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Spiced Peach Pie with Crumb Topping: Your New Favorite Homemade Dessert

Prepare to fall in love with this incredible Spiced Peach Pie with Crumb Topping! This homemade masterpiece brings together the luscious sweetness of fresh peaches, a warming blend of aromatic spices like nutmeg, ginger, and cinnamon, all nestled in a flaky crust and crowned with a delightful, buttery crumble. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s an experience that will instantly become a cherished family favorite. Forget complicated recipes – this easy peach pie recipe guarantees a taste of pure bliss in every single bite.

Why This Homemade Peach Pie Will Captivate Your Taste Buds

There’s something truly special about a homemade pie, and this Spiced Peach Pie with Crumb Topping embodies that magic. Our family absolutely adores this recipe for its deeply satisfying flavor and perfectly balanced sweetness. Imagine biting into juicy, tender peaches, generously coated in a symphony of sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and a hint of cloves, all baked to golden perfection within a tender, flaky pie crust. But the indulgence doesn’t stop there! The crowning glory is a rich, spiced crumb topping that adds an irresistible texture and an extra layer of buttery, sweet flavor.

This isn’t just “a” peach pie; it’s quite simply the best peach pie recipe I’ve ever encountered. A recent baking session instantly reminded me of the scrumptiously sweet and perfectly spiced peach filling, confirming its top-tier status. Whether you’re celebrating the abundance of late summer peaches or seeking a comforting dessert for the cooler months, this classic crumble-topped pie is a must-make. It beckons to be shared, enjoyed, and savored, ideally with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream.

The Versatility of Spiced Peach Pie: Perfect for Any Season

This incredible dessert isn’t confined to a single season; it’s the perfect pie for any occasion that calls for something sweet and comforting. We firmly believe that life is too short to skip out on the sweet things, which is why there’s almost always a delicious dessert in our home. And once you try this spiced peach pie, you’ll undoubtedly agree!

While fresh peaches are undeniably crazy good during their peak season, offering unparalleled flavor and aroma, this recipe is wonderfully versatile. If you find yourself craving this delightful pie when peaches aren’t in season, fear not! Frozen peaches work exceptionally well. In fact, every summer, I make it a point to slice and prepare a large batch of fresh peaches and freeze them specifically for cherished recipes like this spiced peach pie. This simple trick ensures that the sweet taste of summer can be enjoyed year-round, proving you can truly never have too many peaches on hand!

The warmth of the spices makes it an ideal fall dessert, perfect for holiday tables like Thanksgiving, while the juicy peaches make it a refreshing treat during warmer months. It’s truly a pie for all seasons, always bringing joy and comfort.

My Deep Love for Homemade Pie

I’ve probably mentioned my profound love for pie once, or maybe a hundred times! It’s genuinely difficult to pinpoint an absolute favorite when there are so many exquisite options. Is it the creamy indulgence of Chocolate Meringue Pie? The silken richness of French Silk Pie? Or perhaps the classic comfort of Banana Cream Pie? All undeniably excellent choices!

However, fruit pies always hold a special place in my heart, especially those baked with a generous hand of warming spices like nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and cinnamon. The bonus? Your entire kitchen smells absolutely heavenly when one of these beauties is baking! This Spiced Peach Pie with Crumb Topping stands out as one of my ultimate favorites for all these reasons and more. The combination of sweet fruit and aromatic spices is simply irresistible.

And if you want to elevate this already divine dessert to an angelic level, add a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The cool, melting ice cream against the warm, spiced pie is like heaven in your mouth! I’ve even witnessed my own children engage in friendly (but fierce!) competition over the very last piece, a true testament to its irresistible appeal.

These gorgeous peaches pictured above were a gift from my wonderful friend, Lori, who has thriving peach trees in her backyard. They were truly amazing – not only impressively large but also perfectly sweet and incredibly juicy. I used a good portion of them for this delightful pie and then froze the rest. This way, I can easily whip up another one of these amazing spiced peach pies for special occasions like Thanksgiving, and still have plenty of peaches left to enjoy in refreshing smoothies throughout the winter months.

If you’re lucky enough to find yourself with an abundance of peaches and want to preserve them, I highly recommend this fantastic, no-fail recipe for canning sliced peaches. It’s a great way to ensure you always have that sweet, peachy goodness on hand.

Do You Peel Peaches for Pie? A Personal Preference

The question of whether to peel peaches for pie often comes down to personal preference. While I personally don’t mind the skins either way, I typically choose to peel them for a smoother texture. However, if you prefer to leave the skins on, rest assured that as the peaches bake in the oven, their skins become wonderfully tender, making them much easier and more pleasant to eat. Some people enjoy the slight textural contrast and added fiber the skins provide. Feel free to experiment and discover which method you prefer for your perfect peach pie!

Essential Ingredients for the Best Spiced Peach Crumb Pie

Crafting this heavenly Spiced Peach Pie with Crumb Topping requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this dessert so unforgettable.

For the Pie Crust:

Pie Crust: For ultimate convenience, a good quality store-bought pie crust works perfectly. However, if you’re feeling ambitious, my Grandma’s Homemade Pie Crust recipe will elevate this pie to another level. The key is to ensure it’s unbaked when you start!

For the Filling:

Peaches: The star of the show! Fresh, ripe peaches are ideal, but thawed frozen peaches are an excellent substitute when fresh are unavailable. Any variety works beautifully—freestone, yellow, white, or Saturn peaches will all create a delicious pie.
Sugar: Regular white granulated sugar sweetens the juicy peaches, balancing their natural tartness and creating a syrupy, delectable filling. It also contributes to the golden-brown crust and crumb topping.
Spices: This is where the “spiced” magic happens! A harmonious blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves comes together to create a warm, inviting, and well-balanced flavor profile that truly makes this pie stand out. These spices also infuse your kitchen with an intoxicating aroma as the pie bakes.
Flour: Used as a thickening agent for the filling, flour helps bind the peach juices, ensuring a beautifully set pie rather than a runny one. You’ll also need it for the crumb topping. For those with dietary restrictions, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend can be a successful substitute.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors, adding a layer of sophisticated sweetness and warmth. Invest in a good quality bottle; you’ll be so glad you did! I often find excellent pure vanilla at Mexican grocery stores.
Lemon Juice: A crucial element! Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavor of the peaches, prevents them from browning excessively, and adds a subtle, refreshing tang that cuts through the sweetness, making the pie even more vibrant.

For the Crumb Topping:

Butter: Cold butter is essential for creating that perfect crumbly texture in the topping. It gets cut into the flour and sugar mixture, melting slowly in the oven to create those irresistible pockets of buttery goodness. You can use either salted or unsalted butter according to your preference. For dairy-free versions, use a high-quality dairy-free butter substitute.
Sugar, Flour, Spices: Similar to the filling, these form the base of the delicious, sweet, and spiced crumb topping.

For Serving:

Whipped Cream: A dollop of light and airy whipped cream (store-bought Cool Whip or freshly made) provides a delightful contrast to the warm, rich pie.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The ultimate accompaniment! A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, melting slowly over a warm slice of spiced peach pie, is a truly decadent and unforgettable experience.

How to Make Spiced Peach Pie with Homemade Filling and Crumb Topping

This recipe for Spiced Peach Pie with Crumb Topping is surprisingly straightforward, guiding you through each step to create an exceptional homemade dessert. Drawing inspiration from classic Southern cookbooks, this pie is as sweet, comforting, and authentic as it gets. Follow these simple steps for the best peach pie from scratch!

Step One: Prepare the Pie Crust and Peaches

Begin by taking your unbaked pie crust and carefully lining a shallow pie plate. Gently press the crust into the plate, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides evenly. Crimp or flute the edges of the crust beautifully to create a decorative finish that will hold the filling securely.

Next, prepare your peaches. If using fresh peaches, wash them thoroughly. You can choose to peel them for a smoother filling, or leave the skins on for a rustic touch (they’ll soften significantly during baking). Then, carefully slice them into even pieces, about ½ to ¾ inch thick, ensuring they’ll cook evenly and fit nicely into your pie.

Step Two: Mix the Filling and Begin Baking

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced peaches with the sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, flour, vanilla extract, and fresh lemon juice. Gently toss all the ingredients together until the peaches are evenly coated with the sugar and spice mixture. The flour will act as a thickener, and the lemon juice will prevent browning while adding a lovely brightness.

Once the filling is thoroughly mixed, carefully spoon it into your prepared pie crust, mounding the peaches slightly in the center. Don’t worry if it looks a little full; the peaches will soften and settle during baking.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the pie at this initial high temperature for twelve minutes. This burst of heat helps to set the crust and begin the cooking process rapidly. After twelve minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for another 30 minutes. This two-stage baking ensures a perfectly cooked filling and a golden crust.

Step Three: Prepare the Buttery Crumb Topping

While your pie is undergoing its initial bake, it’s the perfect time to prepare the irresistible crumb topping. In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the sugar, flour, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for the topping). Next, add the pads of *cold* butter to the dry mixture. The coldness of the butter is key here, as it prevents the topping from becoming too dense. Using your fingertips, work the butter into the flour mixture until it forms a delightful, coarse crumble, similar in consistency to wet brown sugar. This hands-on method ensures perfectly sized crumbs that will become beautifully golden and crisp.

Step Four: Add Topping, Finish Baking, and Serve

After the pie has baked for the initial 42 minutes (12 minutes at 400°F and 30 minutes at 350°F), carefully remove it from the oven. Evenly sprinkle the prepared crumb topping over the partially baked peach filling. Return the pie to the oven, still set at 400°F (200°C), and bake for an additional ten minutes, or until the crumb topping is beautifully golden brown and the filling is bubbly and tender. Keep an eye on the topping to ensure it doesn’t get too dark.

Allow the pie to cool slightly before slicing and serving. The waiting is the hardest part, but it allows the filling to set properly. Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. Enjoy every delightful bite of your homemade spiced peach pie!

Love It? Pin It for Later!

Don’t let the craving for this delightful spiced peach pie catch you unprepared! Save this irresistible recipe to your favorite dessert Pinterest board so you can easily find it whenever the mood for sweet, spiced, homemade pie strikes. It’s perfect for any time of year!

Frequently Asked Questions About Peach Pie

How Do You Thicken Peach Pie Filling?

In this recipe, flour serves as the primary thickening agent for the peach pie filling. It absorbs the juices released by the peaches during baking, creating a luscious, well-set consistency. If you find your filling is still a bit too thin for your liking, you can add an additional tablespoon or two of flour to the peach mixture before pouring it into the crust. Another excellent alternative is using cornstarch. To substitute, typically use half the amount of cornstarch compared to flour (e.g., 2 tablespoons of cornstarch for 1/3 cup of flour), mixed with a small amount of cold water to create a slurry before adding it to the peaches. This prevents lumps and ensures even thickening.

Do You Thaw Frozen Peaches Before Making a Pie?

Yes, it is crucial to thaw frozen peaches completely before incorporating them into your pie filling. If you use frozen peaches directly, they will release a significant amount of excess water as they thaw and cook in the oven. This can lead to a watery, soggy pie filling and a less-than-ideal crust. After thawing, gently pat the peaches dry with paper towels to remove any residual moisture, ensuring your pie maintains its perfect texture and flavor.

Why Is My Peach Pie Runny?

A runny peach pie can be disappointing, but it’s a common issue with a few potential culprits. Most often, a pie is runny because it hasn’t had sufficient time to bake in the oven. The thickeners (like flour or cornstarch) need enough heat and time to properly activate and set the fruit juices. Ensure your pie bakes long enough, typically until the filling is visibly bubbly and thickened around the edges and even in the center. Another reason could be insufficient thickener in the recipe, or too much moisture from fruit that wasn’t properly drained (especially if using frozen peaches). Finally, not allowing the pie to cool completely before slicing can also lead to a seemingly runny filling; the pie continues to set as it cools, so patience is key!

Can I Make This Spiced Peach Pie Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! This spiced peach pie can be a fantastic make-ahead dessert. You can prepare the entire pie, bake it, and let it cool completely. Once cooled, cover it loosely with foil or plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) until warm through, or enjoy at room temperature. The crumb topping might lose a tiny bit of its crispness, but the flavors will meld beautifully.

What Are the Best Types of Peaches for Baking?

For baking, freestone peaches are generally preferred because their flesh easily separates from the pit, making preparation much simpler. Yellow peaches are also an excellent choice, offering a classic peachy flavor and beautiful golden hue when baked. White peaches, while delicious, tend to be sweeter and less acidic, so you might want to adjust the sugar slightly if using them. Ultimately, ripe, firm peaches that hold their shape well during baking are ideal, regardless of the variety.

Other Delicious Peach and Pie Recipes You Are Sure to Love

If you’re a fan of the comforting flavors of peach and pie, you’re in for a treat! Explore more of my cherished recipes that celebrate these delightful ingredients:

Peaches and Cream Tacos: A surprisingly delicious and fun dessert twist.
Whiskey Peach Pie: An adult-friendly version with a hint of warmth.
Spiced Peach Pocket Pies: Individual portions perfect for picnics or parties.
Grandma’s Rhubarb Pie: A classic tart and sweet favorite.
Pecan Pie: A rich, nutty, and traditional holiday indulgence.
The Easiest Fresh Strawberry Pie (pictured above): A vibrant and simple dessert bursting with berry flavor.
Original Lemon Ice Box Pie Recipe: A refreshing, no-bake citrus delight.

Ready to fill your home with the intoxicating aroma of freshly baked pie? Let’s bake this incredibly satisfying crumb-topped peach pie and create some sweet memories!

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Spiced Peach Pie with Crumb Topping

This Spiced Peach Pie with Crumb Topping, featuring nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and cinnamon, is so full of flavor it will truly become one of your favorites.

Prep Time

5 minutes

Cook Time

45 minutes

Total Time

50 minutes

Cuisine:
American

Keyword:
Spiced Peach Pie with Crumb Topping

Servings:

1
pie

Calories:

260
kcal

Author:
Michaela Kenkel

Ingredients

For the Pie:
4
cups
fresh sliced peaches
1/2
cup
sugar
1/2
teaspoon
ginger
1/2
teaspoon
nutmeg
1
teaspoon
cinnamon
1/3
cup
flour
1/2
teaspoon
vanilla
1/2
teaspoon
lemon juice
1
pie shell – 9 inch
unbaked
For the Topping:
1/3
cup
sugar
1/3
cup
flour
1/4
cup
cold butter
1/2
teaspoon
cinnamon
1/2
teaspoon
nutmeg
1/4
teaspoon
cloves

Instructions

Line a shallow pie plate with pie crust and form edge.
In a bowl combine filling ingredients and pour into pie crust.
Bake 400* for 12 minutes, then 350* for 30 minutes.
While pie is baking make crumb topping, in a bowl combine sugar, flour and spices. Cut pads of cold butter into mixture. Using your fingers crumble together, it will be the consistency of brown sugar.
Add crumb topping to top of pie and bake 400* for 10 minutes to desired color topping.
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

Nutrition

This recipe was originally posted on July 30th, 2014. It was updated to improve the user experience and include additional tips and information on September 7, 2021.