This Easy Peach Custard Dessert is a dream come true for anyone who loves the perfect balance of sweet, juicy peaches and creamy custard on a cookie crust. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, requires minimal hands-on time, and delivers a dessert that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Perfect for summer gatherings or whenever you need a comforting sweet treat that impresses without the stress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: Uses a convenient cookie mix shortcut for the crust while still delivering homemade flavor.
Versatile: Works beautifully with fresh summer peaches but can be made year-round using canned peaches.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Actually tastes better after it’s had time to chill, making it perfect for entertaining.
Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of buttery cookie crust, sweet peaches, and silky custard appeals to almost everyone.
Fuss-Free: No complicated techniques or special equipment needed – just mix, layer, and bake!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust

Sugar cookie mix: Creates a perfect shortcut to a delicious buttery base without measuring multiple ingredients.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create that perfect cookie texture. Make sure it’s properly softened for easy mixing.
Flour: Just a touch helps strengthen the crust so it holds up well under the custard layer.
Egg: Acts as a binder for the cookie base, ensuring everything holds together beautifully.

For the Filling

Fresh peaches: The star of the show! They provide natural sweetness and that unmistakable summer flavor. Choose ripe but firm peaches for best results.
Eggs: Create the structure for the custard and help it set properly during baking.
Sugar: Balances the natural tartness of the peaches and sweetens the custard.
Heavy whipping cream: Delivers that luxurious, velvety texture that makes custard so irresistible.
Flour: A small amount helps thicken the custard so it sets perfectly.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the custard.
Cinnamon: Optional but recommended for adding a subtle warmth that complements the peaches beautifully.

Variations

Berry Delicious: Replace half the peaches with fresh berries for a mixed fruit version.
Spiced Peach: Add a pinch of nutmeg and a dash of ginger along with the cinnamon for a more complex flavor profile.
Almond Touch: Add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract to the custard and sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking.
Caramel Drizzle: After cooling, drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra decadent dessert.
Coconut Twist: Add 1/2 cup of toasted coconut to the crust mixture and sprinkle more on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.

How to Make Easy Peach Custard Dessert

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick spray. In a medium bowl, combine the cookie mix, softened butter, flour, and egg. Mix until a crumbly dough forms—it shouldn’t be too sticky or too dry. Press the mixture gently and evenly into the prepared pan to create your crust.

Step 2: Add the Peaches

Arrange the diced peaches in an even layer over the cookie crust. If using fresh peaches, make sure they’re patted dry to avoid excess moisture seeping into the crust.

Step 3: Make the Custard

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, heavy cream, flour, salt, vanilla extract, and cinnamon (if using) until smooth and well combined. Take care not to over-whisk as this can incorporate too much air. The mixture should be silky and pourable.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the custard mixture evenly over the peaches, ensuring all areas are covered. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center is just set—it should have a slight jiggle but not appear liquid.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Allow the dessert to cool completely to room temperature before serving. This cooling time is crucial as it allows the custard to fully set and the flavors to meld together. For best results, refrigerate for at least 2 hours after cooling.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overwork the Crust: Mix the cookie dough just until combined and press it lightly into the pan—overworking will make it tough.
Peach Preparation: If using fresh peaches, you can easily peel them by blanching in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transferring to ice water—the skins will slip right off.
Custard Consistency: For the silkiest custard, whisk ingredients together just until smooth, then pour immediately over the peaches.
Baking Indicator: The dessert is done when the edges are set but the center still has a slight wobble—it will continue to set as it cools.
Even Distribution: To ensure the custard penetrates evenly, gently tap the pan on the counter a few times before placing it in the oven.

How to Serve

This Peach Custard Dessert is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options:

Simple Classic: Serve chilled with a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.
À la Mode: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a warm-cold contrast that’s absolutely divine.
Dressed Up: Top with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a mint leaf for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
Brunch Favorite: Serve slightly warm as part of a special brunch spread alongside coffee or mimosas.
Perfect Pairing: Complement with a small glass of dessert wine like Sauternes or a peach liqueur for an adult treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

This dessert actually improves with time! Make it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate for the best flavor and texture. The custard will set more firmly and the flavors will have time to meld beautifully.

Storing Leftovers

Cover the dessert tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cookie crust may soften slightly over time but will still taste delicious.

Freezing

While you can freeze this dessert, the texture of the custard may change slightly upon thawing. If freezing, wrap individual portions well and store for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

This dessert is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, but if you prefer it warm, you can microwave individual portions for about 20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as the custard can separate.

FAQs

Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh ones?
Absolutely! Canned peaches work wonderfully in this recipe. Just be sure to drain them well, and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. The dessert will still have great peach flavor, making it perfect for year-round enjoyment when fresh peaches aren’t in season.

Why is my custard not setting properly?
Custard that doesn’t set properly usually means it needs more baking time or that the oven temperature was too low. The center should be just barely set when you remove it from the oven—it will continue to firm up as it cools. Also, make sure you’re using the correct amount of eggs and flour, as these provide the structure for the custard.

Can I make this dessert gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free cookie mix for the crust and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in both the crust and filling. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delicious. Alternatively, you could make a gluten-free graham cracker crust as the base.

How do I know when the peaches are ripe enough for this recipe?
The best peaches for this recipe should yield slightly to gentle pressure and have a sweet fragrance. They should be ripe but not overly soft, as you’ll need to dice them. If your peaches are too firm, place them in a paper bag at room temperature for 1-2 days to speed up ripening.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Peach Custard Dessert brings together three irresistible layers—buttery cookie crust, juicy peaches, and silky custard—in perfect harmony. It’s the kind of recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds and requesting the recipe. Simple enough for baking beginners but impressive enough for special occasions, this dessert proves that sometimes the most uncomplicated recipes deliver the most memorable results. Give it a try the next time you’re craving something sweet or need a crowd-pleasing dessert that doesn’t keep you stuck in the kitchen!

Easy Peach Custard Dessert Recipe