This Peach Pie with Cornmeal Crumble Topping is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of fresh peaches with a unique, crunchy cornmeal topping. The ginger-spiced peach filling nestled in a crisp pie crust offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

10 ounces (285 grams) Mealy Pie Dough or store-bought pie dough

For the Cornmeal Crumble Topping:

1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, slightly chilled
1/2 cup (115 grams) packed brown sugar
1/2 cup (90 grams) yellow cornmeal (medium or fine-ground)
1/2 cup (50 grams) masa harina (or corn flour)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (optional)

For the Peach Filling:

6 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions

Prepare the Pie Dough:
- Roll out the pie dough to fit a 9-inch pie plate. Place the dough into the pie plate, trim the edges, and crimp as desired. Refrigerate while preparing the filling and topping.
Make the Cornmeal Crumble Topping:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, cornmeal, masa harina, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Add the chilled butter and use your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
Prepare the Peach Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced peaches, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, ground ginger, vanilla extract, and salt. Toss until the peaches are evenly coated.
Assemble the Pie:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove the pie crust from the refrigerator and fill it with the peach mixture.
- Sprinkle the cornmeal crumble topping evenly over the peaches.
Bake the Pie:
- Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
- Bake for 1 hour and 25 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
- If the topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil.
Cool and Serve:
- Allow the pie to cool for at least 1 hour before slicing.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: Approximately 360
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 200mg
Total Carbohydrates: 46g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 27g
Protein: 4g

The History of Peach Pie

Fruit pies, including peach pie, have a long history in culinary traditions, especially in the United States. The origins of pie-making can be traced back to Europe, where fruit-filled pastries were popular. The art of pie-making was introduced to the Americas by European settlers, who adapted the recipes using the ingredients available to them. Over time, pie-making became a fundamental part of American cuisine, with fruit pies like apple, cherry, and peach being popular choices.

Peach pie, in particular, has a special place in Southern cuisine. Peaches have been grown in the southern United States since the 17th century, and as a result, peach-based desserts became a significant part of regional cooking. The South is renowned for its hospitality and love for sweet, homemade treats, and peach pie fits perfectly into that tradition. Many Southern cooks have their own variations of peach pie, from those with a lattice crust to others that feature crumble toppings or a more rustic approach.

Why Cornmeal?

Cornmeal is a versatile ingredient commonly used in many dishes, particularly in Southern and Southwestern cuisines. It is made by grinding dried corn kernels into a fine, medium, or coarse powder. Cornmeal can add both flavor and texture to a variety of baked goods, from cornbread to muffins. In this peach pie, cornmeal plays a crucial role in the crumble topping, giving it a slightly gritty, crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the soft peaches.

One of the main reasons cornmeal works so well in pie toppings is its ability to create a crumble that doesn’t become overly soggy or greasy. Traditional pie crusts can sometimes be too dense or soft, but the cornmeal provides a crumbly, golden finish that holds its texture even after baking. This makes the peach pie with cornmeal crumble topping a great choice for those who love a bit of crunch in their desserts.

The Role of Peaches in the Pie

Peaches are the star of this dessert, and their natural sweetness makes them the perfect fruit for a pie. The fruit is juicy, fragrant, and flavorful, offering a refreshing sweetness that doesn’t require excessive amounts of sugar. When baked, the peaches become soft and tender, releasing their juices and creating a syrupy filling that is both decadent and satisfying.

Peaches are also a great source of nutrients, including vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. They are low in calories, making them a healthy choice for a dessert. The high water content in peaches also contributes to the pie’s juiciness, ensuring that the filling is moist without becoming too soggy.

Customization and Variations

One of the great things about this peach pie with cornmeal crumble topping is its versatility. While the classic recipe is delicious on its own, you can easily modify it to suit your personal preferences or to incorporate seasonal ingredients. For example, you can experiment with different fruits in place of peaches. Nectarines, apricots, or a mix of berries could be used for a different fruit filling, allowing you to create new variations of the pie depending on what’s in season.

Another way to customize the recipe is by adding spices or flavorings to the peach filling. While the ginger used in this recipe offers a warm, slightly spicy note, you could also experiment with cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a splash of almond extract to create a more complex flavor profile. If you prefer a more tart pie, you could balance the sweetness of the peaches with a touch of lemon zest or even a few slices of green apple mixed in.

Serving Suggestions

Peach pie with cornmeal crumble topping is a versatile dessert that can be served in a variety of ways, depending on the occasion. For a more casual, family-style meal, you can serve the pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. The contrast of the warm, juicy filling and the cool, creamy topping creates a perfect balance of temperatures and textures.

For more formal occasions, such as holiday dinners or dinner parties, the pie can be served as the perfect finishing touch to a multi-course meal. The elegant crumble topping adds a refined touch to the pie, making it a dessert that’s both rustic and sophisticated. If you’re serving it during a special gathering, consider pairing it with a glass of sweet dessert wine or a cold, refreshing iced tea.

Conclusion

Peach pie with cornmeal crumble topping is a delicious and versatile dessert that combines the natural sweetness of peaches with the earthy texture of a cornmeal topping. This dessert is perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to formal gatherings, and its unique twist on a traditional fruit pie makes it stand out from the crowd. Whether served warm with a scoop of ice cream or as a show-stopping centerpiece at your next dinner party, this peach pie is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

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