Peach custard pie

Introduction

Peach custard pie is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of ripe peaches with a creamy, silky custard filling. This pie is perfect for summer, showcasing the juicy flavor of fresh peaches, and can be served chilled or at room temperature. It’s an excellent make-ahead dessert for gatherings or family dinners, and the combination of textures and flavors makes it a crowd favorite.

Ingredients

The ingredients for peach custard pie may vary slightly depending on the recipe, but generally, you will need the following:

For the crust:

• 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)

For the filling:

• 3 to 5 firm-ripe peaches (about 1 1/2 pounds)
• 3 large eggs (or just yolks for some variations)
• 3/4 to 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream, or 2 cups of half-and-half (depending on the recipe)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger
• A pinch of salt

For the streusel topping (optional):

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place the pie crust into a pie dish and crimp the edges. Par-bake the crust if desired to prevent it from becoming soggy.
2. Arrange the Peaches: Peel and slice the peaches, then arrange them evenly in the pie crust.
3. Make the Custard: In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, flour, yogurt (or half-and-half), vanilla extract, and spices if using. Whisk until smooth.
4. Pour the Custard Over Peaches: Pour the custard mixture over the peaches in the pie crust, ensuring the peaches are mostly covered.
5. Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the oven and bake at 425°F for about 10 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and continue baking for 30-40 minutes, or until the custard is set. The center should have a slight jiggle.
6. Add Streusel Topping (Optional): If using a streusel topping, prepare it while the pie is baking by cutting butter into flour and sugar until crumbly. Sprinkle the streusel over the pie in the last 15 minutes of baking.
7. Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least an hour to allow the custard to firm up. Serve warm or chilled.

Conclusion

Peach custard pie is a delightful dessert that combines the juicy sweetness of peaches with the rich creaminess of custard. It’s versatile and can be adapted with various spices or a streusel topping for added flavor and texture. This pie is best enjoyed fresh and can be made with either fresh, canned, or frozen peaches, making it a year-round favorite.