If you’re looking to wow your guests or simply treat yourself to something extra special, this Brown Butter Strawberry Peach Pie is the answer. With its deeply golden, nutty crust wrapped around summer’s juiciest peaches and strawberries, this pie manages to capture sunshine in every slice. The brown butter transforms a classic fruit pie into something to remember, highlighting the fruit’s sweetness with its rich, toasty notes. Whether it’s warm out of the oven or chilled from the fridge, this pie truly feels like a celebration of summer in a dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to irresistible Brown Butter Strawberry Peach Pie is all in the quality and simplicity of its ingredients. Each part of this recipe—you’ll see—brings something special to the table, from the juicy fruit to the aromatic vanilla and that unforgettable brown butter.
- Pie Crust (1 double crust): The foundation of your pie—choose store-bought for convenience or homemade for something truly special.
- Fresh Strawberries (2 cups, sliced): Their bright color and tangy-sweet flavor bring vibrance and freshness.
- Fresh Peaches (2 cups, peeled and sliced): Lusciously juicy, they pair perfectly with strawberries for a sun-kissed filling.
- Granulated Sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the fruit naturally while boosting their juices.
- Light Brown Sugar (1/4 cup): Adds mellow caramel notes that complement the brown butter perfectly.
- Cornstarch (1/4 cup): Ensures the filling thickens up just right, so every slice holds together beautifully.
- Ground Cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon): A subtle warmth that echoes summer spice in every bite.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to balance the sweetness and enhance the fruit flavors.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Deepens fragrance and flavor, tying all the fruity notes together.
- Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): A splash for brightness, making the fruit taste even more intense.
- Unsalted Butter, browned (6 tablespoons): The star ingredient—nutty, aromatic, and totally worth the extra step.
- Egg (1, for egg wash): Gives your crust that glossy, golden bakery finish.
- Coarse Sugar (1 tablespoon, optional): Adds sparkle and a delightful crunch to the top crust.
How to Make Brown Butter Strawberry Peach Pie
Step 1: Brown That Butter!
Let’s start things right—the brown butter is what takes this Brown Butter Strawberry Peach Pie from good to unforgettable. Melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring often. Watch as it foams, then turns a deep golden with fragrant brown bits at the bottom—about 5 to 7 minutes. Once it smells nutty and toasty, pull it off the heat and let it cool a bit. Trust me, you’ll want to savor that aroma—it’s a preview of the magic to come!
Step 2: Prep Your Pie Crust
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take one of your crusts and roll it out to fit your 9-inch pie dish. Carefully lay it in, pressing gently so there are no air pockets. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—rustic is always charming in a homemade pie!
Step 3: Mix the Fruit Filling
In a large bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and peaches. Sprinkle over the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, salt, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and your cooled brown butter. Gently toss the fruit until it’s evenly coated and everything looks glossy and beautiful. You’ll see the fruit start to shine and the subtle scent of brown butter mingling with vanilla—it’s a little moment of pure summer.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Pour your fruit filling into the prepared crust, spreading it out evenly. Roll out your second pie crust and set it on top. You can go classic with a lattice weave or simply lay the whole crust on top and cut a few steam slits. Crimp the edges together to seal all those sweet juices in place.
Step 5: The Finishing Touch
Beat the egg and brush it over the top crust for that glorious golden glow. If you like, sprinkle with coarse sugar for a sparkling crunch. Place your pie on a baking sheet (it’ll catch any enthusiastic bubbling over) and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. If the top is browning too fast, just tent it with a bit of foil toward the end.
Step 6: Let It Set
Resist the urge to dig in right away—this is tough, I know! Allow your Brown Butter Strawberry Peach Pie to cool for at least 2 or 3 hours so the filling can set up. This guarantees clean slices and the perfect balance of juicy fruit and rich, flaky crust in every bite.
How to Serve Brown Butter Strawberry Peach Pie
Garnishes
A scoop of vanilla ice cream is classic, letting its creaminess melt into the warm juices. A dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar is equally wonderful. For extra flair, scatter a few thinly sliced almonds or fresh mint leaves on top—they add crunch, freshness, and make your Brown Butter Strawberry Peach Pie extra photogenic.
Side Dishes
While a generous slice of this pie can stand gloriously on its own, a side of tart Greek yogurt or a simple fruit salad complements the sweetness and makes it a rounded, refreshing dessert experience. For something more decadent, serve with a drizzle of honey or a glass of chilled Moscato.
Creative Ways to Present
A dramatic lattice crust steals the show at outdoor picnics and family gatherings; cut-outs using cookie cutters are playful and festive for holidays. Try serving individual mini pies in ramekins for dinner parties, or layer the filling in jars with swirls of whipped cream for a rustic, make-ahead treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Brown Butter Strawberry Peach Pie will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply cover the pie (or slices) loosely with foil or plastic wrap to keep it moist and flavorful. The flavors often deepen and meld overnight, making for an even more luscious treat the next day.
Freezing
This pie is freezer-friendly! To freeze, let it cool completely, then wrap well in plastic wrap and an extra layer of foil. You can freeze the whole pie or individual slices for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving or reheating.
Reheating
To enjoy your Brown Butter Strawberry Peach Pie warm, heat slices in a 325°F (163°C) oven for about 10–15 minutes, or gently in the microwave. This helps bring back that lovely, just-baked texture and revives the aromas of brown butter and sweet fruit.
FAQs
Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh for Brown Butter Strawberry Peach Pie?
Yes, you absolutely can! Just make sure you thaw and drain the fruit well before mixing it with the other ingredients. This helps control the juiciness and keeps your pie from turning soggy.
What’s the difference between brown butter and regular butter in this pie?
Brown butter has a deep, nutty flavor that regular butter just can’t match. It adds a caramel-like aroma and intensifies the richness of the pie filling, making every bite of Brown Butter Strawberry Peach Pie extra special.
Can I make this pie gluten-free?
Definitely! Just use your favorite gluten-free pie crust and check that your cornstarch or thickener is certified gluten-free. The fruity filling and brown butter flavors will still shine through beautifully.
How do I keep my bottom crust from getting soggy?
You can blind-bake the bottom crust for 10 minutes before filling, or sprinkle a light layer of cornstarch or even ground almonds on it to absorb excess juices. Both tricks work wonders for a crisp, flaky base!
Is this pie best served warm or cold?
It comes down to personal preference! Brown Butter Strawberry Peach Pie is delicious both warm (with melting ice cream) and chilled (showcasing its set layers and juicy fruit). Try it both ways and pick your favorite.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about pulling a homemade pie from the oven, especially when it’s as fragrant and gorgeous as Brown Butter Strawberry Peach Pie. The combination of rich, golden brown butter and sweet summer fruit is simply unforgettable—so gather those ingredients and treat yourself! I can’t wait for you to try this fabulous pie and share it with people you love.
