Sunny Peach Pie is a classic example of mid-20th-century American home baking, often found handwritten on aging recipe cards tucked into family cookbooks. Rooted in the Southern United States where peaches flourish, this no-bake pie became popular for its fresh flavor and ease of preparation, ideal for warm weather when turning on the oven wasn’t preferred. The use of canned peaches and pre-baked pastry shells made it an accessible treat during the postwar era, aligning with the mid-century trend toward convenience cooking. Orange juice and zest add a citrusy brightness that makes this pie stand out, representing the innovation in traditional fruit desserts during the 1950s.
Ingredients
- 1 9” pastry shell (pre-baked)
- 3½ cups peach slices ( drained, reserve syrup)
- ¼ cup sugar
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 cup reserved peach syrup
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 1 tsp orange rind (grated )
- 1 tbsp butter
- ⅛ tsp salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Pastry Shell & Fruit
- Place the pre-baked 9” pastry shell on a flat surface.
- Arrange drained peach slices evenly in the shell.
Step 2: Make the Syrup Mixture
- In a saucepan, combine the sugar and cornstarch.
- Add 1 cup of reserved peach syrup and stir well.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens.
Step 3: Final Flavoring Touches
- Remove the thickened syrup from heat.
- Stir in orange juice, grated orange rind, butter, and salt until well blended.
Step 4: Assemble & Chill
- Pour the warm mixture over the peaches in the pastry shell.
- Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Refrigerate for 2–3 hours or until completely chilled and set.
Tips
- Fresh Peaches Option: Substitute canned peaches with 4 cups of fresh, sliced peaches lightly poached in sugar syrup.
- Citrus Twist: Try lemon juice and zest instead of orange for a tangier note.
- Top with Whipped Cream: For added decadence, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition
Calories: 391kcalCarbohydrates: 82gProtein: 3gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 0.2mgSodium: 241mgPotassium: 186mgFiber: 2gSugar: 62gVitamin A: 315IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 26mgIron: 1mg
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