Vegan Peach Pie with Crumble Topping

Mark my words, this Vegan Peach Pie is going to make you wish it was peach season every season. As someone who doesn't like a lot of fuss, i prefer the pies I make to have crumble topping. That way you only have to worry about making and handling a single piecrust! Crumble topping is also decidedly better but you didn't hear it from me.

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Vegan Peach Pie (with Crumble Topping) Ingredients

For the Pie Crust

• All Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour is a staple ingredient in many baking recipes, including pie crusts. It provides structure and texture to the crust. In a vegan pie crust, all-purpose flour acts as the main dry ingredient that binds the other ingredients together. It helps create a tender and flaky crust.
• Sugar: Sugar adds a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors. It also aids in browning and caramelization during baking, which contributes to the overall taste and appearance of the crust.
• Salt: Salt is an essential ingredient in any pie crust recipe, including vegan versions. It enhances the flavors by balancing the sweetness and bringing out the natural taste of the other ingredients. Additionally, salt helps strengthen the gluten structure in the dough, resulting in a more stable crust.
• Vegan Butter: Vegan butter is used as a substitute for dairy-based butter in vegan recipes. It adds richness, flavor, and a buttery texture to the crust. Cold vegan butter is crucial because it needs to stay solid until it is mixed into the dough. The solid fats create layers within the crust, resulting in a flaky texture once baked.
• Non-hydrogenated Shortening: Non-hydrogenated shortening is a solid fat derived from plant sources, commonly used as a vegan alternative to animal-based shortening. It provides a different texture than vegan butter, adding tenderness and a slightly crumbly quality to the crust. Like vegan butter, it needs to be cold to maintain its structure and create the desired flakiness.
• Ice Water: Ice water is essential for hydrating the dough and bringing it together. Cold water helps keep the solid fats cold, preventing them from melting and compromising the flakiness of the crust. Adding water in small increments and using ice water helps keep the dough temperature low, resulting in a more tender crust.

For the Filling

• Fresh Peaches: Peaches are the star ingredient of the vegan peach pie filling. They provide natural sweetness, a juicy texture, and a delicious fruity flavor. The peaches should be ripe yet firm to hold their shape during baking. Peeling and slicing the peaches allows them to cook evenly and meld together with the other ingredients.
• Lemon Juice: Lemon juice adds a subtle tanginess that enhances the natural sweetness of the peaches. It also helps prevent the sliced peaches from oxidizing and turning brown. It also adds a bright and fresh flavor to the filling.
• Sugar: Sugar is necessary to sweeten the peach pie filling and balance the tartness of the lemon juice. The amount of sugar can be adjusted based on personal preference and the sweetness of the peaches used. Sugar helps bring out the natural flavors of the peaches and contributes to the overall taste and texture of the filling.
• All Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour acts as a thickening agent in the vegan peach pie filling. It absorbs the liquid released by the peaches during baking and helps create a luscious, cohesive filling. The flour thickens the juices, preventing the pie from becoming too runny. It also gives the filling a desirable consistency and texture.
• Cinnamon: Cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the vegan peach pie filling. Its sweet and aromatic flavor also complements the natural sweetness of the peaches and adds a touch of spiciness.

Tips for Making Vegan Peach Pie with Crumble Topping

1. Choose ripe yet firm peaches: Select peaches that are ripe but still hold their shape when sliced. Overly ripe peaches can become mushy during baking and affect the texture of the pie filling.
2. Prepare the peaches properly: Peel and slice the peaches evenly to promote even cooking. Removing the skins also helps create a smoother texture in the filling. Toss the peach slices with lemon juice to prevent browning and add a touch of acidity.
3. Balance the sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar in the filling based on the sweetness of the peaches. Taste a slice to gauge its natural sweetness before adding the sugar.
4. Bake at the right temperature: Follow the recipe instructions for the recommended baking temperature and duration. This ensures that the peaches cook through and the crumble topping becomes golden brown and crispy.
5. Allow the pie to cool: Once baked, let the pie cool completely before slicing. This allows the filling to set, making it easier to slice and preventing it from becoming too runny.

Remember, vegan pies may require slight adjustments and experimentation based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Enjoy the process of creating a delicious vegan peach pie with a crumble topping, and don't be afraid to customize it to your taste preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen peaches for the filling?

Yes, you can use frozen peaches for the filling. Thaw them before using and drain off any excess liquid to avoid a watery pie filling. Keep in mind that frozen peaches may have a slightly softer texture compared to fresh peaches.

Can I substitute the all-purpose flour in the crumble topping with a gluten-free flour?

Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour in the crumble topping. However, keep in mind that different gluten-free flours have varying textures, so the crumble may have a slightly different consistency compared to the original recipe.

Can I make the pie crust and crumble topping ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pie crust and crumble topping in advance. Wrap the pie crust tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it until ready to use. Store the crumble topping in an airtight container at room temperature. When you're ready to assemble the pie, roll out the crust, fill it with the peach filling, and sprinkle the crumble on top before baking.

Can I use a store-bought vegan pie crust for convenience?

Absolutely! If you prefer to save time or don't want to make your own pie crust, you can use a store-bought vegan pie crust. Just make sure to follow the package instructions for pre-baking or filling the crust, as they may vary.

How to Serve/Store Vegan Peach Pie with Crumble Topping

Vegan peach pie with crumble topping can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:

1. Warm or at room temperature: Allow the pie to cool slightly after baking, but it can still be served warm. The warmth enhances the flavors and adds a comforting touch. Alternatively, let the pie cool completely to room temperature before serving.
2. Plain: Enjoy a slice of vegan peach pie with crumble topping as is, without any additional toppings or accompaniments. To emphasize, the combination of sweet peaches, spiced filling, and buttery crumble is delicious on its own.
3. With vegan whipped cream: Top each slice of peach pie with a dollop of vegan whipped cream. You can also use store-bought vegan whipped cream or make your own using coconut cream or aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) whipped with sugar and vanilla extract.
4. With vegan ice cream: Serve a slice of warm vegan peach pie with a scoop of vegan ice cream. Classic flavors like vanilla or cinnamon work well, or experiment with other fruity flavors like peach or coconut-based ice creams.
5. With a drizzle of vegan caramel sauce: Elevate the flavor profile of the pie by drizzling it with vegan caramel sauce. The caramel adds richness and a hint of sweetness that complements the peaches and crumble topping.

Remember to consider individual preferences and dietary restrictions when serving. Offering a variety of options allows guests to personalize their servings and enhances the overall enjoyment of the vegan peach pie with crumble topping.

Storing

Before storing the pie, make sure it has cooled down to room temperature. This helps prevent condensation and keeps the crust and crumble topping from becoming soggy. To this end, cover the pie with a loose-fitting piece of plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps protect it from drying out and keeps it fresh.

A vegan pie with a crumble topping is best enjoyed within 2-3 days. The longer it sits, the more the crust and crumble topping can lose their crispness. If you need to store it for longer, consider refrigerating it. It can also be frozen for up to 1 month.

Please remember if you make this recipe to snap a pic and share with @censoredbaker on instagram!

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More Vegan Pie and Pastry Recipes

• Vegan Blueberry Galette
• Vegan Banana Cream Pie
• Vegan Blackberry Cobbler
• Vegan Peach Crumble Bars
• Vegan Strawberry Rhubarb Pie