There’s something incredibly comforting about a homemade pie, and when you combine the rich flavor of brown butter with the sweet, tart blend of strawberries and peaches, you create a dessert that is both indulgent and refreshing. Brown Butter Strawberry Peach Pie takes classic summer fruits and elevates them with a rich, nutty brown butter pie crust that perfectly complements the fruity filling. This pie is perfect for any summer gathering, from family dinners to barbecues, offering a burst of fresh, juicy fruit with each bite. The brown butter adds depth to the crust, giving it a savory, rich flavor that balances the sweetness of the strawberries and peaches. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both beautiful and delicious, this pie will surely be a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Brown Butter Crust
The rich, nutty flavor of the brown butter takes the crust to a whole new level, making it the perfect complement to the fresh, fruity filling.
2. Perfect Blend of Strawberries and Peaches
The combination of sweet peaches and tangy strawberries creates a deliciously balanced filling that’s fresh and vibrant, especially in the summertime.
3. Flaky and Tender Crust
Thanks to the technique of using cold butter and incorporating vinegar into the dough, the pie crust is flaky, tender, and buttery—without being too heavy.
4. Customizable Sweetness
The amount of sugar and the optional Turbinado sugar topping gives you the ability to adjust the sweetness to your preference, making it perfect for all taste buds.
5. Perfect for Special Occasions
This pie looks stunning when served, making it a great dessert for family gatherings, holidays, or special occasions when you want to impress your guests.
Ingredients
For the Brown Butter Pie Crust:
- Cold unsalted butter
- All-purpose flour
- Fine sea salt
- Water
- Apple cider or white vinegar
- 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
- Fruit Substitutes: While strawberries and peaches are a classic combination, you can swap the peaches for nectarines, plums, or even blueberries for a different flavor profile.
- Sugar Substitutes: If you want a lower-sugar option, you can reduce the amount of granulated sugar or use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
- Spices: Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the fruit filling for a warm, comforting spice note.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the pie gluten-free.
- Vegan Option: Replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil and use a flax egg or another egg substitute for a vegan-friendly pie.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Make the Brown Butter Pie Crust
Start by browning the butter. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking it, swirling the pan occasionally, until it turns a golden brown and develops a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the butter from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
In a large bowl, combine the flour and sea salt. Pour the cooled brown butter into the flour mixture and stir until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the water, vinegar, and whisked egg, and mix until the dough comes together. If the dough is too dry, add a bit more cold water, one tablespoon at a time. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced peaches and quartered strawberries. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, lemon zest, and sea salt. Sprinkle the cornstarch mixture over the fruit and toss gently to coat. Set the filling aside to let the flavors meld.
Step 3: Roll Out the Pie Crust
Once the dough has chilled, remove it from the fridge and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 12 inches in diameter. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie pan, pressing it into the bottom and sides of the pan. Trim any excess dough from the edges and crimp them as desired.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Pour the fruit filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly. If you like, sprinkle some Turbinado sugar on top of the filling for a sweet, crunchy finish.
Step 5: Bake the Pie
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips, and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly. If the edges of the crust begin to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil or a pie shield.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before serving to let the filling set. Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Keep the Butter Cold: For the best flaky crust, it’s important to use cold butter and water when making the dough. Don’t skip the chilling step!
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Be careful not to overwork the dough to keep it from becoming tough. Mix until just combined.
- Let the Pie Cool: Allow the pie to cool for a couple of hours before slicing. This ensures the filling thickens and sets properly.
- Bake on a Baking Sheet: Place the pie on a baking sheet in the oven to catch any overflow from the fruit filling.
How to Serve
Serve this Brown Butter Strawberry Peach Pie on its own, or pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. It’s perfect for summer picnics, BBQs, or any time you’re craving a fresh, fruity dessert with a rich, buttery twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices of pie in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Freezing
You can freeze the pie before baking. Simply assemble the pie, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake from frozen for about 60 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly.
Reheating
To reheat frozen pie, bake it at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes or until fully heated through and the crust is golden brown.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen fruit for the filling?
Fresh fruit is best for this recipe, but you can use frozen fruit if necessary. Be sure to thaw and drain the fruit to prevent excess moisture in the filling.
2. How can I make the crust flakier?
Chill the butter, water, and dough before rolling it out. This helps to create a flaky texture in the crust.
3. Can I make the pie crust ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the crust and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before assembling and baking the pie.
4. Can I make the pie without vinegar?
The vinegar helps to create a tender crust, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can leave it out or substitute it with lemon juice.
5. Can I double the recipe to make two pies?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe to make two pies. Just be sure to adjust the baking time if necessary.
6. What is Turbinado sugar, and can I substitute it?
Turbinado sugar is a raw, coarse sugar that adds a nice crunch and flavor. If you don’t have it, you can substitute it with regular granulated sugar or simply omit it.
7. Can I use a pre-made pie crust?
For convenience, you can use a store-bought pie crust, but homemade crust will give you the best flavor and texture.
8. How can I tell when the pie is done baking?
The pie is done when the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. You can also check the temperature of the filling with a thermometer—it should reach around 180°F (82°C).
9. Can I make this pie gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this pie gluten-free.
10. Can I use a different fruit combination?
Absolutely! You can substitute the peaches and strawberries with any combination of fruits you like, such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
Conclusion
Brown Butter Strawberry Peach Pie is the ultimate summer dessert, combining the richness of brown butter with the fresh, fruity flavors of peaches and strawberries. The flaky, buttery crust and the sweet, tangy filling are a match made in heaven, and the addition of brown butter makes it truly special. Perfect for summer gatherings or any occasion, this pie is sure to impress and satisfy your sweet tooth!