Bring sunshine to your kitchen, even on the busiest days, with this Easy Peach Custard Dessert. This recipe transforms everyday ingredients into an irresistibly comforting and crowd-pleasing treat, perfect for using the best of ripe peaches. With a sugar cookie crust and a creamy, luscious custard layered over juicy peaches, every bite is a celebration of sweet flavor and dreamy textures. Plus, the simple assembly and hands-off baking make this dessert your new go-to for weeknights, potlucks, or whenever you need a little joy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple, Fast, and Fuss-Free: All the homey comfort of a fruit cobbler with none of the fuss. Minimal prep, no fancy gadgets, and ingredients you probably already have on hand.
- Layered with Flavor: Each bite delivers the buttery chew of sugar cookie, the sunny sweetness of peaches, and a smooth, rich custard that’s just sweet enough.
- Perfect for All Events: Whether it’s a quick weeknight dessert or you’re feeding a crowd, this recipe delivers in both ease and flavor.
- Adaptable and Forgiving: From canned peaches to flavor add-ins, make it your own and never stress over perfection.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes just as wonderful chilled the next day—if any is left!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s why each ingredient deserves its spot and how you can make each layer shine:
For the Crust
- Sugar Cookie Mix: The ultimate shortcut for a perfectly chewy and golden base, every time. Using a mix keeps things incredibly simple and consistent.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the dough for a tender crust. Be sure to use softened butter for the best texture.
- All-Purpose Flour: Offers a bit more structure so the crust isn’t too soft, balancing the peach and custard layers beautifully.
- Egg: Binds the crust and helps create that satisfying chew.
For the Filling
- Fresh Peaches: The natural star! Choose ripe, fragrant peaches for maximum flavor, but canned (well-drained) work when fresh aren’t in season.
- Eggs: The backbone of the custard, creating a velvety, silky interior when baked.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens both the peaches and the custard, enhancing fruitiness without overpowering.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Gives the custard its creamy, dreamy mouthfeel and richness.
- All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the custard, ensuring it sets up just right.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors and balancing the sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the custard with warmth and aromatic depth.
- Ground Cinnamon (Optional): Adds a gentle spice and lovely aroma; a must-try if you love classic peach desserts!
Note: Nonstick spray ensures easy release of those beautiful layered slices.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
Embrace creativity with these easy tweaks:
- Berry Swap: Try fresh blueberries or raspberries for a mixed fruit custard.
- Spiced Up: Swap ground cinnamon for ginger or nutmeg—any warming spice works.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free sugar cookie mix and flour substitute.
- Dairy-Free: Plant-based cream (like coconut cream) and dairy-free butter create a surprisingly rich custard.
- Different Fruits: Chopped nectarines, plums, or even apples (briefly sautéed first) will give delicious results outside peach season.
- Canned Fruit: Canned peaches or pears are great for a timesaving shortcut—just drain thoroughly.
How to Make Easy Peach Custard Dessert
Step 1: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch pan with nonstick spray. This step is crucial for effortless serving later.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Crust
In a medium bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix, softened butter, flour, and egg. Stir until a crumbly dough forms—don’t worry about perfect smoothness here. Press the mixture gently into the bottom of your prepared pan to create an even crust. It doesn’t need to be picture-perfect; rustic edges just add charm!
Step 3: Add the Peaches
Layer the peaches evenly over the crust. Don’t fuss—just scatter them around. Fresh is always best, but thoroughly drained canned peaches work perfectly if you’re pressed for time or out of season.
Step 4: Whisk the Custard
In a clean bowl, whisk together beaten eggs, sugar, heavy cream, flour, salt, vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon (if using). Whisk just until smooth; overmixing isn’t necessary and can make the custard too airy.
Step 5: Pour & Bake
Pour the custard mixture over the peaches, letting it settle evenly. Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the center is just set—slightly wobbly, with a gentle golden color on the edges.
Step 6: Cool & Slice
For the prettiest slices, allow your dessert to cool completely to room temperature. The hardest part is waiting, but your patience pays off with perfect, creamy squares.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Peach Prep: If peaches are extra juicy, blot them dry with a paper towel so your crust doesn’t get soggy.
- Don’t Overbake: Bake until the center barely jiggles. Overbaking can make the custard tough instead of silky.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Let eggs and cream sit out for 10 minutes, ensuring a smoother custard.
- Cool Completely: Cutting while warm will be messy. For clean slices, chill the dessert for at least an hour before slicing; a cold custard is also extra refreshing.
- Extra Crispiness: For a slightly firmer bottom crust, briefly bake the crust alone for 5–7 minutes before adding peaches and custard.
How to Serve
The best part? This Easy Peach Custard Dessert is delightful warm, at room temperature, or chilled. Here are some fantastic serving ideas:
- Classic: Dust with powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon just before serving.
- With Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream melts into the custard for an even dreamier bite.
- Brunch Twist: Serve as a sweet breakfast treat with hot coffee or tea.
- For Gatherings: Transform it into individual servings with cupcake liners for picnics or potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover and refrigerate any leftovers in the pan or transfer to an airtight container. Enjoy within 3 days for best taste and texture.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? Cut into squares and freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Wrapped well, they’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating
For that just-baked magic, reheat individual squares in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or enjoy straight from the fridge as a cool, creamy treat.
FAQs
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Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh peaches?
Absolutely. Canned peaches are a convenient stand-in when fresh aren’t available. Just be sure to drain them really well—excess syrup will make the dessert too wet. You can also gently pat them dry to keep the crust crisp.
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How do I know when the custard is set?
Look for a center that no longer jiggles excessively when you gently shake the pan, but still looks slightly soft. If it puffs up a bit, that’s fine—it will settle as it cools. Overbaking will make the custard firm rather than creamy, so start checking at the 50-minute mark.
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Can I make this dessert a day ahead?
Yes, you can! In fact, it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together and the custard fully sets. Store it covered in the fridge and slice just before serving.
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What’s the best way to slice and serve this dessert
For neat, attractive slices, let the dessert cool completely—ideally chilled in the refrigerator. Run a knife under hot water and dry it between cuts for clean edges. Serve with a little extra peach slice or a mint sprig for flair.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Easy Peach Custard Dessert—each slice is packed with buttery cookie goodness, juicy peaches, and silky custard. Whether you’re a kitchen novice or a seasoned baker, you’ll love how quickly this comes together and how easily it impresses. Don’t be afraid to try your favorite fruit or tweak the spices—most of all, enjoy every last bite of this simple, magical treat. Give it a try, and watch it disappear before your eyes!
PrintEasy Peach Custard Dessert Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Peach Custard Dessert features a soft sugar cookie crust topped with fresh peaches and a creamy, sweet custard. It bakes to perfection for a summer-fresh, crowd-pleasing treat that’s simple to prepare and perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 (17.5 ounce) pouch Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
For the Filling
- 6 cups fresh peaches, diced
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the Crust – In a medium bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix, softened butter, 2 tablespoons flour, and 1 egg. Mix until a crumbly dough forms. Press the dough evenly and gently into the prepared pan, covering the bottom completely.
- Add the Peaches – Evenly distribute the diced fresh peaches over the crust in the baking pan, spreading them out to cover the surface.
- Prepare the Custard Filling – In another medium bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, granulated sugar, heavy whipping cream, 1/4 cup flour, salt, vanilla extract, and optional cinnamon. Mix just until smooth and well combined.
- Pour and Bake – Pour the custard mixture evenly over the peaches in the pan. Try to distribute the liquid so it covers the fruit uniformly. Bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is just set and the top begins to lightly brown.
- Cool and Serve – Remove the pan from the oven and allow the dessert to cool to room temperature before slicing and serving. For best results, refrigerate any leftovers.
Notes
- You can substitute 6 cups of drained canned peaches for fresh peaches if out of season.
- The cinnamon is optional, for extra spice and aroma.
- Allow to cool fully before refrigerating and serving for best texture.
- This dessert can be made a day ahead and kept chilled until needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (1/15th of recipe)
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 227mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 52mg