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As summer rolls in, the kitchen transforms into a haven filled with the sweet aromas of freshly picked fruit. There’s a certain charm in watching the vibrant colors of strawberries and peaches meld together in a pie, creating a feast for both the eyes and the palate. I stumbled upon this Brown Butter Strawberry Peach Pie recipe during my annual fruit-picking spree, and it quickly became a family favorite. The nutty, rich flavor from the brown butter elevates this dish to a whole new level, making it perfect for gatherings or simply enjoying a cozy night at home.

Imagine cutting into this glorious lattice crust, the juices bubbling up while the first slice reveals the irresistible filling. It’s not just a pie; it’s a celebration of summer’s bounty. The blend of caramelized butter, tart strawberries, and succulent peaches creates a medley of flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe promises to impress without overwhelming you in the process. Let’s dive into this delightful creation!

Why is Brown Butter Strawberry Peach Pie special?

Decadent flavors: The brown butter adds a rich, nutty twist that enhances the sweetness of fresh strawberries and peaches.
Visual appeal: The stunning lattice crust makes this pie a showstopper for any gathering.
Simple preparation: Despite its impressive taste, this recipe is manageable for cooks of all levels.
Perfect for summer: It’s the ultimate way to celebrate seasonal fruits and captivate your friends’ taste buds.
Family favorite: Expect requests for seconds and thirds – this pie has crowd-pleasing potential like no other!

For tips on making the perfect crust, check out my post on how to make pie crust from scratch.

Brown Butter Strawberry Peach Pie Ingredients

For the Crust

Cold unsalted butter – enhances flavor and richness, essential for the pie crust’s texture.
All-purpose flour – provides structure; ensure it’s lightly spooned for accuracy.
Fine sea salt – balances sweetness and elevates the overall flavor profile.
Water – use cold to keep the dough from becoming too warm when mixing.
Apple cider or white vinegar – adds tenderness to the crust and helps it to brown beautifully.
Whisked egg – perfect for brushing the crust, giving it a lovely golden finish.

For the Filling

Fresh sliced peaches – juicy and sweet; they bring the essence of summer into your pie.
Fresh strawberries (hulled and quartered) – their vibrant flavor complements the peaches perfectly.
Granulated sugar – enhances the natural sweetness of the fruits.
Cornstarch – thickens the filling, ensuring a sliceable pie without too much juice spilling over.
Lemon juice – brightens the filling and balances the sweetness of the fruits.
Lemon zest – adds a fragrant citrus note that enhances the overall flavor.
Fine sea salt – just a pinch brings all the flavors together beautifully.
Turbinado sugar (optional) – adds a delightful crunch and a hint of caramel when sprinkled on top.

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, you’re one step closer to creating your own Brown Butter Strawberry Peach Pie! Let’s get you started on the journey to pie perfection.

How to Make Brown Butter Strawberry Peach Pie

Prepare the Butter: In a stainless steel pan, cook 1 cup of cold unsalted butter over medium heat for about 10-12 minutes, until it turns medium brown and emits a nutty aroma. Chill the browned butter in the freezer until firm, approximately 1 hour.
Make the Dough: Once the butter is frozen, cut it into cubes. In a stand mixing bowl, combine 2 ⅔ cups plus 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour and ¾ teaspoon of fine sea salt. Add the cubed browned butter and mix on low speed until it resembles coarse sand, around 3 minutes.
Combine Wet Ingredients: Measure out ½ cup of water and 1 tablespoon of apple cider or white vinegar, then add ice to chill. With the mixer running on low, drizzle the chilled water mixture into the bowl one tablespoon at a time until the dough begins to clump around the paddle. Divide the dough into two rounds, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
Roll the Dough: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Roll out one disc of dough on a floured surface into a circle about ⅛ inch thick and 12 inches in diameter. Transfer it to a 9” metal pie pan and chill while rolling out the second disc of dough.
Prepare the Filling: Cut the second disc into 1-inch strips and chill while making the filling. In a large bowl, mix together 3 cups of fresh sliced peaches, 3 cups of hulled and quartered fresh strawberries, ¼ cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and ¼ teaspoon of fine sea salt.
Assemble the Pie: Pour the filling into the pie dish, discarding any excess liquid. Arrange the 1-inch strips on top of the filling to create a lattice crust, trimming the excess dough and crimping the edges together.
Bake the Pie: Brush the top crust with the whisked egg wash and sprinkle with Turbinado sugar if using. Place the pie on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes.
Reduce Heat and Continue Baking: Without opening the oven, decrease the heat to 350°F (180°C) and let the pie bake for another 40-50 minutes. If the top starts to brown too much, cover it with foil.
Cool Before Serving: Once baked, let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 4 hours at room temperature before slicing and serving.

Optional: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Brown Butter Strawberry Peach Pie Variations

Feel free to get creative and make this pie uniquely yours with these delicious customizations!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a pie that everyone can enjoy.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil or vegan butter in place of traditional butter for a dairy-free twist that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Add Spices: Sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg for an aromatic touch that complements the sweetness of the fruits beautifully.
Mix in Berries: Combine blueberries or raspberries with the strawberries for an added burst of tartness and a lovely color contrast!
Sweeten It Up: Swap granulated sugar for brown sugar to deepen the flavor and enhance that caramel essence.
Omit the Lattice: For a quicker preparation, simply cover the filling with a solid top crust; it’ll save time and still be delicious!
Peachy Keen: Switch some of the strawberries out for extra peaches or use nectarines for a different fruity profile that’s still fabulous.
Zesty Twist: Add orange zest along with the lemon for a bright, citrusy lift that perfectly complements the fruit flavors.

Get inspired and adjust this pie to match your flavor desires!

Expert Tips for Brown Butter Strawberry Peach Pie

Perfect Butter Timing: Let the brown butter chill until firm; this step is crucial to achieving a flaky, golden crust rather than a soggy one.
Chill Your Dough: Always keep your dough and mixing ingredients cold. This helps maintain a tender texture – warm ingredients can lead to a tough pie crust.
Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale or spoon flour lightly into your measuring cup to avoid adding too much flour, which can affect the consistency of your crust.
Fruit Prep: Make sure to discard excess liquid from the fruit filling to prevent a watery pie. One common mistake is adding too much juice, which can make the pie soggy.
Watch the Baking: Keep an eye on the pie while baking. Cover with foil if you notice it browning too quickly. You want a beautifully golden crust without overcooking.
Cooling Time: Allow the pie to cool for at least 4 hours before slicing; this helps the filling set and makes for cleaner slices when serving your Brown Butter Strawberry Peach Pie.

What to Serve with Brown Butter Strawberry Peach Pie?

As the aroma of this delightful pie wafts through your home, it’s time to think about the perfect accompaniments to create a memorable meal.

Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on the side melts delightfully into the warm pie, enhancing its rich flavors.
Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a luscious texture that balances the pie’s sweetness.
Fresh Mint Leaves: A sprinkle of bright mint leaves provides a refreshing contrast that elevates the overall flavor profile.
Sparkling Lemonade: Refreshing and tangy, this drink pairs beautifully, cutting through the richness and echoing the pie’s lemon hints.
Coffee or Espresso: A warm cup of coffee enhances the nutty notes from the brown butter, making every bite a cozy experience.
Almond Biscotti: Crunchy and slightly sweet, these cookies offer a delightful texture contrast when enjoyed alongside each slice of pie.

Indulge in this scrumptious ensemble, and watch as your gathering transforms into a beautiful celebration of flavors and moments.

How to Store and Freeze Brown Butter Strawberry Peach Pie

Room Temperature: Let the pie cool completely before storing at room temperature to maintain its texture; it’s best enjoyed fresh within 1-2 days.

Fridge: If you have leftovers, cover the pie with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps the filling fresh and flavors intact.

Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in an airtight freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating: To enjoy leftovers, reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through, reviving that just-baked taste of the Brown Butter Strawberry Peach Pie.

Make Ahead Options

These Brown Butter Strawberry Peach Pies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the pie crust up to 24 hours in advance by making the dough and chilling it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. The filling can also be combined and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply roll out the chilled dough, assemble the pie with the prepared filling, and follow the baking instructions. To maintain quality, avoid adding the Turbinado sugar until just before baking for that delightful crunch. Enjoy the convenience of having everything ready to go, allowing you more time to savor the moment with family and friends!

Brown Butter Strawberry Peach Pie Recipe FAQs

What should I look for when selecting ripe peaches and strawberries?
Absolutely! When choosing peaches, look for fruits that are slightly soft to the touch with a sweet aroma. They should have a vibrant color without dark spots all over. For strawberries, choose bright red and firm berries. Avoid any that appear dull or have mold.

How should I store leftover Brown Butter Strawberry Peach Pie?
Very simple! Cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the fridge to keep it fresh. It’s best enjoyed within 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, follow the freezing instructions!

Can I freeze Brown Butter Strawberry Peach Pie?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in an airtight freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

What can I do if my pie filling is too watery?
No worries! If you find that your filling has excess liquid, make sure to thoroughly mix the fruit with cornstarch before pouring it into the crust. Additionally, you can place the filling in a sieve for a few minutes to let the excess juice drain away. This way, your pie will have a lovely, thick filling instead of being soggy!

Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
If you’re catering to dietary needs, keep in mind that this pie contains gluten and dairy. For a gluten-free option, you can substitute regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. If allergies to dairy are a consideration, try using a dairy-free butter alternative!

What if I don’t have Turbinado sugar?
Very easy! If you don’t have Turbinado sugar on hand, feel free to substitute it with regular granulated sugar. While it won’t provide the same crunchy texture, it will still give your pie a nice sweetness. The more, the merrier!