Recipe for Peach Custard That’s Creamy and Delicious

There’s something irresistibly comforting about a smooth, creamy custard paired with the sweet, juicy flavor of ripe peaches. Peach custard is a classic dessert that captures the essence of summer in every bite.

Whether you’re looking for a simple treat to impress guests or a soothing finale to a family dinner, this recipe offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors that’s sure to please. The natural sweetness of fresh peaches complements the rich, velvety custard base perfectly, creating a dessert that feels both fresh and indulgent.

Best of all, this recipe is straightforward enough for both beginners and seasoned bakers to master with ease.

In this post, I’ll guide you through every step of making a luscious peach custard from scratch, including tips on selecting the best peaches and how to achieve that perfect creamy consistency. Get ready to enjoy a timeless dessert that celebrates the beauty of seasonal fruit and creamy custard in one bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This peach custard recipe is a true crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First, it uses fresh, ripe peaches that bring natural sweetness and vibrant flavor without overpowering the custard.

The custard itself is made with a blend of eggs, cream, and a hint of vanilla, resulting in a silky texture that melts in your mouth.

Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can serve it warm or chilled, making it perfect for any season.

It’s also customizable — add cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth, or a splash of bourbon for an adult twist. Plus, it requires only a handful of simple ingredients and basic kitchen equipment, making it accessible even if you’re new to custard making.

Finally, it’s a healthier alternative to heavy cream-based desserts, and you can easily adjust the sweetness to suit your taste. This recipe is a wonderful way to highlight peaches at their peak, turning them into a decadent yet wholesome dessert.

Ingredients

• 4 large ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thicker custard)
• 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing)
• Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Medium saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven-safe custard dishes or ramekins
• Baking dish for water bath
• Peeler and knife
• Fine mesh strainer (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Lightly grease your custard dishes or ramekins with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the peaches: Peel, pit, and slice the peaches into thin wedges. Set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until the mixture is smooth and slightly pale. This helps to dissolve the sugar and incorporate some air.
4. Heat the milk and cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat immediately to avoid boiling, which can curdle the custard.
5. Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture while whisking constantly. This process, called tempering, prevents the eggs from scrambling.
6. Add vanilla extract and salt to the custard mixture and whisk to combine. If you want a thicker custard, whisk in the cornstarch until fully dissolved.
7. Strain the custard through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl or large measuring cup. This step ensures an ultra-smooth custard by removing any cooked egg bits.
8. Arrange the peach slices evenly into the prepared custard dishes.
9. Pour the custard mixture over the peaches, filling each dish almost to the top.
10. Place the custard dishes in a baking dish. Fill the baking dish with hot water halfway up the sides of the custard dishes to create a water bath, which helps the custard cook evenly.
11. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
12. Remove the custards from the water bath and let cool for at least 15 minutes. You can serve them warm or refrigerate for 2 hours to serve chilled.
13. Garnish with fresh mint leaves just before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips & Variations

Use the ripest peaches you can find for maximum flavor and natural sweetness.

For a more intense peach flavor, you can macerate the peach slices in a tablespoon of sugar and a splash of lemon juice for 30 minutes before adding them to the custard dishes.

If you prefer a spiced custard, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the egg mixture before baking. For a boozy twist, a tablespoon of bourbon or peach liqueur stirred into the custard adds depth and warmth.

Want a lighter version? Substitute half the cream with whole milk or use a dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk.

Keep in mind this might affect the texture slightly.

If you don’t have ramekins, a single larger baking dish works too — just adjust the baking time accordingly, checking for doneness by inserting a knife near the center; it should come out clean when custard is set.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Peach custard is delicious on its own, but you can elevate the experience with a few thoughtful additions. Serve it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for added indulgence.

For a crunchy contrast, sprinkle toasted almonds or pecans on top just before serving. Fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries also pair beautifully, adding tartness and color.

If you want to make it a more complete dessert, drizzle with a honey or caramel sauce. For a brunch option, serve your peach custard alongside buttery croissants or toasted brioche.

Don’t forget a cup of hot coffee or herbal tea to balance the sweetness and create a truly memorable dessert experience.

Conclusion

Making peach custard at home is a wonderful way to celebrate seasonal fruit while indulging in a creamy, comforting dessert. This recipe is approachable yet impressive, making it ideal for both everyday treats and special occasions.

With its silky texture, sweet peach flavor, and endless serving possibilities, it’s a dessert that never fails to delight.

By following the simple steps outlined above, you can create custards that are perfectly set and bursting with fresh peach goodness. Whether enjoyed warm or chilled, plain or with toppings, peach custard is a timeless classic that will keep you coming back for more.

Give it a try and savor the sweet taste of summer any time of year!

For more delicious dessert ideas, check out our Classic Vanilla Pudding Recipe, Homemade Peach Pie, and Creamy Lemon Custard.

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