Brown Butter Strawberry Peach Pie

Introduction

There’s something magical about combining the sweetness of summer fruit with the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter. This Brown Butter Strawberry Peach Pie is the perfect blend of indulgence and freshness. It starts with a flaky, golden pie crust made with browned butter, giving it an irresistible depth of flavor. The filling is a heavenly mixture of fresh, juicy strawberries and peaches, creating a vibrant, sweet-tart combination that’s hard to resist. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering, a family dinner, or just a well-deserved treat, this pie is sure to impress. The warm, gooey filling inside the crispy, buttery crust is a bite of summer in every forkful. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make! With a simple yet rich crust and a filling bursting with ripe, seasonal fruit, this pie is the epitome of comfort and joy. Once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why this Brown Butter Strawberry Peach Pie is destined to be your new favorite summer dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Brown Butter Crust – The brown butter adds a nutty, rich flavor to the crust, elevating this pie from ordinary to extraordinary.
2. Fresh, Fruity Filling – The combination of ripe peaches and strawberries brings a refreshing balance of sweetness and tartness.
3. Golden and Flaky – The crust comes out golden, flaky, and perfectly crisp, providing the ideal contrast to the soft, juicy filling.
4. Perfect for Summer – This pie showcases the best of summer’s bounty with its vibrant fruit filling, making it the perfect dessert for warm-weather gatherings.
5. Impressive Yet Easy – Despite its rich flavor and stunning presentation, this pie is surprisingly easy to make and will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

For the Brown Butter Pie Crust:

• Cold unsalted butter
• All-purpose flour
• Fine sea salt
• Water
• Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
• 1 whole egg (whisked)

For the Strawberry and Peach Filling:

• Fresh sliced peaches
• Fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
• Granulated sugar
• Cornstarch
• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Fine sea salt
• Turbinado sugar (optional, for topping)

Variations

• Berry Blend: Substitute the peaches with other berries, like blueberries or raspberries, or even use a mix of berries for a different fruit flavor.
• Spiced Version: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm, spiced flavor that pairs wonderfully with the peaches and strawberries.
• Vegan Version: Make a vegan version by substituting the butter with vegan butter and using a flax egg for the pie crust. For the filling, ensure the cornstarch is plant-based.
• Crumb Topping: Top the pie with a crumble topping made of oats, flour, butter, and brown sugar for a crunchy contrast to the smooth filling.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Butter

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, swirling occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Pie Crust

In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and fine sea salt. Add the brown butter to the flour mixture and use a pastry cutter or your hands to work the butter into the flour until it forms coarse crumbs. Add the vinegar and cold water, stirring just until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Fruit Filling

In a large bowl, combine the sliced peaches, quartered strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, lemon zest, and fine sea salt. Toss to coat the fruit evenly and set aside to allow the juices to combine.

Step 4: Roll Out the Pie Crust

On a floured surface, roll out the pie dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Carefully transfer the dough to the pie dish and press it into the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges.

Step 5: Add the Filling

Pour the prepared fruit filling into the pie crust, spreading it out evenly.

Step 6: Top the Pie (Optional)

If you want a double-crust pie, roll out the remaining dough and place it over the filling. Cut slits in the top to allow steam to escape. Alternatively, you can leave it open-faced for a rustic look.

Step 7: Bake the Pie

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

Step 8: Finish with Sugar

For an extra touch of sweetness and crunch, sprinkle the top of the pie with turbinado sugar before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Chill the Dough: Make sure to chill the dough before rolling it out. This helps to keep the crust flaky and prevents it from shrinking during baking.
• Use Cold Butter: Ensure that the butter is cold when making the pie crust. This will help create a flaky texture.
• Let the Pie Cool: Allow the pie to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling set, making it easier to slice without spilling.
• Use Fresh Fruit: Fresh peaches and strawberries will give you the best flavor and texture for the filling. If using frozen fruit, make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid a watery filling.

How to Serve

Serve this Brown Butter Strawberry Peach Pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. It also pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or iced tea for a sweet afternoon treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let the pie cool completely before covering and refrigerating to maintain the texture of the crust.

Freezing

This pie can be frozen before baking. After assembling the pie, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. To bake, remove the pie from the freezer and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 60-70 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.

Reheating

To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or heat the entire pie in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen peaches and strawberries? Yes, you can use frozen fruit, but make sure to thaw and drain it before using to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
2. Can I use store-bought pie crust? Yes, if you’re short on time, store-bought pie crust will work well as a substitute for the homemade brown butter crust.
3. Can I make this pie ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the pie and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking, or freeze it for later.
4. How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust? Make sure the pie is baked long enough so that the filling thickens and the crust becomes golden. You can also blind-bake the crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling.
5. Can I use a different type of sugar in the filling? Yes, you can use brown sugar, coconut sugar, or honey instead of granulated sugar for a different flavor.
6. Can I substitute the cornstarch with flour? Yes, you can use all-purpose flour in place of cornstarch, but it will result in a slightly different texture.
7. Can I make this a gluten-free pie? Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend for the pie crust to make it gluten-free.
8. Can I make a lattice top? Absolutely! A lattice top will give your pie a classic, beautiful look. Just cut the dough into strips and weave them over the filling before baking.
9. Can I add spices to the filling? Yes, you can add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even ginger to the filling for a spiced flavor.
10. How can I make the crust extra flaky? The key to a flaky crust is cold ingredients, especially the butter. Also, don’t overwork the dough—mix it until just combined for the best texture.

Conclusion

This Brown Butter Strawberry Peach Pie is the perfect dessert for any occasion, offering a delightful combination of rich, nutty crust and a fresh, fruity filling. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply craving something sweet, this pie is sure to impress. With its flaky, golden crust and perfectly balanced fruit filling, it’s a dessert that captures the essence of summer in every bite. Try it today and enjoy the irresistible flavors of peaches, strawberries, and brown butter in this delightful pie!

Print