Alabama

Peach Pie

Sweet Alabama peaches meet golden local honey in this quintessential Southern pie. The Heart of Dixie's famous peaches create a filling that's perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy, with a hint of floral honey goodness.

🕐 1 hr 30 min 🥧 8 servings 🍑 Fruity 🌾 Southern Classic

Equipment Needed

  • 🥧 9-inch pie dish
  • 🥣 Large mixing bowl
  • 📏 Rolling pin
  • 🔪 Sharp knife
  • 🍳 Medium saucepan
  • 🧊 Pastry cutter

Instructions

  1. 1

    Make the Crust

    In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Add cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces. Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Divide in half, flatten into disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

  2. 2

    Prepare the Peaches

    Bring a large pot of water to boil. Score an X on the bottom of each peach. Blanch peaches for 30 seconds, then transfer to ice water. Peel, pit, and slice the peaches into 1/2-inch thick slices. Place in a large bowl.

  3. 3

    Make the Filling

    Add the Alabama honey, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the peaches. Gently toss until the peaches are evenly coated. Let sit for 15 minutes to allow the juices to develop.

  4. 4

    Preheat and Roll

    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing gently into the corners. Trim edges to 1-inch overhang.

  5. 5

    Fill the Pie

    Pour the peach filling into the prepared crust, mounding slightly in the center. Dot the top with small pieces of butter scattered evenly across the filling.

  6. 6

    Create the Lattice Top

    Roll out the second dough disk and cut into 3/4-inch strips. Weave the strips over the filling in a lattice pattern. Trim and crimp the edges to seal. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar.

  7. 7

    Bake the Pie

    Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch drips. Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, then reduce temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 35-45 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

  8. 8

    Cool and Serve

    Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. This allows the filling to set properly. Serve warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips & Variations

  • Choose Ripe Peaches: Look for Alabama peaches that give slightly when pressed and have a sweet, fragrant aroma. Chilton County peaches are especially prized.
  • Local Honey Matters: Alabama wildflower or clover honey adds an authentic Southern flavor. The honey balances the natural acidity of the peaches beautifully.
  • Prevent Soggy Bottom: Place your pie dish on a preheated baking sheet. You can also brush the bottom crust with egg white before filling.
  • Shield the Edges: If the crust edges are browning too quickly, cover them with foil or a pie shield during the last 20 minutes of baking.
  • Bourbon Variation: For an adult twist, add 2 tablespoons of bourbon to the filling mixture. It complements the honey and peaches wonderfully.
  • Freezing Tips: This pie can be frozen unbaked for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 15-20 minutes to the baking time.