Peach Finger Pies: A Deliciously Simple Summer Treat
Summer is synonymous with peaches, and what better way to celebrate this juicy fruit than with adorable and delicious peach finger pies? These miniature pies are not only incredibly easy to make, but they’re also perfect for parties, picnics, or simply a sweet treat on a warm afternoon. Forget complicated pie crusts and fussy fillings – this recipe utilizes readily available ingredients and a straightforward method to create a dessert that’s both impressive and approachable. This recipe focuses on making small, individual pies with an easy, flaky crust using store-bought pie crust, filled with juicy, sweet peaches and baked to golden perfection. Prepare for your taste buds to be delighted!
## Why You’ll Love These Peach Finger Pies
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is designed for bakers of all skill levels. With pre-made pie crust and a simple filling, you’ll be enjoying these pies in no time.
* **Perfectly Portable:** The small size makes them ideal for picnics, potlucks, or lunchboxes. They’re a delightful handheld treat.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to experiment with different spices, extracts, or even add a crumble topping for extra texture.
* **Deliciously Peachy:** The combination of sweet, juicy peaches and a buttery, flaky crust is simply irresistible. The flavors are light, refreshing, and scream summertime.
* **Impressive Presentation:** These miniature pies look absolutely adorable and are sure to impress your friends and family.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start baking, gather these simple ingredients:
**For the Filling:**
* **Fresh Peaches:** 4-5 medium ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced. The riper the peaches, the sweeter and juicier the filling will be.
* **Granulated Sugar:** 1/4 cup, or adjust to taste depending on the sweetness of your peaches. Start with less and add more as needed.
* **Cornstarch:** 2 tablespoons. This will help thicken the filling as the pies bake.
* **Lemon Juice:** 1 tablespoon. The acidity brightens the peach flavor and prevents browning.
* **Cinnamon:** 1/4 teaspoon. Adds a warm, comforting spice that complements the peaches beautifully. Nutmeg is also a good option.
* **Salt:** A pinch. Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
* **Optional: Almond Extract:** 1/4 teaspoon. A little almond extract elevates the peach flavor and adds a subtle, sophisticated touch.
**For the Crust:**
* **Refrigerated Pie Crust:** 1 box (2 crusts). Using store-bought crust saves time and ensures a consistent, flaky result. Make sure to thaw it according to the package directions.
* **Egg Wash:** 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon of water. This gives the pies a beautiful golden brown color and a slight sheen.
* **Turbinado Sugar (optional):** For sprinkling on top. Adds a delightful crunch and sparkle.
## Equipment You’ll Need
* **Large Bowl:** For mixing the peach filling.
* **Cutting Board and Knife:** For preparing the peaches.
* **Rolling Pin:** For lightly rolling out the pie crust.
* **Pizza Cutter or Sharp Knife:** For cutting the pie crust into strips.
* **Baking Sheet:** For baking the pies. Line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
* **Parchment Paper:** Prevents the pies from sticking to the baking sheet.
* **Pastry Brush:** For applying the egg wash.
* **Fork:** For crimping the edges of the pies.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get baking! Follow these detailed instructions for perfect peach finger pies every time:
**1. Prepare the Peach Filling:**
* In a large bowl, combine the sliced peaches, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, salt, and almond extract (if using). Gently toss to ensure the peaches are evenly coated.
* Let the mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the peaches to release some of their juices, which will combine with the cornstarch to create a thick and luscious filling. Stir occasionally.
**2. Prepare the Pie Crust:**
* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
* Lightly flour a clean surface. Unroll one of the pie crusts onto the floured surface.
* Using a rolling pin, gently roll the crust out to a slightly larger rectangle, about 12×16 inches. Be careful not to over-roll it, as this can make the crust tough.
* Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, cut the crust lengthwise into strips that are approximately 1 inch wide and 4 inches long. You should get around 12-16 strips per crust. Repeat with the second pie crust.
**3. Assemble the Finger Pies:**
* Place a small spoonful (about 1-2 tablespoons) of the peach filling onto one end of each pie crust strip. Be careful not to overfill, as the filling will expand during baking. Make sure the filling isn’t too juicy, if so, drain a little bit of the juice.
* Fold the other end of the crust over the filling to create a rectangular or square-shaped pie. Gently press the edges together to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch and to ensure a tight seal. This prevents the filling from leaking out during baking.
* Place the assembled finger pies onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each pie.
**4. Brush with Egg Wash and Sprinkle with Sugar:**
* In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to create the egg wash.
* Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the tops of each pie with the egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden brown color and a slight sheen.
* If desired, sprinkle the tops of the pies with turbinado sugar for a delightful crunch and sparkle. Regular granulated sugar can also be used.
**5. Bake the Finger Pies:**
* Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
* If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can tent the baking sheet with aluminum foil.
**6. Cool and Serve:**
* Once the pies are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
* These peach finger pies are best served warm or at room temperature. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
## Tips for Perfect Peach Finger Pies
* **Use Ripe, but Firm Peaches:** Overripe peaches will be too mushy and release too much juice, making the filling difficult to work with. Slightly firm peaches will hold their shape better during baking.
* **Don’t Overfill the Pies:** Overfilling the pies will cause the filling to leak out during baking, resulting in a messy baking sheet and potentially soggy crusts. Stick to 1-2 tablespoons of filling per pie.
* **Seal the Edges Tightly:** A tight seal is essential to prevent the filling from leaking out. Use a fork to crimp the edges for extra security.
* **Chill the Pie Crust:** If you have time, chilling the pie crust for about 30 minutes before rolling it out will help prevent it from shrinking during baking.
* **Adjust the Sweetness:** Taste the peach filling before assembling the pies and adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. The sweetness of the peaches will vary depending on their ripeness.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and extracts. A pinch of nutmeg, a dash of ginger, or a few drops of almond extract can all add a unique twist to the flavor of your peach finger pies.
* **Make Ahead:** You can assemble the finger pies ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few minutes to the baking time.
* **Freeze for Later:** Baked and cooled peach finger pies can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. To thaw, let them sit at room temperature for a few hours.
* **Brush with Milk Instead of Egg Wash:** If you prefer a slightly softer crust, you can brush the pies with milk instead of egg wash. The milk will still give them a nice golden brown color.
* **Add a Crumble Topping:** For extra texture and flavor, consider adding a crumble topping to the pies. Simply combine flour, sugar, butter, and spices in a bowl and crumble the mixture over the tops of the pies before baking.
## Variations and Additions
* **Other Fruits:** While this recipe focuses on peaches, you can easily adapt it to use other fruits, such as apples, berries, or plums. Simply adjust the amount of sugar and spices as needed.
* **Nuts:** Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the peach filling for extra texture and flavor.
* **Cheese:** Add a small cube of brie or cream cheese to each pie for a tangy and creamy twist.
* **Ginger:** A little bit of minced fresh ginger or ginger jam can add a spicy and warming element to the filling.
* **Lavender:** A tiny pinch of dried lavender can enhance the peach flavor in a very subtle, aromatic way.
* **Spiced Sugar:** Mix your sugar with cinnamon, cardamom, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a flavor boost.
## Serving Suggestions
These peach finger pies are delicious on their own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate them even further:
* **With Ice Cream:** Serve warm peach finger pies with a scoop of vanilla, peach, or almond ice cream.
* **With Whipped Cream:** Top with freshly whipped cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese.
* **With a Drizzle of Caramel Sauce:** Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the pies for a decadent treat.
* **With a Sprinkle of Powdered Sugar:** Dust with powdered sugar for a simple and elegant presentation.
* **With a Cup of Coffee or Tea:** Enjoy these pies as an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 200-250 per pie
* Fat: 10-15g
* Saturated Fat: 5-8g
* Cholesterol: 20-30mg
* Sodium: 100-150mg
* Carbohydrates: 25-35g
* Sugar: 15-20g
* Protein: 2-3g
(Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
## Conclusion
Peach finger pies are a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With their sweet and juicy filling, flaky crust, and adorable size, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy these little bites of summer sunshine! This recipe is a fantastic way to utilize fresh, seasonal peaches and create a memorable dessert that is both delicious and visually appealing. Enjoy baking!