If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, look no further than canned peach pie. With canned peaches, you can enjoy the sweetness of summer year-round without waiting for fresh peaches to come into season. Not only does canned peach pie offer convenience, but it also delivers on flavor, making it a fantastic option for family dinners, gatherings, or even just a cozy weekend treat.
Making a peach pie with canned peaches ensures that your filling is perfectly sweet and flavorful every time. Canned peaches come pre-sliced and ready to use, saving you time on peeling and slicing fresh fruit. Plus, you don’t have to worry about ripeness or seasonality, which makes this a go-to dessert regardless of the time of year.
While store-bought pie crust works well for this recipe, making your own homemade pie crust can add a personal touch and improve the overall flavor and texture of your pie.
Why Use Canned Peaches for Peach Pie?
Canned peaches provide a consistent, reliable flavor that works beautifully in pies. Unlike fresh peaches, which can sometimes be underripe or overripe, canned peaches are picked and preserved at peak ripeness. This means you’ll always get the perfect balance of sweetness and texture in your pie.
Additionally, canned peaches make the pie-making process much quicker. You don’t need to peel, pit, or slice the peaches, and there’s no need to worry about the peaches losing their shape during baking. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, using canned peaches simplifies the process while still giving you a delicious result.
Canned peaches are also versatile, and you can use them in a variety of desserts. From cobblers to crumbles and, of course, peach pie, they are a pantry staple that makes it easy to whip up something sweet in no time.
Key Ingredients
Creating the perfect canned peach pie starts with gathering the right ingredients. While the recipe is simple, each ingredient plays an important role in creating a delicious pie that’s full of flavor.
- Canned Peaches: The star of the pie. You can use canned peaches in syrup for a sweeter pie or opt for peaches in juice for a lighter filling. Make sure to drain the peaches well before using them in the pie to prevent a runny filling.
- Pie Crust: You can use a store-bought pie crust to save time, or if you prefer, make a buttery, flaky crust from scratch. You’ll need both a bottom and top crust for this recipe, so plan accordingly.
- Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the peaches. Don’t skip this ingredient, as it helps bring out the natural flavor of the fruit.
- Sugar and Flour: These two ingredients work together to sweeten the filling and thicken it, ensuring the perfect consistency. Adjust the amount of sugar based on your preference and whether your peaches are canned in syrup or juice.
- Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and depth to the pie’s flavor. You can also add a pinch of allspice or ginger if you want to experiment with spices.
- Butter: A small amount of butter adds richness to the filling and helps create a smooth, velvety texture.
- Egg Wash: Brushing the top crust with an egg wash gives your pie that beautiful golden-brown color and adds a slight sheen.
A Step-by-Step Guide
Ingredients:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 32-oz can of canned peaches, drained
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 egg, beaten (for the egg wash)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained canned peaches, sugar, flour, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir gently to combine the ingredients, being careful not to break up the peaches too much.
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Place the bottom crust into a 9-inch pie pan. Pour the peach filling into the crust, spreading it out evenly. Dot the filling with the cubed butter.
- Add the Top Crust: For a traditional pie, place the top crust over the filling, trim the edges, and crimp to seal. You can also create a lattice crust by cutting the top crust into strips and weaving them over the filling.
- Apply the Egg Wash: Brush the top crust with the beaten egg. This will give your pie a golden, shiny finish once baked.
- Bake the Pie: Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool Before Serving: Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This will give the filling time to set and prevent it from becoming too runny when served.
Baking Tips
Here are some essential tips to ensure your canned peach pie turns out perfectly every time:
- Drain the Peaches: Properly draining the peaches is crucial to prevent excess liquid in the filling. If the peaches aren’t well-drained, your pie can become watery.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If your canned peaches are packed in syrup, you may want to reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe. Peaches packed in juice will require the full amount of sugar to achieve the right sweetness.
- Blind Bake the Crust: To avoid a soggy bottom crust, consider blind-baking the pie crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling. This creates a barrier and helps keep the crust crispy.
- Lattice Crust for a Rustic Look: A lattice crust not only looks beautiful but also helps release steam during baking, preventing the pie from becoming overly moist.
Popular Variations
If you want to put a twist on the classic canned peach pie, try these popular variations:
- Peach and Blueberry Pie: Add fresh or frozen blueberries to the peach filling for a sweet and tangy flavor contrast. The blueberries add a burst of color and freshness that pairs wonderfully with peaches.
- Spiced Peach Pie: Add extra spices like ginger, allspice, or cardamom for a warm, spiced version of peach pie. These spices enhance the natural sweetness of the peaches and add depth to the filling.
- Coconut Peach Pie: Incorporate shredded coconut into the filling for a tropical twist. The coconut adds texture and a subtle sweetness that complements the peaches.
Customizing the Filling
While canned peaches are the star ingredient, there are several ways you can customize the filling to suit your taste:
- Use Fresh or Frozen Peaches: If fresh peaches are in season, you can substitute them for canned peaches. Peel and slice the peaches, and use about 4-5 cups of fresh fruit. If you’re using frozen peaches, be sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the filling.
- Brown Sugar for Richer Flavor: Replace half of the granulated sugar with brown sugar to give the filling a deeper, more caramel-like sweetness.
- Almond Extract: Add a splash of almond extract along with the vanilla for a nutty, fragrant note that pairs beautifully with peaches.
Serving Suggestions
Canned peach pie is a delicious dessert on its own, but you can elevate it even further with the right accompaniments:
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds lightness and complements the rich peach filling.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm peach pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience. The cold ice cream contrasts with the warm pie, creating a delightful combination of textures.
- Fresh Fruit Garnish: Top the pie with fresh peach slices or berries for an added burst of color and flavor.
How to Store and Reheat Canned Peach Pie
Proper storage and reheating are key to enjoying leftover peach pie without compromising its flavor or texture.
- Refrigerating: After the pie has cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The cool temperature helps preserve the filling and keeps the crust from becoming soggy.
- Freezing: You can freeze canned peach pie for up to 3 months. To freeze the entire pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then cover it with aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. Thaw the pie in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat the pie, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the crust soggy.
Can You Freeze Canned Peach Pie?
Yes, canned peach pie can be frozen either before or after baking. Freezing the pie allows you to enjoy a delicious homemade dessert whenever you like. Here’s how to freeze and thaw it properly:
- Freezing Before Baking: Prepare the pie as directed, but instead of baking it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, simply bake the frozen pie, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
- Freezing After Baking: Allow the pie to cool completely before wrapping it and placing it in the freezer. Thaw the pie in the fridge overnight, and reheat it in the oven for best results.
FAQs About Canned Peach Pie
How many peaches do I need?
For a standard 9-inch pie, one 32-ounce can of peaches will give you the right amount of fruit. This equals approximately 4 cups of peaches.
Can you make peach pie with frozen peaches?
Yes, you can substitute frozen peaches for canned peaches. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before using to prevent the filling from becoming too watery.
Does peach pie need to be refrigerated?
Yes, peach pie should be refrigerated to keep the filling fresh. It can sit at room temperature for a few hours, but it’s best to store it in the fridge if not eaten the same day.
What can I substitute for lemon juice in peach pie?
If you don’t have lemon juice on hand, you can use lime juice, orange juice, or even apple cider vinegar as a substitute. These acidic ingredients help balance the sweetness of the filling.
Why is my peach pie runny?
A runny pie filling is often caused by not draining the peaches well or not using enough thickener (flour or cornstarch). Be sure to drain the peaches completely and use the correct amount of flour to thicken the filling.
Conclusion
Canned peach pie is a timeless dessert that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a sweet and flavorful pie that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with variations like peach and blueberry pie or spiced peach pie, this dessert is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, canned peaches make the process quick and easy, without sacrificing flavor. So grab your ingredients, roll out your pie crust, and enjoy a delicious slice of canned peach pie today!