why make this recipe
Peaches and Cream Pie is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of peaches with a creamy texture, making it perfect for any occasion. This recipe is simple, quick, and ideal for both beginners and experienced bakers. With delicious flavors and an easy-to-follow process, it’s a surefire hit at summer gatherings, parties, or even a weeknight treat.
how to make Easy Peaches and Cream Pie
Ingredients :
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 package vanilla pudding mix (cook & serve, 3 ounce)
- 3 Tablespoons softened butter
- 1 egg
- ½ cup milk
- 1 can sliced peaches (28 ounce, drained (reserve juice), or 3 medium fresh peaches (about 2 ¼ cups cubed))
- 1 package softened cream cheese (8 ounce)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 Tablespoons reserved peach juice (If using fresh peaches, a little milk or water will work too!)
- 1 Tablespoon sugar (for the top)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Directions :
Step 1: Get Prepped: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grab your favorite 10" deep dish pie pan or a 9"x9" baking dish and give it a good grease. This helps everything release beautifully later.
Step 2: Mix the Crust Base: In a medium bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients for the crust: the flour, salt, baking powder, and that special cook & serve vanilla pudding mix.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients to Crust: Now, add the softened butter, egg, and milk to the dry ingredients. Grab your mixer (or a whisk and some elbow grease!) and beat for about 2 minutes until everything is well combined and smooth. It will be more like a thick batter than a dough – that’s perfect!
Step 4: Pour the Crust: Pour this batter into your prepared pan. It will spread out to form the bottom layer as it bakes.
Step 5: Add the Peaches: Arrange your drained peach slices (or fresh cubes) evenly over the batter in the pan. Don’t overcrowd it!
Step 6: Whip the Cream Cheese: In a separate small bowl, grab your softened cream cheese and beat it with a mixer until it’s light and fluffy.
Step 7: Sweeten the Cream Topping: Add the ½ cup of granulated sugar and the 3 Tablespoons of reserved peach juice (or milk/water if using fresh peaches) to the whipped cream cheese. Beat again for about 2 minutes until everything is smooth and creamy.
Step 8: Spoon on the Topping: Carefully spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the peaches. Don’t worry about spreading it perfectly smooth; leaving a little space and texture is fine. Just make sure you leave about a 1-inch gap from the very top edge of the pan, as it will puff up slightly.
Step 9: Sprinkle with Spice: In a tiny dish, mix the remaining 1 Tablespoon of sugar and the 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Sprinkle this lovely cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top of the cream cheese layer.
Step 10: Bake! Pop your pie into the preheated oven and bake until the edges are golden brown and the center looks set. This usually takes around 40-50 minutes, but keep an eye on it, especially towards the end!
Step 11: Chill Out: This is a crucial step for this pie! Let it cool on a wire rack for a bit, then transfer it to the refrigerator. You’ll want to chill it for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably longer, before slicing. This helps the creamy layer set beautifully. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
how to serve Easy Peaches and Cream Pie
Serve this pie chilled for the best flavor and texture. It is great on its own but can also be topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Add some fresh peach slices for extra color and taste.
how to store Easy Peaches and Cream Pie
To keep your pie fresh, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. If you need to, feel free to slice it before storing for easy serving!
tips to make Easy Peaches and Cream Pie
- For the best flavor, choose ripe, juicy peaches.
- If using canned peaches, make sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
- Letting the pie cool completely in the fridge will help the topping set nicely and enhance flavors.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar depending on your preference or the sweetness of the peaches.
variation
For a twist on this classic recipe, try adding a layer of graham cracker crust for extra crunch. You can also include fresh berries for added flavor and color, or switch out the peaches for other fruits like blueberries or strawberries.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh or canned?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using them in the recipe.
2. Is it necessary to chill the pie before serving?
Yes, chilling the pie is important! It helps the cream cheese layer set properly and enhances the flavor.
3. Can I make this pie in advance?
Absolutely! This pie can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
