We absolutely love diving into the juicy world of fresh peach pie, especially when it’s inspired by Marie Callender’s timeless classic. This dessert captures the essence of ripe summer peaches in a buttery crust that’s as comforting as a family gathering.
We’re excited to share our take on this iconic recipe, bringing bakery-fresh flavors right to your kitchen. With simple steps and seasonal ingredients, you’ll create a pie that’s not only delicious but also a hit at any table. It’s the perfect way to savor summer’s best.
Ingredients
In our take on the classic Marie Callender Fresh Peach Pie, we prioritize ripe summer peaches and a flaky buttery crust to capture that comforting essence perfect for family gatherings. Below, we list the ingredients in the order they’re used, with prep notes for accuracy and ease.
Crust Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Sifted for a light, airy texture, this forms the base of our buttery crust.
- ½ cup unsalted butter: Chilled and cubed to ensure it blends into a flaky dough when mixed.
- ¼ cup ice water: Added gradually to bind the dough without making it sticky.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the crust’s flavor, mixed in with the flour.
Filling Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh peaches: Peeled, pitted, and sliced into ½-inch wedges for optimal juiciness—select ripe, fragrant peaches at the peak of summer for the best taste.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sprinkled over the peaches to draw out their natural sweetness and create a syrupy filling.
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch: Used as a thickener to prevent a runny pie, dissolved in a bit of water before adding.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Squeezed from one lemon to brighten the flavors and balance the sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy note that complements the peaches.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Cut into small pieces for dotting the filling, ensuring a golden, bubbling top.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 slice, 1/8 of pie) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Sugar | 30g |
Required Equipment
To craft our Marie Callender-inspired fresh peach pie with ease and precision, we rely on essential tools that ensure flawless preparation and baking. These items help us achieve a golden, flaky crust and perfectly set filling every time.
Pie Dish and Baking Tools
For the heart of our pie—the baking vessel—we recommend a 9-inch pie dish made of glass or ceramic, as it promotes even heat distribution and a beautifully browned crust. This size accommodates the recipe’s ingredients without overflow, making it ideal for standard home ovens.
When it comes to baking tools, here’s a detailed list of what we use to handle the dough and filling efficiently:
- Rolling Pin: A sturdy, non-stick rolling pin is crucial for rolling out the pie dough to an even thickness, preventing tears and ensuring a uniform base.
- Mixing Bowls: We need at least two medium-sized stainless steel mixing bowls—one for combining dry ingredients like flour and salt, and another for the wet components such as butter and water.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key, so precise sets of dry and liquid measuring cups along with spoons help us avoid errors in our ingredient ratios.
- Pastry Cutter or Fork: This tool is essential for cutting butter into the flour mixture, creating the flaky texture that defines our crust.
- Baking Sheet: Place a rimmed baking sheet under the pie dish to catch any drips, protecting your oven and simplifying cleanup.
- Oven Thermometer: To guarantee our pie bakes at the correct temperature, an oven thermometer verifies that the oven maintains 375°F, avoiding underbaked or burnt results.
By organizing these tools beforehand, we streamline the process and focus on the joy of baking this seasonal delight.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools, we guide you through crafting Marie Callender’s Fresh Peach Pie with simple yet precise steps for a flaky crust and juicy filling.
Prepare the Peaches
First, we select 6 to 8 ripe fresh peaches—aim for those that yield slightly to pressure for the best flavor and texture. Wash the peaches under cool water then blanch them in boiling water for 30 to 60 seconds to ease peeling; immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking and loosen skins. Peel the peaches carefully with a paring knife remove the pits and slice into 1/2-inch thick wedges yielding about 6 cups of fruit. In a large mixing bowl, we combine the peach slices with 1 cup granulated sugar 1 tablespoon cornstarch 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon stirring gently until the peaches glisten with a sweet tangy coating that promises a burst of summer essence in every bite.
Make the Pie Crust
To create our buttery pie crust, we start by measuring 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon salt into a mixing bowl. Cut in 1 cup cold unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces. Gradually add 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water one at a time mixing with a fork until the dough just comes together without overworking it to maintain that flaky texture. Divide the dough into two equal portions shape each into a disk wrap in plastic and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes allowing the butter to firm up for a crust that crumbles delightfully on the fork.
Assemble the Pie
Once chilled, we roll out one dough disk on a lightly floured surface to a 12-inch circle about 1/8-inch thick then transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish pressing gently to fit without stretching. For the filling, we spoon the prepared peach mixture into the crust letting the juices pool naturally for a vibrant layer. Dot the top with 2 tablespoons unsalted butter cut into small pieces to add richness. Roll out the second dough disk for the top crust either as a full cover or lattice design and place it over the filling sealing and crimping the edges with your fingers or a fork to lock in the aromas of cinnamon-kissed peaches.
Bake the Pie
Preheat your oven to 425°F positioning the rack in the lower third for even heat distribution. We place the assembled pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips then bake for 15 minutes until the crust begins to golden. Reduce the temperature to 375°F and continue baking for 40 to 50 minutes watching for the filling to bubble thickly and the crust to turn a deep golden brown signaling a perfectly set pie with peaches that release a warm inviting fragrance throughout your kitchen.
Cool and Serve
After baking, we remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours allowing the filling to thicken and flavors to meld for clean slices. Serve warm or at room temperature topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance the fresh peach contrast or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra layer of creamy indulgence that makes this Marie Callender-inspired treat unforgettable at any gathering.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To maximize convenience and ensure our Marie Callender Fresh Peach Pie remains as fresh and flavorful as possible, we recommend these make-ahead strategies. These steps build on the pie preparation outlined earlier, allowing you to streamline your baking process for busy days or gatherings.
Preparing the Crust in Advance
We can prepare the pie crust dough up to 2 days ahead for optimal flakiness. Start by following the crust-making steps from our earlier instructions: combine all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, salt, and ice water until it forms a cohesive dough. Once mixed, wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it. This resting period enhances the texture, making the crust even more butter and tender when you’re ready to roll it out.
Making the Filling Ahead
The peach filling can be assembled in advance to preserve the vibrant, juicy essence of ripe summer peaches. Prepare the filling as described: blanch and slice the peaches, then mix them with granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and ground cinnamon. To prevent browning and maintain freshness, transfer the mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to use it, give it a gentle stir to redistribute the juices—this keeps the filling’s sweet-tart flavor intact and ready for assembly.
Assembling the Pie Ahead
For ultimate ease, we suggest assembling the entire pie up to 8 hours in advance. After preparing the crust and filling, line your 9-inch pie dish with the rolled-out dough, add the peach filling, and top with the second crust as per our step-by-step guide. Cover the unbaked pie loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate it. This method allows the flavors to meld while keeping the crust from becoming soggy. If you need to hold it longer, freeze the assembled pie for up to 1 month—just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you’ve baked the pie ahead, store it properly to retain its golden crust and succulent filling. Let the baked pie cool completely, then cover it with foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For the best results, reheat individual slices in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through—this revives the crisp edges and enhances the aroma of fresh peaches.
| Make-Ahead Step | Preparation Time | Storage Method | Maximum Hold Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crust Dough | 30 minutes | Refrigerate in wrap | 2 days |
| Peach Filling | 20 minutes | Airtight container | 24 hours |
| Assembled (Unbaked) Pie | 45 minutes | Refrigerate loosely covered | 8 hours |
| Assembled (Frozen) Pie | Varies | Freezer in wrap | 1 month |
| Baked Pie | After baking | Foil-covered in fridge | 3 days |
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing our take on Marie Callender’s fresh peach pie, a timeless treat that captures summer’s essence. It’s rewarding to bake with ripe peaches and a flaky crust, creating moments that bring us together.
Try this recipe at your next gathering—it’s simple yet impressive, and we’re confident it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy every bite, and let us know how yours turns out!
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients are needed for fresh peach pie?
You’ll need simple ingredients for a delicious pie. For the crust: all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, ice water, and salt to create a flaky base. For the filling: fresh ripe peaches, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and a bit of butter for enhanced flavor. This combination highlights seasonal peaches for a fresh, comforting dessert.
What equipment is required to make the pie?
Essential tools include a 9-inch glass or ceramic pie dish for even baking, a sturdy rolling pin for the dough, mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, a pastry cutter or fork, a baking sheet to catch drips, and an oven thermometer for accuracy. These items help streamline the process and ensure a perfect golden crust.
How do I prepare and bake the peach pie?
Start by blanching and slicing fresh peaches, then mix with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Make the crust by combining flour, butter, water, and salt without overworking the dough. Assemble by layering the filling in the crust, add a top crust, and bake at the recommended temperature with adjustments for even cooking. Cool before serving.
Can I make the peach pie ahead of time?
Yes, for convenience! Prepare the crust dough up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate it for better flakiness. Assemble the filling ahead and chill for up to 24 hours. You can even make the whole pie and refrigerate it for up to 8 hours before baking, or freeze it for up to 1 month to enjoy later.
What are the nutritional facts for one serving of peach pie?
Each serving typically contains about 300-400 calories, depending on portion size. It includes roughly 45-55 grams of carbohydrates, 15-20 grams of fat from the buttery crust, and 3-5 grams of protein. The pie offers natural sugars from peaches, with fiber from the fruit, making it a moderately indulgent treat.
How should I store and reheat the baked pie?
Cool the pie completely before storing. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container, or freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, warm individual slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain the flaky crust and fresh flavors—avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
What are some serving suggestions for peach pie?
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the juicy peaches and buttery crust. It’s perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a comforting family dessert. For a twist, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or pair with coffee for an enhanced experience.