frozen Peaches
   If fresh peaches are not in season, you can use frozen peaches. Just thaw and drain them before using to avoid excess liquid in the filling.

2. Make It Gluten-Free
   To make the pie gluten-free, substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free oats for the streusel topping.

3. Add a Twist
   For a unique flavor, try adding a tablespoon of honey to the filling or incorporating some chopped almonds into the streusel topping.

Health Benefits

1. Peaches
   Peaches are rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and fiber, which promote skin health, immunity, and digestive health.

2. Oats
   Oats are a great source of soluble fiber, which supports heart health and helps manage cholesterol levels.

3. Butter
   While butter adds flavor and richness, it also provides essential fatty acids that can benefit your skin and overall health when used in moderation.

Storage

Store any leftover peach pie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the pie for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before wrapping and freezing.

Conclusion

Peach pie with streusel topping is the perfect dessert for any peach lover. The combination of juicy, tender peaches and a golden, crumbly streusel creates a mouthwatering treat that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just enjoying a slice with your family, this pie is sure to become a favorite. Try it today and savor the delicious blend of summer flavors in every bite!