Brown Butter Strawberry Peach Pie Recipe

There’s something magical about the combination of fresh, juicy strawberries and sweet peaches. Add in the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter and you’ve got a pie that’s a true celebration of summer’s best fruits. This Brown Butter Strawberry Peach Pie features a perfectly flaky crust infused with the deep, caramel-like flavor of brown butter, paired with a luscious fruit filling that’s balanced with just the right amount of sweetness and tang. The golden, buttery crust and the vibrant fruit filling come together to create a pie that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. Perfect for any occasion, this pie is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and a favorite at your next family gathering or summer barbecue.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Brown Butter Strawberry Peach Pie is not your average fruit pie. The combination of brown butter in the crust adds a rich, toasted flavor that elevates the pie to new heights. Paired with the fresh, vibrant flavors of ripe peaches and strawberries, the result is a pie that’s bursting with seasonal goodness. The filling is thickened with cornstarch to create a luscious, perfectly set consistency that complements the flaky, buttery crust. It’s a pie that feels indulgent, yet is surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma that will make your kitchen smell like a pastry shop.

Ingredients

Brown Butter Pie Crust:

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

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)

Variations

• Mixed Berry Pie: Swap the strawberries and peaches for your favorite berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a mixed berry pie.
• Spiced Peach and Strawberry Pie: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ground ginger to the fruit filling for an extra layer of warmth and spice.
• Vegan Pie: Replace the butter in the crust with a vegan butter substitute and use a flax egg in place of the whole egg.
• Double Crust Pie: Instead of a lattice top, you can cover the entire pie with another layer of pie crust. Simply cut slits in the top to allow steam to escape.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Brown Butter

In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir constantly as the butter bubbles and foams, continuing to cook it until it turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and allow the brown butter to cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Pie Crust

In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and sea salt. Add the brown butter and mix until the butter is evenly distributed in the flour mixture. Add the water, apple cider vinegar, and the whisked egg, then mix until the dough begins to come together. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water, one tablespoon at a time, until it holds together. Divide the dough in half, wrap each portion in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the sliced peaches and quartered strawberries. Add the granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, lemon zest, and sea salt. Toss the fruit until everything is evenly coated and set aside.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of dough into a circle to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer the dough into the pie dish and trim any excess. Pour the prepared strawberry and peach filling into the crust, spreading it out evenly.

Step 5: Create the Lattice Top

Roll out the second portion of dough into a circle. Cut it into strips and arrange them in a lattice pattern over the filled pie. Trim any excess dough and pinch the edges to seal. For a golden crust, brush the lattice top with an egg wash (1 egg whisked with 1 tablespoon of water) and sprinkle with Turbinado sugar if desired.

Step 6: Bake the Pie

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pie for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before slicing to let the filling set. Serve it warm or at room temperature, and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use cold butter for the crust: The cold butter helps create a flaky, tender crust. Don’t skip chilling the dough before rolling it out.
• Chill the pie crust: Allowing the dough to chill helps prevent shrinkage while baking, ensuring a perfect crust.
• Use ripe fruit: For the best flavor, use ripe, in-season peaches and strawberries.
• Don’t skip the brown butter: Brown butter adds an incredible depth of flavor to the crust, giving it a nutty, caramel-like richness that pairs perfectly with the fruit filling.
• Let the pie cool: Give the pie enough time to cool after baking so that the filling can set, making it easier to slice.

How to Serve

This Brown Butter Strawberry Peach Pie is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream
• Fresh mint leaves for a hint of color and freshness
• A drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence
• A dusting of powdered sugar for a simple and elegant touch

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven for a few minutes before serving.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked pie before placing it in the oven. Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, remove the pie from the freezer and bake it directly from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 55-60 minutes.

Reheating

Reheat leftover pie slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm the whole pie in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I make this pie without the lattice crust?

Yes, you can cover the entire pie with a solid top crust instead of a lattice. Just be sure to cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.

2. Can I use frozen peaches or strawberries?

Fresh fruit is best for this recipe, but if you need to use frozen fruit, make sure to thaw and drain it before using to avoid excess liquid in the filling.

3. Can I make this pie gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the crust gluten-free.

4. Can I use a store-bought pie crust?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use a store-bought pie crust, but homemade brown butter crust will add a unique flavor that elevates the pie.

5. How can I make the filling thicker?

If your filling is too runny, you can add a little more cornstarch or use a combination of cornstarch and tapioca starch.

6. Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the pie.

7. Can I use other fruits in this pie?

Yes! You can substitute other fruits like nectarines, blackberries, or raspberries for a different flavor profile.

8. How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Ensure that you bake the pie long enough to set the filling, and if you’re concerned about a soggy crust, you can bake the bottom crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling.

9. Can I add spices to the filling?

Yes, you can add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the filling for extra warmth and flavor.

10. How do I know when the pie is done?

The pie is done when the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the lattice. You can also check the temperature with a food thermometer—the filling should be at least 200°F (93°C).

Conclusion

Brown Butter Strawberry Peach Pie is the perfect dessert to celebrate the flavors of summer. The rich, nutty brown butter crust, combined with the vibrant and sweet fruit filling, creates a pie that’s both comforting and indulgent. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering, a summer barbecue, or just a treat to enjoy at home, this pie will impress anyone who takes a bite. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and buttery goodness in every forkful. Enjoy the magic of fresh peaches and strawberries in every slice!

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