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There’s something undeniably magical about a Southern Peach Pie. It’s more than just a dessert—it’s a symbol of summer, tradition, and Southern hospitality. The warm, golden crust paired with juicy peach filling evokes memories of family gatherings, porch swings, and long summer afternoons. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying this for the first time, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to master this classic dessert.

Peaches, with their naturally sweet and fragrant flesh, are at their peak during summer. When baked into a flaky, buttery crust, they create a pie that’s rich, tangy, and bursting with seasonal flavor. Before we jump into the recipe, let’s understand why this pie stands out among Southern desserts.

Peaches are not only delicious—they’re nutritious too, offering a healthy dose of vitamins and antioxidants, making them a smart choice for fruit-based desserts. But it’s not just about the peaches. The real secret to the perfect peach pie lies in the crust.

If you’ve ever struggled with pie crusts, don’t worry. Learn how to measure flour the right way and you’ll be on your way to avoiding the most common baking mistakes. Precision in measuring ingredients makes all the difference between a soggy crust and one that’s perfectly crisp and golden.

A Slice of History

Peach pie has deep roots in Southern culture. As early as the 18th century, peaches were being cultivated across the South, and cooks quickly realized their potential in sweet, buttery pies. Over time, the Southern Peach Pie became a staple at summer cookouts, Sunday dinners, and holidays like the Fourth of July. Its enduring popularity speaks to its perfect balance of rustic charm and unforgettable flavor.

Why Southern Peach Pie Is a Summer Staple

Here’s why this pie should be part of your seasonal rotation:

Fresh peaches are in abundance during summer months
It’s easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
Delicious served warm or cold
Perfect for sharing at events and gatherings
Can be customized with spices or toppings

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make an authentic Southern Peach Pie, you’ll need two main components: the crust and the filling. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need.

For the Double-Crust Pie Dough:

2 ½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
½ cup vegetable shortening (chilled)
12 tbsp salted butter (chilled and cubed)
6–8 tbsp ice water

For the Peach Filling:

6–7 large ripe peaches, peeled and sliced
½ cup sugar (adjust based on peach sweetness)
3 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
½ tsp cinnamon
Pinch of allspice
¼ tsp salt
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp butter (to dot the filling)
1 egg (for egg wash)
Coarse sanding sugar (optional, for topping)

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Southern Peach Pie

1. Make the Pie Crust

Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl
Cut in butter and shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs
Slowly add ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until dough holds together
Divide into two discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour

2. Peel and Prepare Peaches

Boil peaches for 40–60 seconds, then transfer to ice water
Gently rub to remove skins
Slice and place in a bowl with sugar, spices, cornstarch, and flour

3. Assemble the Pie

Roll out bottom crust and place in pie dish
Pour peach filling into crust and dot with butter
Add top crust (full or lattice), crimp edges, and cut slits to vent
Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sanding sugar

4. Bake the Pie

Preheat oven to 400°F
Bake for 45–50 minutes or until crust is golden and filling is bubbling
Cover crust edges with foil halfway if they brown too quickly

5. Let It Cool

Allow pie to cool for at least 3 hours
This helps the filling set properly and avoids a runny texture

Baking and Cooling Tips

Don’t skip the cooling step—peach pie filling is juicy and needs time to firm up
Use a baking sheet under the pie to catch any overflow
For extra crispness, chill the assembled pie for 20 minutes before baking

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using underripe or overripe peaches
Adding too much sugar, which pulls out excess juice
Not using enough thickener (cornstarch or flour)
Cutting the pie too early before it cools

How to Serve Southern Peach Pie

There are many ways to enjoy this classic dessert. Here are a few ideas:

Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
With whipped cream or butter pecan ice cream
Drizzled with caramel sauce
Chilled, straight from the fridge for a refreshing summer treat

Storage Tips

Store at room temperature for up to 2 days, covered
Refrigerate leftovers for 3–4 days
To freeze: assemble the pie and freeze unbaked; bake from frozen, adding 30 minutes

Peach Pie Variations

Want to add a twist to your pie? Try these fun ideas:

Bourbon Peach Pie: add 2 tbsp of bourbon to the filling
Crumble Topping: swap top crust for brown sugar streusel
Mini Hand Pies: use biscuit cutter and bake individual pies
No-Bake Peach Cream Pie: use a graham cracker crust with peach cream filling

Nutrition and Dietary Tips

Make it gluten-free using almond or oat flour crust
Use vegan butter and plant-based milk for a vegan-friendly version
Reduce sugar for a healthier option—ripe peaches offer natural sweetness

Southern Peach Pie FAQs

What is the best way to thicken peach pie filling?
Use cornstarch for a glossy finish or flour for a more rustic look. Both work well when used in moderation.

Do you have to peel peaches for peach pie?
It’s optional, but highly recommended. Peach skins can become bitter or tough. Blanching makes peeling easy.

How do you keep peach pie from getting soggy?
Use egg wash or sprinkle flour on the bottom crust. Chill the assembled pie before baking and cool fully afterward.

What makes a peach pie runny?
Too much sugar, underbaking, or not letting it cool. Always let the pie rest for a few hours.

What’s the difference between peach pie and peach cobbler?
Peach pie has a flaky crust on the bottom and top, while peach cobbler has a biscuit or cake-like topping and no bottom crust.

Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?
Yes, but the flavor and texture won’t be the same. Fresh or frozen peaches yield better results.

Why is my peach pie not setting properly?
You may not have used enough thickener, or the pie didn’t bake long enough. Always cool it completely.

Should peach pie be served warm or cold?
Either works! Warm pie pairs well with ice cream, while chilled pie is refreshing on hot days.

A Sweet Tradition Worth Keeping

Whether you’re baking it for a summer cookout or enjoying a slice on your porch, Southern Peach Pie is a dessert that brings people together. Its combination of simple ingredients, bold flavor, and homemade charm makes it an unforgettable treat.

Ready to create your own? Grab some peaches, roll out that crust, and bring a slice of the South into your kitchen today.

If you want to explore the finer points of crust perfection, check out this guide on how to make the perfect pie crust. Happy baking!