Denise is a psychiatric nurse. She is passionate about writing, photography, travel, cooking, holistic health, adventure, and family.

Peach and Pecan Pie

Open any Southern cookbook and you will be sure to find at least one recipe for pecan pie and a load of other suggestions on what to do with those juicy, Southern-grown peaches. At the height of the season, just walking past them in the grocery store can make your mouth water with their sweet, enticing fragrance. That’s what happened to me one evening, and I ended up taking home a large bag full.

“I’m going to make a homemade peach pie,” I told my friend as I gathered the fuzzy fruit from the bin.

He raised a questioning eyebrow. We’ve known each other for a long time, and he can vouch that I’ve never made a peach pie in my life. But I had such a strong urge to bake one that I could not resist.

“I wonder if I should add some pecans to it,” I pondered aloud, not being familiar with any peach pie recipe. I thought back at the slice or two I had tasted in restaurants and could not recall any pecans in those. But in my estimation, it sure sounded like a good idea; peaches and pecans seemed to be a natural fit.

My friend was watching me and shot the other eyebrow up with an added shake of his head, “I wouldn’t be adding pecans to it" was his enlightened comment.

“You wouldn’t?” I asked, beginning to sound doubtful.

“Nope,” he said.

I considered this for just a brief moment before plopping them into my grocery cart while silently thinking, “This is going to be the best peach-pecan pie anyone has ever tasted.”

It turns out I may be right about that. After looking up several online recipe sources and being dissatisfied with all of them I went with my gut feeling about flavor combinations, and followed my previous cooking knowledge, devising my own peach pie creation. I was delighted with the results and, despite the warning that my friend had given, he had to eat crow, or in this case "pie," regarding my baking instincts.

Cook Time

Ingredients

• 2 pie crusts, refrigerated, unbaked, 9-inch deep dish
• 7–10 peaches, sliced-with or without skin left on
• 1/4–1/2 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/4 cup butter or margarine
• 1/4 cup white sugar, may substitue brown
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/3 cup flour, unbleached white baking flour
• 1/4-1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, (optional)

Instructions

1. Remove the pie crusts from the refrigerator and separate them.
2. Measure flour into a large mixing bowl.
3. Measure and add both types of sugar.
4. Measure and add butter.
5. Mix together butter, sugars, and flour with a fork or pastry cutter until it forms into small crumbs. It should not be one large dough ball. Once mixed, set aside.
6. Chop and measure the number of pecans you wish to use and set aside.
7. Wash and thinly slice the peaches placing them in a bowl or small casserole until ready to use. If you choose, wash and PEEL the skin off the peaches before slicing.
8. Take one pie crust and place a layer of peaches on the bottom.
9. Sprinkle a layer of the sugar crumb mixture over this.
10. Optional: sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon over the crumb mixture.
11. Repeat procedure with a second layer of peaches, crumb mixture, and cinnamon (if desired).
12. Sprinkle the pecans on top of this second layer of ingredients.
13. Top all with the last layer of peaches.
14. Take 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and sprinkle on top of the peach layer.
15. Place the second pie crust on top of the first after inverting it to release the pie from the pie tin.
16. For Lattice design: Release the second pie crust from the pie tin and using a knife, pizza cutter, or other device cut several thin strips of dough and place them vertically and horizontally across the top of the peaches to cover, leaving areas open like "windows."
17. Place the pie onto a cookie sheet to catch any juice from spilling onto the oven floor. Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes, or until the pie crust turns golden brown. Note: if the pie looks too runny, turn the oven off at the end of the cook time and leave it in the oven for 10 more minutes to "set."
18. Serve warm topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzled caramel sauce with a sprinkling of chopped pecans. OR, add all three! Bon appetit!

Recipe Notes

• Every peach pie recipe I looked at called for one cup of white, refined sugar. I cringed at the thought of putting so much sugar into a 9-inch pie of which I counted on the juicy peaches to sweeten it up. It did not seem to be the right choice, so I opted for brown sugar and used a smaller amount.
• I felt the flavor of the brown sugar enhanced the pie and complimented the flavor of the peaches and pecans so nicely that in the future I have decided to eliminate the white sugar completely, using 3/4 cup of brown instead.
• Some cooks swear that a dash of cinnamon is what is needed in all fruit pies. For my next Peaches and Pecan Pie, I will try adding the spice to see which version of the recipe I enjoy more.

Peaches and Pecan Pie: A Summer Treat!

Fresh peaches ready to eat or bake into a pie!

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What Is the Difference Between Brown and White Sugar?

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between white and brown sugar? In my research, I discovered that white sugar has the molasses removed when it is processed. To make the brown sugar, the manufacturer replaces the molasses content in the white sugar. A light brown has a hint of molasses, while the dark brown sugar has a heavier flavor. It is the molasses, not the sugar, that hold the nutrients of calcium, potassium, iron, and magnesium. But both sugar types have the same amount of calories: about 15 per teaspoon.

Why would you use brown sugar instead of white when baking? It depends on what your recipe calls for. If you want the additional flavor, use brown sugar. Additionally, brown sugar will hold moisture better than white; therefore, your baked product will be softer. If you are looking for crispness-stick with the white sugar and be aware that it will dry out quicker.

How to Store Sugar

Any sugar product should be stored in an airtight container. White sugar may clump together in humid environments. If this happens to try to break it up with a food processor, or use it in recipes or beverages where it will dissolve.

When brown sugar dries out it will turn hard and be difficult to measure. To reintroduce moisture place a dampened paper towel on top and place it in the microwave for several seconds. The sugar will draw the moisture into itself and become soft once more. Continue to do this until the product is restored.

Please rate this pie recipe here:

Comments

Denise Handlon (author) from North Carolina on November 04, 2012:

Gordon, I can't tell you how much that means to me coming from you. Thanks! I don't know how you managed to wander over to this hub, but I'm glad you enjoyed it. :) Have a good week.

Gordon Hamilton from Wishaw, Lanarkshire, United Kingdom on November 04, 2012:

Denise, I can't possibly give you a high enough rating! :) Stunning, amazing, incredible, words fail me - not only for your recipe but for your wonderful video. Fabulous stuff! :)

Denise Handlon (author) from North Carolina on October 17, 2012:

Hi Gail-Thanks! I almost did not post it because once it was finished I thought, "OMG!" and kind of freaked. But, I didn't want all of the hard work to go in vain. The pie inspiration came from the cooking muse that visits me on occasion-(more often in the recent weeks) and I just love it.

The pie was sooo yummy! Thanks for the stars and votes and BTW-you could have easily added the 'funny' I know I do, haha

Hello moonlake-thanks for your feedback. I hope you get the chance to try it sometime. The aroma itself is worth doing it for. :) Thanks for the vote.

moonlake from America on October 16, 2012:

Looks good and you did such a good job on the video. I love peaches and pecans. Voted uP!

Gail Sobotkin from South Carolina on October 16, 2012:

Wow! This looks really delicious and I'm impressed with your self-confidence in not only experimenting with your own recipe, but also in making a video.

Rated 5 stars, voted up across the board except for funny and shared.

Hub Hugs,

Gail

Denise Handlon (author) from North Carolina on October 14, 2012:

Hi btrbell-thanks ! I'm like you-a visual and kinesthetic learner. If it is demonstrated to me I pick it up so much quicker than just reading and wading through instructions. Thanks for the votes

Randi Benlulu from Mesa, AZ on October 14, 2012:

Love this recipe! Especially love the video for someone like me who needs the step-by-step when baking! Thank you! Up and useful!

Denise Handlon (author) from North Carolina on September 21, 2012:

Thanks for the link, Letitialicious. I appreciate it. :) Will check out your video recipe also.

Letitialicious from Paris via San Diego on September 21, 2012:

Nice! I'm going to link to it. Thanks for the great video instructions!

Denise Handlon (author) from North Carolina on August 28, 2012:

Hi Debbie, thanks for reading and also sharing. :) Glad you enjoyed and hope you give it a try. It's super easy.

Deborah Brooks Langford from Brownsville,TX on August 27, 2012:

what a great recipe.. I will share on facebook on cooking time

Blessings

Debbie

Denise Handlon (author) from North Carolina on August 22, 2012:

Thanks for your feedback, thelyricwriter, and for sharing your own experience of pie making. This recipe is soooo easy that it is almost shameful. The hard, tedious part is slicing, chopping and measuring. Once that is finished, the rest is a breeze. I hope you have a chance to try it soon. Thanks for the Votes and stars, too. :)

Richard Ricky Hale from West Virginia on August 21, 2012:

Denise, great article. Voted up, useful, and awesome. 5 stars as well. Very detailed, great video, and great instructions. Now, I have had pecan pie, love it to death. Never tried it with peaches and in all honesty, never heard of it. Genius of an idea, will certainly try this one later down the road. Nice work.

Denise Handlon (author) from North Carolina on August 21, 2012:

I know, it is a super simple peach and pecan pie recipe...but, it really was my very first time. It was just a matter of putting together a recipe that appealed to me, preparing all of the ingredients ahead of time so that all I had to do was do the actual work and then, talk about what I was doing...heck, talking is the easy part for me, hahaha. Just ask my kids!

India Arnold from Northern, California on August 21, 2012:

I would have never guest it was your first try at this recipe, even as your story depicts the scenario...you appeared smooth as silk, ma'am! After viewing the video, I totally forgot this was a new kitchen adventure for you! Doh! Just goes to show how easy your recipe is to make! And that is a huge bonus!

Denise Handlon (author) from North Carolina on August 21, 2012:

Hi India-what a lovely surprise. Wow, I appreciate your feedback and kind words. :) good luck having your dad change a tried and true recipe, haha. BTW-this pie is no family secret. It was a concoction I created for the very first time here on this video...a bit risky, now that I come to think of it-the whole thing could have backfired in the end! Hubhugs back to you.

India Arnold from Northern, California on August 20, 2012:

Yummy! My father (surprisingly) makes the best pecan pie I have ever tasted, which is also my favorite variety of pie. I am going to ask him to read this hub--more correctly watch your video--so maybe I can coax him into adding peaches next time! I enjoyed every minute of your video! Such a natural and a no-stress pie baking lesson. It is nice to put such a lovely face to such a genuine author! Thank you for sharing your family secret for peaches and pecan pie, I can't wait to try it! As always, hub perfection from words to images!

HubHugs, my friend~

Denise Handlon (author) from North Carolina on August 17, 2012:

acaetnna-thank you for reading. It is such a yummy pie! Hope you get a chance to make it some time. :) Glad you enjoyed the video.

Hi Klara-I remember seeing that movie (or parts of it) years ago. I know what you mean. It's interesting that my shift of enjoying cooking came from a very strong sense of the presence of my Italian mother when I would experiment making things. she watched a lot of cooking shows, but I never had the interest in doing that. It's been a process of creative expression...or magic, if you will. Thanks for sharing your wonderful thoughts about this subject.

klarawieck on August 17, 2012:

Denise, I recommend that you read the book "Like Water For Chocolate," or watch the movie which is also very good. It shows the true magic of cooking, and how our intentions are transfered through our fingertips into whatever we're making. It's one of my favorite stories of all time and I know that you will love it as well.

Italian traditions are very similar to those of Spanish descent. So, yes, when our families get together we all head to the kitchen. That's where we talk, share gossip, laugh, argue, break important news, and share our heartbreak and fears... always while chopping an onion so people can't see you cry. :-) You've got to love that latin blood!

And yes! I love Aries people as well. :-)

acaetnna from Guildford on August 17, 2012:

Oh wow this looks totally yummy. I absolutely loved your video, thank you Denise. Awesome, most definitely!

Denise Handlon (author) from North Carolina on August 17, 2012:

Well, no wonder we get along so well, Klara-you are Leo and I am Aries; the two are simpatico, mi amiga. My best gf is Leo. I love your comment about 'making magic'. LOL I hadn't thought about that and will carry this with me to ponder, on my trip to meet my Italian relatives this w/e. It's my mother's side of the family and a very first meeting with them. I'm sure my mother got her cooking interest from this side of the family. Food, nurturing, home, family...it's one and the same within the culture.

Thanks for your additional comment. I didn't realize Julia Childs was also a Leo! Cool! or, "Bon Appetite!" as she would say.

klarawieck on August 16, 2012:

Well, cooking is just one way to make magic. Seeing that you're so talented in the kitchen, I'd say you make an excellent cook and a great witch at that. :-) Julia Childs was a Leo, like me! And cats love to hang out in the kitchen!

Denise Handlon (author) from North Carolina on August 16, 2012:

LOL I thought you'd get a kick out of it, Klara-Hey, it was the renowned Ms Child's birthday August 15th---coincidinky? I don't thinky...haha.

All in good fun, thanks for your feedback and it was 'scrumptious'! A hit in my home. I think the secret is getting the peaches in the right time and the right kind. Too dry would not have worked.

Thanks for watching. :)

klarawieck on August 15, 2012:

Good thing Julia is dead or she'd have real competition. It looks yummy and it's easy to make. Awesome video!

Denise Handlon (author) from North Carolina on August 15, 2012:

Hi Goodlady-thanks for the link and I'm glad you enjoyed the video.

Rema-thank you for your compliment! That is very sweet to say. I'm glad you liked the simplicity of the recipe...it's one of the reasons that it was so appealing. Thanks for the share.

Rema T V from Chennai, India on August 15, 2012:

Hi Denise,

Great recipe here. Will try it out soon. I love to bake and such a simple yet great recipe is a favorite add-on to my recipe list. Thanks for the video, it was easier to understand. And may I mention that you have a wonderful smile? Sharing it across with my hubber friends. Cheers, Rema.

Penelope Hart from Rome, Italy on August 14, 2012:

Your pie looks delicious! Nice homey video too. And I agree about the sugar. Thanks for linking. I've done the same. Bless.

Denise Handlon (author) from North Carolina on August 14, 2012:

Hi Mark-Thanks for watching and making Linda watch, haha. Well, be sure to let me know if the two of you actually try the recipe. Talk with you soon.

Mark Bruno from New Jersey Shore on August 14, 2012:

Great Hub and Video Denise, although I am not a cook for sure, but made Linda watch and learn with me. You did a great job Denise and the pie looks so yummy.

Thumbs up to you !!

Denise Handlon (author) from North Carolina on August 13, 2012:

Haha, that's funny mts-thanks for reading and (watching), and commenting. Enjoy, and be sure to let me know how it turns out. :)

mts1098 on August 13, 2012:

Hi Denise - Great video...I have been standing in line with my plate and fork waiting for the pie to bake :)

Denise Handlon (author) from North Carolina on August 12, 2012:

@Danette-Midnight cooking is fine for me, haha. Don't forget-I'm used to staying up through the night.

Hi Ruby-a Peach/Pecan pie was new to me, also, haha. But, it worked. Thanks for your feedback.

Pamela-I appreciate your comments. I hope you give it a try.

Hi Cara-LOL those little rascals! I'll have to bake something when I'm with them next time I'm in town. Thanks for your feedback, I appreciate it. :) Please make sure you try the recipe. I love the Romeo peaches and always think of the Peach festival when it is peach season.

cardelean from Michigan on August 11, 2012:

LOL, your grandkids just said, Grandma doesn't know how to cook! Haha! Then they said, when are we going to make this? It looks delicious! The peaches are just ripening here in Romeo so this will have to be a must make on our list soon. The video was a great guide, nice job.

Pamela Oglesby from Sunny Florida on August 11, 2012:

Excellent video and this recipe sounds delicious. I have copied and I think my family will love it. Thank you.

Ruby Jean Richert from Southern Illinois on August 10, 2012:

Wow Denise, A pecan and peach pie is totally new to me. The video is so nice to instruct method and this is a perfect time for fresh peaches..Thank you for sharing..Looks so good..

Danette Watt from Illinois on August 10, 2012:

boy! that was quick! Sure, I think we have a free hour around midnight Sat, LOL

Denise Handlon (author) from North Carolina on August 10, 2012:

LOL Yeah, that little devil, haha. I wish I had a pecan tree, myself. Thanks for your feedback. If you want maybe we can whip up a P & P pie at your house between all the other things we will be doing next w/e. :) Thanks for rating it via star/vote. :)

Danette Watt from Illinois on August 10, 2012:

Dee, I love peaches, although I don't think I've ever had a peach pie! But peaches and pecans sound like a wonderful combination, very Southern. I remember looking for a house to rent in MS and the realtor telling me a particular one had a pecan tree in the yard. Back then I thought, who cares? Now, I wish I had that pecan tree!

Anyway, voted up and across (not funny) and gave it 5 stars for the very instructive video. Kudos to you for doing it!

Oh yeah, ha ha to "your friend" for not trusting you!

Denise Handlon (author) from North Carolina on August 10, 2012:

LOL I love it! I will read it right now and bookmark it for my 'future baking daze...oh, yeah, 'days' haha.

Liz Elias from Oakley, CA on August 10, 2012:

Mom's version is foolproof--I assure you. I have zero luck with any other 'scratch' pie crust--I need her idiot-proof recipe. ;-) In fact, "idiot-proof" is part of the title... LOL

Denise Handlon (author) from North Carolina on August 10, 2012:

Hi summerberrie-It IS tasty...give it a try. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. :)

Ruth-by all means substitute the sugar ingredients for whatever your daughter is allowed. I know that many people use Splenda b/c it does not seem to have the same aftertaste as many artificial sugars have. In fact, they may be the makers of the brown sugar version. Hope you get a chance to make it for her.

Stephanie-I have NO idea what little cooking muse stepped into my brain in the produce department in that moment, but I am certainly glad she did. It really is something I would not have thought of on my own, haha. Hope you cook up a pie for you, hubby and your granddaughter to enjoy together. Thanks for the vote and share.

Marcy--get into that grocery store line and into the kitchen as fast as you can, haha. It is so simple to make.

Thanks for your comments, Alicia. It has been a bit nerve wrecking trying to work with uploading the video and then seeing myself on film, haha. It was my very first peach pie and I have to say it turned out to be a huge hit in my house.

MsLizzy-I'm so glad you commented about the 'ready made' crust. It is such a time saver and I have not taken up the challenge of trying from scratch yet. I will definitely check out your mother's version when I gather enough courage for that project, haha. The peach/pecan combo is very tasty. I chopped the package of 'chopped' pecans to minced size. Hope you can add a few through the pie for hubby to manage. Thanks for the vote and stars!

Denise Handlon (author) from North Carolina on August 10, 2012:

Billy-thanks so much for your enthusiastic comment. If you could have heard me AFTER the video was completed, haha. I even wrote to Simone Smith and told her, "Never again!" But, I may change me mind, hee hee. Anyway, I thank you for your read and tolerating the lonnnnggg narrative here. :) Hope you do try the pie-it is such a simple version and tastes delicious. Thanks for the vote and share.

Mary-aww, you are so sweet. Read my response to Billybuc and you will know that the 'calm' I had during the video was ignorance, haha. After I viewed it I thought: "What was I thinking? ! " But, I hit the 'publish' button just the same. If I can do it, girl, so can YOU. Glad you like the look of those peaches...once I made the decision to do the video I meticulously picked the best ones I could find, of course.

Liz Elias from Oakley, CA on August 09, 2012:

Oh, this sounds delicious! I love that you use ready-made crusts, since I'm not a big fan of from-scratch cooking--although I do have a hub detailing my mother's super-easy foolproof crust!

I love pecan pie, and I do enjoy peach pie (although cherry tends to be my favorite 'non-chocolate' pie)... I think I might be able to chop the pecans in this recipe small enough for my husband to eat, (since Medicare's policies for dental "care" left him with no teeth)--he can no longer eat regular pecan pie.

Voted up across and starred!

Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on August 09, 2012:

The combination of peaches and pecans sounds delicious, Denise - especially when the pie is served with ice cream! Thanks for the instructions and the great video.

Marcy Goodfleisch from Planet Earth on August 09, 2012:

Oh, yummy! Love peaches; love pecans. Where do I get in line?

Stephanie Henkel from USA on August 09, 2012:

This looks luscious! I love peaches and pecans, but never would have thought to put them together in a pie...mmmmm! Very creative! Voted up and shared!

Ruth Clark from Arkansas, USA on August 09, 2012:

This sounds yummy. I'll be trying it for sure. Do you know if it lends itself to diabetics? I know there is a brown sugar made for diabetics. I'm wondering if any of your readers have tried it. I'd hate to ruin a pie but my daughter is diabetic and I'd have to make it so she could share. Thumbs up for you. I plan to browse the other recipes, too.

summerberrie on August 09, 2012:

Looks really tasty. Nice instructional video!

Mary Hyatt from Florida on August 09, 2012:

Boy, your video was great! I have not been brave enough to do a video yet. This recipe looks so good. Your peaches are beautiful, too. I'm bookmarking this one.

I voted this UP, etc.etc. and I will share. Mary

Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on August 09, 2012:

Look at you doing a video! It looks fantastic! Great job Denise, and the recipe sounds delicious! This is a great looking hub!

Denise Handlon (author) from North Carolina on August 09, 2012:

Yes, ma'am...this I do know already, LOL. "Location, location, location!" Please let me know if you do give it a whirl. I just loved combining these two products. In fact, I am inclined to make another one real soon...(just made my first key lime pie the other day). Gee...eating is such a pleasure, haha. Thanks for stopping in.

Cynthia Calhoun from Western NC on August 09, 2012:

MMMM. Peach pie with pecans. OMG! This looks YUMMY! I'm so glad you wrote this. I was going to the store today anyways and now I'm going to have to get me some southern peaches, because I live in NC, too. :D

Denise Handlon (author) from North Carolina on August 09, 2012:

Keith-LOL I had forgotten that I made that comment until I reviewed the video...oh well, truth as it stands. They were yummy even eaten out of the bowl. Congrats on your apprenticeship status, my friend, and thanks for the sharing/stars. Let me know if you do end up making this pie.

Hello Frank-good for you and your recipe collection. I enjoy doing the same. In fact, I'm heading off to the store for ingredients to Stephanie Henkel's recipe for Hungarian stuffed peppers. Thanks for reading and your 'A' vote. :) Enjoy.

Frank Atanacio from Shelton on August 09, 2012:

Ive been collecting these types of recipes to try them during down times a nd this one I must do great share Denise..voted awesome :)

KDuBarry03 on August 09, 2012:

Denise, you are calling to my sweet tooth right now (and I have a pretty addictive sweet tooth)! I think I'll stop by the grocery store after work tomorrow...

Definitely voted 5 stars and all the way up! Definitely pinned and tweeted this :D

Oh, btw, I voted across the board! "Any left over pieces goes in my mouth..." LOL I would do the same!

Denise Handlon (author) from North Carolina on August 09, 2012:

Thanks for hanging in there with me, Josh, LOL, I finally figured out the photo thing...Yes, let me tell you I have NEVER made this pie before and could not believe how EASY it was. Of course, true bakers would cringe with all of the short cuts I've done, like using a frozen ready made pie crust. But, Pillsbury makes one that tastes great and without the time and hassle so I usually use that for all my baking needs.

With just a few ingredients you'll have this in the oven in no time. And, I was pretty meticulous with the slicing and layering, etc b/c of the video...however, behind the scenes for just the family, I would mix everything in a big bowl and dump it in! LOL The best part is the tasting.

Thanks for stopping by and sharing the hub. :)

Joshua Zerbini from Pennsylvania on August 09, 2012:

Denise,

UH OH, you are making me very tempted here! :)

This looks so delicious! I love pie and I love brown sugar! This is a must for me! Thanks for sharing Denise! I vote it five stars! And sharing!