Better Than Grandma’s Peach Pie Recipe
If you think you know peach pie, get ready to raise your dessert standards with Better Than Grandma’s Peach Pie. This showstopper is everything a homemade peach pie should be: flaky, golden crust; mountains of juicy, sweet-tart peaches; and a touch of nostalgia in every bite—only brighter, fresher, and downright irresistible. Whether you’re baking for Sunday supper or to impress a whole picnic crowd, this pie is destined to become your signature treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Crust:
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
Filling:
- 6 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
For Assembly:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sugar for topping (optional)
How to Make Better Than Grandma’s Peach Pie
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pie Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. It’s worth the wait—the hot oven will crisp up that bottom crust perfectly. Take one of your refrigerated pie crusts and gently press it into a 9-inch pie dish, making sure to smooth it into the corners. Set the second crust aside for the grand finale top.
Step 2: Mix the Peach Magic
In a spacious bowl, gently toss the sliced peaches with the granulated and brown sugars, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Give everything a good but careful stir, coating the fruit thoroughly. This quick mix is the heart of Better Than Grandma’s Peach Pie—let it all sit for about 10 minutes to draw out some of those sweet juices and let the flavors mingle.
Step 3: Assemble the Filling
Pour your fragrant, juicy peach mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading the slices out evenly. Dot the entire surface with small pieces of butter—these little morsels will melt as the pie bakes, giving your filling glossy pockets of flavor.
Step 4: Seal the Deal
Now for the fun part! Cover your luscious filling with the second pie crust. You can keep it classic with a solid lid, or show off by weaving a simple lattice. Either way, trim any overhang, crimp the edges together to seal everything safely inside, and, if you’ve gone solid, cut a few small slits for steam to escape. The assembly is key to that iconic Better Than Grandma’s Peach Pie look and taste.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Whisk up that egg, then lightly brush it over the top crust for that shiny, bakery-window finish. If you’re in the mood for extra sparkle, sprinkle on coarse sugar generously. This little step turns your pie into a true centerpiece—believe me, it’s irresistible even before it’s baked.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Slide your pie into the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling bubbles invitingly through the vents. If the edges start browning too quickly, tent them with foil to prevent burning. After baking, let your Better Than Grandma’s Peach Pie cool for at least 2 hours—this patience pays off as your filling magically sets for perfect slicing.
How to Serve Better Than Grandma’s Peach Pie
Garnishes
Serve each slice with a cloud of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, letting the creamy sweetness melt into the warm peach filling. A sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a scattering of toasted almonds also brings a lovely crunch and stylish finish.
Side Dishes
Balance out the sweet richness of Better Than Grandma’s Peach Pie with light and bright sides: try a simple green salad with citrus vinaigrette, or plate your slice beside juicy fresh berries. For a true summer feast, offer refreshing lemonade or cold brew iced tea alongside for sipping.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow a crowd? Cut the pie into petite squares instead of wedges, and serve each on a tasting spoon for elegant, bite-sized treats. Or, present the pie rustic-style in a cast-iron skillet—there’s nothing cozier than digging in family-style. Stack slices on a cake stand for a dramatic, bakery-worthy effect that leaves everyone swooning over your Better Than Grandma’s Peach Pie.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have extra slices? Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to five days. The flavors meld beautifully, so leftovers may taste even better the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, let the pie cool completely, then wrap whole or cut slices in a double layer of plastic wrap followed by foil. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor—your future self will thank you for stashing away Better Than Grandma’s Peach Pie.
Reheating
For that fresh-from-the-oven magic, pop chilled slices into a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. If reheating from frozen, let the pie thaw first, then warm in the oven until the crust is crisp and the filling is bubbly again. A quick spin in the microwave works in a pinch, but nothing beats the oven’s golden touch!
FAQs
Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before using, since extra water can make the filling soupy. Fresh is ideal for peak peachy flavor in Better Than Grandma’s Peach Pie, but frozen comes in handy when peaches are out of season.
What if I don’t have a lattice-top crust?
No worries! A solid top crust with a few slits works perfectly—just make sure to vent it so steam can escape as the pie bakes. Lattice is beautiful, but the taste of Better Than Grandma’s Peach Pie shines no matter how you top it.
How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?
Baking at a high temperature (400°F) helps, as does letting the peach mixture rest so extra juices don’t soak in. Brushing the bottom crust with a little beaten egg before filling can also create a barrier for the juiciness in Better Than Grandma’s Peach Pie.
Does this pie work with white peaches?
Yes! In fact, a mix of yellow and white peaches gives the filling a slightly different sweetness and complexity. White peaches are a bit more floral, making your Better Than Grandma’s Peach Pie even more unique and delightful.
Can I make this pie fully ahead of time?
Definitely—Better Than Grandma’s Peach Pie can be made a day in advance. Store it covered at room temperature or in the fridge, then reheat just before serving to recapture that oven-fresh aroma and crisp crust.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that brings friends and family running to the table, Better Than Grandma’s Peach Pie is your answer. Every juicy forkful proves this pie belongs in your permanent recipe collection. Treat yourself and everyone you love to the simple joys of homemade peach pie—once you try it, there’s just no going back!
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Better Than Grandma’s Peach Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (plus cooling time)
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delightful peach pie recipe is a timeless classic, with a perfect balance of sweetness and warm spices. The flaky crust envelops a luscious filling made with fresh peaches and a hint of vanilla. A sprinkle of coarse sugar adds a lovely crunch to the golden-brown crust.
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
Filling:
- 6 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
For Assembly:
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sugar for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Prepare Crust: Fit one pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and set the second crust aside.
- Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, toss peaches with sugars, cornstarch, spices, lemon juice, and vanilla. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Fill Pie: Pour the peach filling into the prepared crust, dot with butter, cover with the second crust, and seal edges.
- Bake: Brush top crust with egg wash, sprinkle with sugar, and bake for 45–50 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use a mix of yellow and white peaches.
- This pie pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
