01 -
First things first, get your peaches ready! I usually blanch them quickly to make peeling easier – a quick dip in boiling water for 30 seconds, then into an ice bath. The skins just slip right off, honestly. Then, slice them up, about 1/2-inch thick. In a big bowl, gently toss these beauties with the granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Give it a good mix, making sure every peach slice gets coated. You'll see them start to get juicy, that's what we want!
02 -
Next, let's tackle the star of the show – the crumble topping! In another bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, rolled oats, and salt. Now, for the butter: it needs to be cold, like straight from the fridge cold. Cut it into small cubes and, using your fingertips (my favorite way, feels so therapeutic!) or a pastry blender, work the butter into the dry ingredients. You're looking for a coarse, sandy mixture with some pea-sized crumbs. Don't overmix, or you'll end up with a tough topping, and nobody wants that. I once used room temp butter and it turned into a sticky mess, oops!
03 -
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you're using a pie crust, press it into your 9-inch pie plate. Now, pour that luscious peach filling right into the crust. Make sure the peaches are spread evenly. Then, grab your gorgeous crumble topping and sprinkle it generously over the peaches. Don't be shy here; cover every bit! I always make sure there are some nice big clumps of crumble because, to be real, those are the best bits. It should look rustic and inviting already!
04 -
Pop your assembled pie into the preheated oven. I usually place it on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips – a lesson learned after a few messy oven incidents! Bake for about 45-55 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the crumble is beautifully golden brown, and the peach filling is visibly bubbling around the edges. Oh, and your kitchen will smell absolutely divine, like pure summer bliss. If the crumble starts getting too dark, just tent it loosely with foil.
05 -
Okay, this is where my patience is always tested! Once your pie comes out of the oven, it needs to cool. Seriously, resist the urge to cut into it right away. Let it sit on a wire rack for at least 2-3 hours. This cooling time is crucial for the filling to set properly. If you cut it too soon, it’ll be a runny mess, and while delicious, it won't hold its shape. Trust me, I've made that mistake more times than I care to admit!
06 -
After what feels like an eternity (but is really just a couple of hours!), your pie is ready to be devoured. I love serving it slightly warm, maybe popped back in the oven for 10 minutes if it's cooled too much. The best part? A big scoop of good quality vanilla bean ice cream melting slowly over that warm, spiced peach goodness. It's truly a match made in dessert heaven. Get ready for smiles all around!