Classic Homemade Peach Pie (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Crust Components

01 - 1 recipe for double pastry crust (homemade or store-bought)
02 - 1 large egg for glazing
03 - Coarse granulated sugar for finishing

→ Fresh Peach Filling

04 - 3 pounds ripe fresh peaches (approximately 8-9 medium peaches)
05 - ⅔ cup white granulated sugar
06 - 6 tablespoons cornstarch for thickening
07 - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
08 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
09 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
10 - 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, diced into small cubes

# Instructions:

01 - Heat your oven to 425°F and allow your chilled pie dough disks to soften slightly at room temperature, making them easier to roll out.
02 - Create shallow cuts on the bottom of each peach, then carefully remove the skin. Cut peaches in half, discard the pits, and slice into half-inch thick pieces.
03 - Combine sliced peaches with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla, and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl. Gently toss everything together and let it rest while you prepare the crust.
04 - Roll one dough disk into a 13-inch circle, keeping it about ⅛-inch thick. Carefully transfer to your 9-inch deep-dish pie pan, allowing excess dough to drape over the edges.
05 - Roll the second dough disk into an 11-inch circle, then cut into 1-inch wide strips. You'll need about 8 to 10 strips for a beautiful lattice pattern.
06 - Spoon the peach mixture into the prepared bottom crust, creating an even layer. Scatter the cold butter cubes across the surface of the fruit.
07 - Weave the dough strips over and under each other to form a classic lattice pattern. Trim both the lattice ends and bottom crust to leave a 1-inch overhang, then fold under and crimp the edges decoratively.
08 - Whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon water to create an egg wash. Brush this over the lattice and crust edges, then sprinkle with coarse sugar for a golden finish.
09 - Cover the pie edges loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes at 425°F, then reduce temperature to 375°F for the remaining baking time.
10 - Continue baking for 40-50 minutes more until the crust is golden brown and filling bubbles vigorously throughout. Cool completely on a wire rack for 4-5 hours before serving to allow the filling to set properly.

# Notes:

01 - Leaving the peach skin on is perfectly fine - it softens during baking and adds a lovely pink color, though it does change the texture slightly.
02 - A small pinch of salt enhances the flavor balance, especially if your peaches vary in sweetness or tartness.
03 - Feel free to experiment with additional warm spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or fresh ginger to complement the peaches.
04 - Don't discard the juices that accumulate in your mixing bowl - they contain dissolved cornstarch that helps thicken the pie filling.
05 - If lattice work seems too complicated, simply use a solid top crust with decorative vents or cookie-cutter shapes for steam release.
06 - Placing a baking sheet in the oven during preheating and baking your pie on it helps achieve a crispy bottom crust.