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### **Instructions:**
#### **Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust**
Start by making the pie crust. The key to a flaky crust is to work quickly and keep the ingredients cold!
– **Mix dry ingredients**: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.
– **Cut in the butter**: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter. You can also do this step in a food processor if you prefer.
– **Add ice water**: Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough just begins to come together. Be careful not to overwork the dough. It should be slightly crumbly but hold together when pressed.
– **Chill the dough**: Divide the dough into two equal portions and form each into a disk. Wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before using.
#### **Step 2: Make the Peach Filling**
While the dough is chilling, prepare the peach filling.
– **Prepare the peaches**: Peel and slice the peaches into thin wedges. You can use a paring knife or a vegetable peeler to remove the skin.
– **Mix the filling**: In a large bowl, combine the sliced peaches, granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Toss the mixture gently to coat the peaches evenly. The cornstarch helps thicken the filling as it bakes, creating a delicious, syrupy consistency.
#### **Step 3: Assemble the Pie**
Once your dough has chilled and the peach filling is ready, it’s time to assemble the pie.
– **Roll out the bottom crust**: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the dough disks into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it gently into the edges. Trim any excess dough around the edges, leaving about 1 inch of overhang.
– **Add the filling**: Pour the peach filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly. Dot the filling with small cubes of butter to add richness and flavor.
– **Roll out the top crust**: Roll out the second dough disk into a circle large enough to cover the top of the pie. Place it over the peach filling, trimming the excess dough and crimping the edges of the crust to seal the pie. You can create a decorative edge or crimp it with a fork.
– **Cut slits for ventilation**: Using a sharp knife, make a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape while the pie bakes.
#### **Step 4: Bake the Pie**
Before baking, brush the top crust with a light coating of the beaten egg. This will give the pie a golden, glossy finish. Then sprinkle a tablespoon of coarse sugar over the top for a bit of extra sweetness and crunch.
– **Bake** the pie in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the slits. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can cover the edges with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
– **Cool the pie**: Once done, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 1 hour. This allows the filling to set and makes slicing easier.
#### **Step 5: Serve and Enjoy**
Serve your **oven-baked peach pie** warm or at room temperature, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an extra treat.
### **Why You’ll Love This Oven-Baked Peach Pie:**
1. **Perfect for Summer**: There’s nothing better than using ripe, juicy peaches in a dessert that captures the essence of summer. The sweet, fragrant filling and buttery, flaky crust create a balanced, satisfying bite every time.
2. **Flaky, Buttery Crust**: The pie crust is light, flaky, and tender, complementing the sweet peach filling perfectly. Thanks to the butter and the chill time for the dough, it comes out golden and crisp, providing the perfect contrast to the juicy, soft peaches.
3. **Easy to Make**: While homemade pie may sound intimidating, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make. With just a few simple steps, you can create a pie that’s far more delicious than anything from a store.
4. **Customizable**: You can easily customize the pie with different spices (like adding ginger for an extra kick) or even mix in other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries for a fun twist.
5. **Great for Any Occasion**: This peach pie is versatile enough to be served at family gatherings, holiday dinners, or even as a sweet weekend treat. Its classic appeal makes it a hit with people of all ages.
### **Tips for the Best Peach Pie:**
– **Choose ripe peaches**: The best peach pie starts with ripe, juicy peaches. Make sure your peaches are at the peak of their season for the sweetest and most flavorful filling.
– **Don’t skip the chilling**: Chilling the dough helps create that perfectly flaky texture. Make sure to give it enough time in the fridge before rolling it out.
– **Thicken the filling**: If your peaches are very juicy, you can add a little more cornstarch to thicken the filling. This helps prevent the pie from becoming too runny.
– **Serve with ice cream or whipped cream**: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream complements the warm peach pie perfectly.
### **Conclusion:**
This **oven-baked peach pie** is the perfect dessert to celebrate the sweet and juicy goodness of summer. With its golden, flaky crust and the luscious, cinnamon-spiced peach filling, it’s a treat that everyone will adore. Whether it’s a family gathering or a casual dessert after dinner, this pie is guaranteed to bring smiles all around. Try it out, and soon it will be a favorite in your home too!
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