Cherry Berry Peach Pie: A Summertime Symphony in Every Slice
Summer’s bounty is a feast for the senses, and nothing captures the essence of the season quite like a homemade fruit pie. This Cherry Berry Peach Pie is a vibrant celebration of the best summer fruits, combining the tartness of cherries, the sweetness of mixed berries, and the juicy succulence of peaches into a single, irresistible dessert. The flaky, buttery crust complements the juicy filling, making each bite a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. This recipe is designed to be approachable for bakers of all skill levels, with detailed instructions and helpful tips to ensure a perfect pie every time.
**Why This Recipe Works**
* **Flavor Combination:** The combination of cherries, berries (like raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries), and peaches creates a complex flavor profile that’s both sweet and tart, with a refreshing burst of summer in every bite.
* **Texture Contrast:** The juicy, slightly softened fruit filling is perfectly balanced by the crisp, flaky pie crust, providing a satisfying textural experience.
* **Versatility:** You can easily adapt this recipe to use your favorite types of berries or even add other fruits like plums or nectarines. It’s also delicious served warm or cold, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
* **Homemade Crust:** While store-bought crust can be used, the flavor and texture of a homemade crust truly elevate this pie. The recipe included is simple and reliable, resulting in a flaky, buttery crust every time.
**Ingredients You’ll Need**
**For the Pie Crust:**
* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
* 1/2 cup ice water
* 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for extra tenderness)
**For the Filling:**
* 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved (or frozen, thawed)
* 1 1/2 cups mixed berries (such as raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries), fresh or frozen
* 3 medium peaches, peeled and sliced
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste based on fruit sweetness)
* 1/4 cup cornstarch
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, enhances cherry flavor)
* 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
* 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
* 1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling)
**Equipment You’ll Need:**
* 9-inch pie plate
* Large mixing bowl
* Pastry blender or food processor
* Rolling pin
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Small bowl (for egg wash)
* Pastry brush
**Step-by-Step Instructions**
**Part 1: Making the Pie Crust**
1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. **Cut in the Butter:** Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be in small pieces, roughly the size of peas. This step is crucial for creating a flaky crust, so avoid overworking the butter.
3. **Add Liquid:** Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition. If using apple cider vinegar, add it in with the first few tablespoons of water. Continue adding water until the dough just comes together and forms a shaggy ball. Be careful not to add too much water, as this can make the crust tough.
4. **Divide and Chill:** Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax and the butter to solidify, which will result in a flakier crust.
**Part 2: Preparing the Fruit Filling**
1. **Combine Fruits:** In a large bowl, combine the cherries, mixed berries, and sliced peaches.
2. **Add Sweeteners and Thickeners:** Add the granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract (if using) to the fruit mixture. Gently toss to coat the fruit evenly. The cornstarch will help thicken the juices as the pie bakes, preventing a soggy bottom. Adjust the amount of sugar based on the sweetness of your fruit.
3. **Let it Rest:** Let the fruit mixture sit for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the juices to release. This will give you a better sense of how much liquid is in the filling and whether you need to adjust the amount of cornstarch.
**Part 3: Assembling the Pie**
1. **Roll Out the Bottom Crust:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a 12-inch circle. Make sure to roll from the center outwards, turning the dough frequently to prevent it from sticking to the surface. The circle should be large enough to fit into your 9-inch pie plate with some overhang.
2. **Transfer to Pie Plate:** Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the pie plate. Gently press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the plate. Trim the edges of the dough, leaving about 1 inch of overhang. Crimp the edges of the crust using your fingers or a fork to create a decorative edge.
3. **Add the Filling:** Pour the fruit filling into the prepared pie crust. Dot the top of the filling with the small pieces of butter. This will add richness and flavor to the filling.
4. **Roll Out the Top Crust:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out the second disc of dough into a 12-inch circle. Alternatively, you can create a lattice top by cutting the dough into strips and weaving them over the filling.
5. **Cover the Pie (or Create Lattice):** If using a full top crust, carefully transfer it to the top of the pie. Trim the edges of the top crust, leaving about 1 inch of overhang. Crimp the edges together with the bottom crust to seal. Cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking. If creating a lattice top, weave the strips of dough over the filling, trimming the ends and pressing them onto the edge of the bottom crust.
6. **Egg Wash and Sugar:** In a small bowl, beat the egg with a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the top crust (or lattice) with the egg wash. Sprinkle the top with the remaining tablespoon of sugar. The egg wash will give the crust a golden-brown color and a shiny finish. The sugar will add a touch of sweetness and sparkle.
**Part 4: Baking the Pie**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. **Bake:** Place the pie on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will catch any drips and prevent the bottom crust from burning. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil or use a pie shield.
3. **Cool:** Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This is crucial for allowing the filling to thicken properly. Cutting into the pie while it’s still warm will result in a runny filling.
**Tips for Success**
* **Keep Ingredients Cold:** Using cold butter and ice water is essential for creating a flaky pie crust. The cold butter creates pockets of steam as it bakes, which results in layers of flaky dough.
* **Don’t Overwork the Dough:** Overworking the dough will develop the gluten, resulting in a tough crust. Mix the dough gently and only until it comes together.
* **Chill the Dough:** Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax and the butter to solidify, which will result in a flakier crust. Don’t skip this step!
* **Adjust Sugar to Taste:** The sweetness of the fruit can vary depending on the season and variety. Adjust the amount of sugar in the filling to your liking.
* **Use a Pie Shield:** A pie shield is a handy tool for preventing the edges of the crust from burning. If you don’t have a pie shield, you can cover the edges with aluminum foil.
* **Let the Pie Cool Completely:** This is the most important tip for preventing a runny filling. Be patient and let the pie cool completely before slicing and serving.
**Variations and Substitutions**
* **Different Berries:** Feel free to use any combination of berries you like. Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and even cranberries would all work well in this pie.
* **Other Fruits:** You can also add other fruits to the filling, such as plums, nectarines, or apples. Just be sure to adjust the amount of sugar and cornstarch as needed.
* **Store-Bought Crust:** If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pie crust. Just be sure to buy a high-quality crust that’s made with butter for the best flavor.
* **Different Extracts:** Experiment with different extracts to enhance the flavor of the pie. Vanilla extract, almond extract, or even a touch of lemon extract would all be delicious.
* **Add Spices:** A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger would add warmth and depth to the flavor of the pie.
**Serving Suggestions**
* **Warm or Cold:** This pie is delicious served warm or cold. If serving warm, let it cool slightly after baking.
* **With Ice Cream:** A scoop of vanilla ice cream is the perfect complement to this pie.
* **With Whipped Cream:** A dollop of freshly whipped cream is another delicious topping option.
* **With a Custard Sauce:** For an extra-special treat, serve the pie with a homemade custard sauce.
**Storage Instructions**
* **Room Temperature:** The pie can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or foil.
* **Refrigerator:** The pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
* **Freezer:** The baked pie can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
**Nutritional Information (per slice)**
(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
* Calories: Approximately 350-450
* Fat: 15-25g
* Saturated Fat: 8-15g
* Cholesterol: 50-70mg
* Sodium: 150-250mg
* Carbohydrates: 45-65g
* Fiber: 3-5g
* Sugar: 25-40g
* Protein: 3-5g
**Conclusion**
This Cherry Berry Peach Pie is a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any summer occasion. With its flaky crust, juicy filling, and vibrant flavors, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a pie that’s bursting with summer sunshine!
Enjoy this summertime treat, and feel free to share your own variations and experiences in the comments below! Happy baking!