Super Easy Peach Hand Pies With a Fresh Basil Filling

This recipe for peach hand pies was first published on the 5th of July 2021.

Do you ever re-read stuff you have written years ago and cringe? This is the case with this post for the peach hand pies. The recipe itself it’s absolutely delicious, so it has nothing to do with the dish itself. And the pictures, having taken them myself by myself are not half bad. But the writing, the writing was something else. So let me apologise in advance, but I will try my best to change and adjust where possible.

You might have gathered by now, that I have transformed my repertoire into a recipe book. Mostly because food it’s what I love, truly. You might have read in before that food is my obsession, so I thought I would make it more obvious this season. 

You have also read about my obsession with peaches and this recipe is just on a long streak of peach recipes. So I decided to make sure you’d try these peach dessert hand pies we have really loved recently. Because there is nothing yummier than these, and you will see why soon.

You have tried peach curd – which features in these peach hand pies – and you have tried peach crostini. It was bound to happen I would just serve you more peachy goodness in the shape of peach hand pies and start baking the perfect summer dessert, because they are! Just like a time-ticking bomb. I am your friendly crocodile from Peter Pan, put it that way. Is it only me making proper references to Disney movies all the time? I hope not – Disney is life around here. Are you a Disney fan? Are you currently hiding your Mickey ears somewhere?

Before I digress, let’s focus on these super easy peach hand pies

These peach hand pies are most definitely the love child of two favourites: pie and peach curd. You know we have a relentless love for pie, in all shapes and forms. You might have noticed by the fair amount of pies we have shared throughout: from chocolate pecan pie to pumpkin ganache pie. Then the Christmassy ones like this buttermilk pie, these mince pies and this mixed berry & bourbon pie.

But also the specials, like this Milk Bar Pie. Or these fruity ones like passion fruit meringue pie, strawberry & basil pie or plum streusel pie. And the most traditional apple pie, also in this Graham cracker crust version. And the only savoury pie (for now), the majestic chicken pie and the mummy pot pie. Plus, do not forget Fred’s handy guide on all things pie too! And in all honesty, I can confirm there are a couple of pie recipes planned to be released soon. Don’t say I don’t love you. 

I think my obsession with pie was a result of Instagram. I would always see those beautiful designs on scrumptious round goodness, and I was kinda jealous for not trying it. And even bought a whole box of cookie cutters from Amazon with something like 100 pieces or so inside. But do you think I even ever looked at them? No, sir. I am a bit like that, I hit that buy now button so fast, that my card can’t keep up with me. 

I am a different woman now, don’t worry

Or sort of, at the very least. I have developed some self-control as a result of money being tight. But back to pie love. So I used to see loads on Instagram and on our first trip to New York, I made Fred walk blocks and blocks in Brooklyn to go to what would become my favourite pie shop, Four & Twenty Blackbirds.

All worth it, for what I care. And for what Fred needs to eventually admit – she’s been baking pies since with a newfound admiration for my determination to walk all the way there, I assume. As soon as we flew back from New York, the one thing we did was buy their book and one from Allison Kave, First Prize Pies.

Do any of you have an obsession with pie too? Or is it just us? We love the process of making them, but we are even better at eating them, of course. And these peach hand pies are just so fast to make – and go down so quickly too, a win-win in my books!

Are peaches good for you?

First off, peaches are originating from Eastern China. The trees themselves are low and broad, and there are more than hundreds of different kinds cultivated around the world. And that includes nectarines, too! We love nectarines and those soft, flat peaches my grandad used to bring home every summer. We thought they were made for kids and kids only (go figure!) and we wouldn’t have let anyone touch them. What a bunch of crazy cousins we’ve always been!

Peaches are a type of juicy fruit with a fuzzy outer skin and a sweet, aromatic flavour. They belong to the genus Prunus, which also includes cherries, apricots, and almonds. Peaches are typically in season during the summer months and come in various colours, including yellow, white, and even red.

Nutritionally, peaches are a healthy fruit choice. They are low in calories and are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as dietary fibre. Vitamin A is important for vision and immune function, while vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and is essential for collagen synthesis. The fibre in peaches can aid in digestion and help promote feelings of fullness.

Peaches also contain various phytochemicals, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, which have antioxidant properties and may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.

Peaches offer a range of health benefits due to their nutrient content and the presence of various bioactive compounds. Here are some of the key benefits of peaches:

1. Rich in Nutrients: Peaches are low in calories but rich in essential vitamins and minerals. They provide vitamins A and C, which are important for immune function, skin health, and vision. They also contain smaller amounts of vitamins E and K, as well as minerals like potassium and magnesium;
2. Antioxidant Properties: Peaches contain antioxidants such as vitamin C, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds. These antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and lowering the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes;
3. Anti-inflammatory Effects: Some compounds found in peaches, such as phenolic acids and flavonoids, have anti-inflammatory properties. Consuming foods with anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce inflammation in the body and alleviate symptoms of inflammatory conditions like arthritis;
4. Digestive Health: Peaches are a good source of dietary fibre, particularly insoluble fibre. Fibre adds bulk to stool, promotes regular bowel movements, and helps prevent constipation. It also supports a healthy gut microbiome by serving as food for beneficial gut bacteria;
5. Heart Health: The potassium content in peaches helps regulate blood pressure by counteracting the effects of sodium and promoting vasodilation (relaxation of blood vessels). Additionally, the fibre and antioxidants in peaches contribute to heart health by reducing cholesterol levels and protecting against oxidative damage to blood vessels;
6. Skin Health: Vitamin C plays a crucial role in collagen synthesis, a protein that provides structure to the skin. Consuming vitamin C-rich foods like peaches can help maintain skin health, promote wound healing, and protect against UV-induced damage;
7. Weight Management: Peaches are a low-calorie, nutrient-dense food that can be included in weight management diets. The fibre content in peaches helps promote feelings of fullness and satiety, which can aid in controlling appetite and reducing overall calorie intake;
8. Cancer Prevention: Some studies suggest that the antioxidants and phytochemicals found in peaches may have protective effects against certain types of cancer. These compounds help inhibit the growth of cancer cells, reduce inflammation, and induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in abnormal cells.

Overall, incorporating peaches into your diet can contribute to overall health and well-being. They are delicious eaten fresh, added to salads, blended into smoothies, or used in various culinary preparations. Just remember to enjoy them as part of a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. So careful with these peach hand pies!

So back to the peach hand pies we go

You might think these peach hand pies are extremely healthy but think twice. We are going to be adding butter, sugar, wheat and all you can think of. So yes, peaches are extremely good for you, but don’t be fooled just yet! Just like with everything else, as long as you have something in moderation, you’ll be absolutely sorted for life. It’s a sweet treat after all! You wouldn’t eat three scoops of peach cobbler or peach ice cream just because it contains peach right?

The pastry for these peach hand pies

We make our own pastry, and I will make sure to share it below. But you are more than fine at using shop-bought shortcrust pastry. It’s fast, it’s quick and it’s vegan, so that’s great. Ours is full of butter, but you know the gist. If you fancy making your own, this recipe I’m always going on and on about is the absolute best.

It has butter, flour, sugar and salt, water and apple cider vinegar. The addition of apple cider vinegar makes the pastry flaky and extremely tasty. Don’t trust me? Try it for yourself once and you shall be pleasantly surprised. You can use your food processor to whip it up or do it by hand. Either way, you will love it.

The ingredients for the pie dough are:

• 2 and 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 tablespoon of white granulated or caster sugar
• 230g of cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1 glass of cold filtered water
• 1/4 of a cup of cider vinegar
• 1 cup of ice

And this is how you make it:

1. In a large bowl, stir the flour, salt, and sugar together.
2. Add the butter pieces and mix together well.
3. Combine the water, cider vinegar, and ice in a small bowl.
4. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the ice water mixture over the flour, and mix until fully incorporated.
5. Add more ice water, only 1 or 2 spoons at a time, mixing gently until the dough comes together in a ball – you will not need the whole iced water you have – leaving some dry bits.
6. Squeeze and pinch with your fingertips to bring the mixture together and combine.
7. Shape the dough into 2 flat discs wrapped in cling film, and refrigerate for at least an hour, preferably overnight.

Ideally, though, if you’re short on time I would recommend shop-bought. They also do gluten-free ones now, so you can cover that too should you need it.

Once the pie crust is ready and has rested for at least 30 minutes in the fridge, you are ready to roll and cut in the shape of your choice. We went for simple rounds and cut both the bottom and top. Set them aside and prepare a little bowl with water and a pastry brush.

The pie filling of the peach hand pies

Now get your ingredients for the filling ready: wash the basil leaves and dry them, then get the peach curd out of the fridge. You will find all the instructions here, and just so you know – it’s addictive. Then you will slice the fresh peaches so that you are ready to assemble: we have left the skin on, but it is really up to your taste here.

How do you make peach hand pies?

First off, roll the pie dough on a floured work surface and cut the circles. Place the base of each hand pie on a prepared baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Then you will layer the curd at the bottom (making sure you leave a gap on the borders to be able to place the second disc on top), the peach slices and the basil. Once this is done, you grab that second disc of pastry and place it on top, making sure you seal the borders with a fork.

We pierced the top of all peach hand pies, then we brushed each with a beaten egg and sprinkled some brown sugar on top. Nothing easier, they are ready to go into the oven for 15 minutes, or until golden. Let the peach hand pies come fully to room temperature before serving. You can have them on their own, with a side of ice cream or whipped cream.

Can I freeze them?

The secret to freezing these little hand pies is to use unbaked peach hand pies. All you will really need to do is follow all of the above instructions up to the egg wash and sugar drizzling. You will get the peach hand pies sealed, on a lined baking sheet, and you will freeze them overnight. Once they are completely frozen, you will be able to move them in a zip lock bag.

You will be able to bake the peach hand pies from frozen, and you will need to add roughly 5 to 10 minutes to the cooking time. Before you bake the peach hand pies, make sure you do the egg wash and brown sugar sprinkling. If not, you can also omit both of those and just sprinkle some powdered sugar instead after they are baked.

They are the perfect example of a dessert that can be done in advance and in big batches. They are perfect for hosting your friends and family over for a BBQ or for a picnic.

Any other tips and tricks for these peach pies?

This hand pie recipe is pretty easy and straightforward as it is. But – you know there is always a but when it comes to me making food! – not when peaches are in season. Now, the peach season can go from July to September, but if you plan to make these peach hand pies in the mid of this… Well, let’s just say August and July are definitely not the easiest times.

The pastry is what worries me the most, usually, even though summer pies are my absolute favourite. The handling of the pastry and the butter melting away can turn this recipe into a disaster pretty quickly. So make sure there is at the very least a fan next to you if temperatures are rising where you live. And refrigerate! That might be my biggest tip. Every time you handle the pastry, pop it in the fridge or freezer for a while.

When it comes to the peach filling, well… The peach curd is one of those you need to make to understand how yummy it really is. And the tip here is to make loads of it, every summer. Because it just won’t last!

Hand pies are a delightful treat that can be customized with various fillings and flavors. Here are some tips and tricks to help you make delicious hand pies.

Pastry Dough:

1. Use a Flaky Dough Recipe: Opt for a pastry dough recipe that produces a flaky and tender crust. A basic pie dough made with flour, butter, salt, and water works well for hand pies;
2. Keep Ingredients Cold: Ensure that your butter and water are cold when making the dough. Cold ingredients help create a flakier texture by preventing the butter from melting too quickly into the flour;
3. Don’t Overwork the Dough: Handle the dough gently and avoid overworking it, as this can result in a tough crust. Mix the dough just until it comes together, and then chill it in the refrigerator before rolling it out;
4. Roll Out Evenly: Roll out the dough evenly to a consistent thickness. This ensures that all your hand pies will cook at the same rate and have a uniform appearance;
5. Use Flour for Rolling: Dust your work surface and rolling pin with flour to prevent the dough from sticking. Rotate the dough occasionally and add more flour as needed to keep it from sticking.

Filling:

1. Choose the Right Filling: Select fillings that are not too runny, as they can cause the hand pies to leak during baking. Fruit fillings, such as apple, cherry, peach, or blueberry, are popular choices, but you can also get creative with savoury fillings like spinach and feta or BBQ pulled pork;
2. Thicken Fruit Fillings: If using fruit fillings, toss the fruit with a thickening agent such as cornstarch or tapioca flour to absorb excess moisture and prevent the filling from becoming too watery;
3. Sweeten to Taste: Adjust the sweetness of your filling to suit your preference. Taste the filling mixture before assembling the hand pies and add more sugar if needed;
4. Leave Room for Expansion: When spooning the filling onto the dough, leave a border around the edges to allow room for the pies to seal properly and for the filling to expand during baking.

Assembly and Baking:

1. Use an Egg Wash: Brush the edges of the dough with an egg wash (a beaten egg or egg yolk mixed with a little water) before sealing the hand pies. The egg wash helps create a golden-brown crust and seals the edges securely;
2. Seal Well: Press the edges of the dough together firmly to seal the hand pies completely. You can use a fork to crimp the edges or fold and pinch them decoratively;
3. Ventilation: Cut small slits or poke holes in the top of each hand pie to allow steam to escape during baking. This prevents the pies from bursting open and helps the filling cook evenly;
4. Chill Before Baking: For best results, chill the assembled hand pies in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before baking. This helps firm up the dough and maintain its shape during baking;
5. Bake Until Golden: Bake the hand pies in a preheated oven until they are golden brown and crisp on the outside. The exact baking time will depend on the size and thickness of your hand pies, so keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning;
6. Cool Before Serving: Allow the hand pies to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. This gives the filling time to set and prevents it from being too hot when you bite into the pies.

Enjoy your homemade hand pies as a delicious snack, dessert, or on-the-go treat!

These peach hand pies will fly out as if they’re hotcakes. They are, so forgive the pun there. I am pretty sure they will be loved all around, but the basil might become a bit too overwhelming if someone does not like the flavour of it, so bear that in mind.

The peach hand pies are a delicious and portable dessert. We love them because they are so versatile, perfect for picnics, parties, a quick dessert for your guests or just a sweet treat on the go. The combination of flavours creates a mouth-watering filling that will have you craving more. Plus, the golden-brown crust adds the perfect amount of crunch to the soft and juicy filling of these peach hand pies.

Shop the peach hand pie recipe post

What if I want to make these peach hand pies into a full-size pie?

These peach hand pies were only around for a day or so because we kept going back for more. They are tiny compared to what a full slice of pie would have been – and I am sure you could transform these into a normal-sized pie if you were into that instead! I would personally blind-bake the bottom part, then top it with the curd, the basil leaves and the sliced peaches.

Cover with the top dough and egg wash it, then sprinkle the granulated sugar. The baking time will of course vary, but ideally, you are looking for caramelised sugar crystals and a golden outer top. Do not go over the 180°C as you risk burning it, and keep a careful eye on it through the cooking.

Can I avoid the egg wash on these peach hand pies?

You can indeed! We tend to use milk (either normal or plant-based) when we brush our pies because we feel like we would be wasting an egg. Plus if you went for a vegan version, plant-based milk is your best option. If you want to avoid it fully, either the egg wash or the milk wash, you can simply omit that or use water. It’s really up to you as the dough will still get golden, just not maybe as golden as it could be.

Can I substitute or add anything to this peach hand pies recipe?

When it comes to this recipe for the peach hand pies, I think there are surely some things that are non-negotiable like peaches and the pie crust. But there are also things you could easily substitute. If you prefer to omit basil to freshen up your dessert, you could use mint or fresh lemon juice. If you prefer to have a more classic hand pie recipe, you can use a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to add even more flavour.

The combinations are endless, we love the peach hand pies, but we love to go for a juicy and creamy inside with the peach curd, which makes it THE dessert for any peach lover! We did these peach hand pies using fresh peaches, but they can also work well with canned peaches or frozen peaches.

The same recipe of the peach hand pies can work easily for any other filling. You could make quick and delicious apple hand pies, blueberry hand pies or any other fruit you can think of. Who says the same recipe can’t be used for plenty of desserts?

And we’re at the end of this recipe for the peach hand pies!

These peach hand pies will make you look like the star baker you deserve to be. They are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth. Not only you will be making your own pastry, but your family won’t believe you have made the curd too! And the decision to mix basil with peach? Yes, yes – you can thank me later!

With their juicy peach filling and flaky crust, these peach hand pies are the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to share with friends or enjoy it by yourself, these hand pies are sure to be a hit. In the meantime, you can check out all our recipes here, you know there is plenty for you to look at!

What do you say, then? Are you a peach lover? Do you like peach hand pies? Which filling is your favourite? Let us know in the section below with a comment!

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