If you are looking for a show-stopping dessert that bursts with sweet summer flavors, look no further than this Brown Butter Strawberry Peach Pie Recipe. This pie is a brilliant twist on the classic fruit pie, where luscious peaches and strawberries are complemented perfectly by a nutty, deeply flavored brown butter crust. The texture is flaky and tender, while the filling delivers a juicy, tangy-sweet sensation that will have everyone asking for seconds. Each bite carries the warmth of browned butter combined with the freshness of fruit, making this pie an irresistible centerpiece for any gathering or a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple pantry staples and fresh fruits, but each one plays an important role in creating the perfect harmony of flavor and texture in this pie. From the rich browned butter that enhances the crust to the fresh peaches and strawberries that provide vibrant color and juiciness, every item counts.
- Cold unsalted butter (1 cup): Essential for browning to develop the nutty flavor that makes the crust unique.
- All-purpose flour (2 ⅔ cups + 1 tbsp): The base for the crust, providing structure and tenderness.
- Fine sea salt (3/4 teaspoon + 1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Water (1/2 cup) plus ice: Keeps the dough moist and workable while chilling it for flakiness.
- Apple cider or white vinegar (1 tbsp): Helps tenderize the crust by inhibiting gluten formation.
- Whole egg (1, whisked): For brushing the crust, giving it a golden, shiny finish.
- Fresh sliced peaches (3 cups): The juicy star of the filling with natural sweetness and softness.
- Fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered (3 cups): Adds bright color and a sweet-tart contrast.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the fruit filling gently without overpowering.
- Cornstarch (1/4 cup + 1 tbsp): Thickens the filling, preventing it from being too runny.
- Lemon juice (1 tbsp) and lemon zest (1 tsp): Infuse brightness and enhance the fruit flavors.
- Turbinado sugar (2-3 tbsp, optional): Provides a sparkling, crunchy topping for the crust.
How to Make Brown Butter Strawberry Peach Pie Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Butter and Prepare the Dough
Start by melting the butter in a stainless steel pan over medium heat, cooking it until it turns a lovely medium brown and releases that irresistible nutty aroma, about 10-12 minutes. You want to watch carefully so it doesn’t burn. Once browned, chill the butter in the freezer until firm, then cut it into cubes and keep chilled. This step is what gives the crust that deep, toasty flavor that perfectly contrasts the sweet filling.
Step 2: Mix the Pie Dough
Combine the flour and salt in a mixing bowl. Add the chilled browned butter cubes and mix on low until you see pea-sized bits of butter coated in flour. This coarse texture is crucial for a flaky crust. Next, gradually add ice water mixed with vinegar by the tablespoon until the dough clumps and feels moist but not sticky. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap them, and chill for at least one hour to relax the gluten and firm up the fat.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll one chilled disc into a 12-inch circle about 1/8 inch thick. Use gentle, even pressure and rotate the dough to prevent sticking. Transfer this crust carefully to a 9-inch pie pan and chill while preparing the other disc for the lattice top. Cutting the second disc into 1-inch strips gives you the perfect lattice framework to crown your pie beautifully.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the peaches, strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Toss gently to coat all the fruit pieces. Pour the fruit mixture into the prepared bottom crust, but be sure to leave behind any excess liquid in the bowl; this will keep your pie from becoming watery and help the filling set up just right.
Step 5: Assemble the Pie
Create the lattice top by weaving the dough strips over and under each other atop the fruit filling. Trim any excess dough along the edges, then fold and crimp the bottom crust edges over the lattice for a clean, finished look. Brush the lattice with beaten egg for a golden glaze and sprinkle with turbinado sugar if using. This final touch adds sparkle and crunch after baking.
Step 6: Bake the Pie
Bake the pie initially at 425 F (218 C) for 25 minutes to set the crust, then without opening the oven, lower the temperature to 350 F (180 C) and continue baking another 40-50 minutes. Keep an eye on the crust’s color—if it browns too fast, cover it loosely with foil. The wait as it cools for at least 4 hours allows the filling to thicken enough for the perfect slice.
How to Serve Brown Butter Strawberry Peach Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream is all you need to transform this pie into an unforgettable dessert. If you want to get fancy, fresh mint leaves or a dusting of powdered sugar bring a lovely visual and flavor contrast, elevating every bite.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with light, simple accompaniments like a crisp green salad or a refreshing citrus sorbet. These sides help balance the richness of the crust and the sweetness of the fruit, making your dessert experience feel complete and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
Imagine serving a slice on a rustic wooden platter with edible flowers scattered around for a charming summer party vibe. Alternatively, individual mini pies made using the same filling and dough offer personalized sweetness that’s perfect for gatherings or dessert tables.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover leftover pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep it refrigerated. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, and the crust maintains its flakiness for up to 3 days. Just be sure to let it come close to room temperature before slicing again for best texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this pie either before or after baking. For unbaked pies, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months—just bake from frozen, adding extra baking time as needed. For baked pies, wrap well and freeze up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in a low oven (about 300 F / 150 C) for 10-15 minutes to revive the crust’s crispness and the filling’s softness. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the texture intact, but a brief zap can work in a pinch.
FAQs
Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh for this pie?
Fresh fruit is ideal because it holds its texture and sweetness best, but if you only have frozen fruit, make sure to thaw and drain it well before mixing with the other filling ingredients to prevent excess sogginess.
Why brown the butter for the crust?
Brown butter adds a rich, nutty depth of flavor that a regular butter crust lacks. It also enhances the aroma and provides a warm, toasted note that pairs beautifully with the sweet fruit filling.
Is it necessary to wait 4 hours before serving?
Waiting allows the filling to set properly, making slicing easier and less messy. Serving too soon can result in a runny filling that doesn’t hold together well.
Can I make the pie crust without a mixer?
Absolutely! You can use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the browned butter into the flour mixture. Just be careful to keep the butter cold for the flakiest crust.
What if my crust gets too brown during baking?
If the edges or top crust brown too quickly, simply cover them loosely with foil for the remainder of baking to prevent burning while the filling finishes cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Brown Butter Strawberry Peach Pie Recipe is a true celebration of seasonal fruit elevated by an unforgettable crust. It’s the kind of dessert that will become a treasured favorite, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring on a quiet evening. If you’re craving something both comforting and spectacularly delicious, I encourage you to dive in and make this pie your own—each step is a joy, and the reward is pure summertime magic on your plate.
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Brown Butter Strawberry Peach Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and fruity flavors of this Brown Butter Strawberry Peach Pie. The nutty browned butter adds depth and complexity to a flaky, homemade pie crust that envelops a luscious strawberry and peach filling. The lattice top crust makes it visually stunning for any gathering or special occasion.
Ingredients
Pie Dough
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter
- 2 ⅔ cups + 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tbsp apple cider or white vinegar
- 1 whole egg (whisked)
Filling
- 3 cups fresh sliced peaches
- 3 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and quartered)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup + 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
Topping
- 2–3 tbsp Turbinado sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Brown Butter: In a stainless steel pan over medium heat, cook the butter for 10-12 minutes until browned and nutty smelling. You should yield about 185g or just under 1 cup of browned butter. Scrape it into a parchment-lined shallow bowl and freeze until firm, about 1 hour.
- Prepare the Dough: Once frozen, cut the browned butter into cubes and return to the freezer. In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add cubed browned butter and mix on low until mixture resembles coarse sand with pea-sized pieces, about 3 minutes.
- Add Liquid: Prepare ice water by mixing water, vinegar, and ice. With mixer running on low, drizzle 10-15 tablespoons of icy water gradually into the flour mixture until the dough clumps together, feeling moist and soft but not sticky.
- Chill Dough: Divide dough into two rounds of approximately 335g each. Wrap in plastic wrap and form into flat discs. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Roll Out Bottom Crust: Lightly flour surface and rolling pin. Roll one dough disc into a 12-inch diameter, 1/8 inch thick circle. Transfer gently to a 9-inch metal pie pan. Refrigerate while rolling out second disc.
- Prepare Lattice Strips: Roll second disc similarly and cut into 1-inch strips. Chill these strips on parchment-lined tray in the fridge.
- Make Filling: In a large bowl, combine strawberries, peaches, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, cornstarch, and salt. Pour filling into pie crust, leaving excess liquid behind.
- Assemble Lattice: Arrange vertical strips over filling. Carefully weave horizontal strips under and over the vertical ones to create a lattice pattern. Trim excess dough and fold edges over lattice, crimping edges with knuckles.
- Apply Egg Wash and Sugar: Brush the lattice top with whisked egg and sprinkle with Turbinado sugar if using.
- Bake Pie: Place pie on rimmed baking sheet. Bake at 425°F for 25 minutes. Then, reduce oven temperature to 350°F (180°C) and bake an additional 40-50 minutes. Cover pie with foil if crust browns too quickly.
- Cool Completely: Let pie cool on wire rack for at least 4 hours at room temperature to allow filling to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Make sure to measure flour properly by spooning into the measuring cup and leveling with a knife to avoid a dense crust.
- Discard the excess filling liquid to prevent soggy crust.
- If the crust browns too fast during baking, tent it with aluminum foil to avoid burning.
- Allowing the pie to cool completely is essential for proper filling consistency and easier slicing.
- Serving warm with vanilla ice cream makes a delightful dessert.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
