Peach Custard Pie

In the heart of a quaint countryside kitchen, where the air is filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the gentle hum of bees, a delightful Peach Custard Pie becomes a symbol of summer’s sweetness. This pie, with its buttery crust and creamy custard filling, brings back memories of sun-kissed days and fresh, juicy peaches picked straight from the orchard. This cherished recipe, passed down through generations, is now ready to bring joy to your home, offering a slice of summer with every bite. 🍑🧡🍴

A Heritage Recipe

The Peach Custard Pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a piece of family heritage, lovingly handed down from one generation to the next. Each generation has added its own touch, but the essence of the recipe remains the same: a perfect blend of flaky crust, rich custard, and succulent peaches.

Ingredients for the Crust

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for work surface
1 Tbsp. granulated sugar
¾ tsp. kosher salt
¼ cup cold butter, cubed
¼ cup cold shortening, cubed
4 to 5 Tbsp. ice-cold water

Ingredients for the Filling

¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup heavy cream
¼ cup butter, melted
3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
¼ tsp. kosher salt
¼ tsp. ground ginger
3 large eggs
4 medium-size (about 1 ¼ lb. total) firm-ripe peaches, sliced

Directions

Preparing the Crust

The first step to creating the perfect Peach Custard Pie is preparing the crust. This involves a few simple ingredients, but the process requires a bit of patience and care.

Combine Dry Ingredients: Begin by pulsing the flour, granulated sugar, and salt in a food processor until combined. This should take about 3 or 4 pulses.
Add Fats: Next, add the cubed butter and shortening to the processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse meal, which should take 8 to 10 pulses.
Incorporate Water: Drizzle in the ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, pulsing after each addition until the dough begins to clump together.
Form Dough: Gather the dough into a ball and flatten it into a disk. Wrap the disk in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Baking the Crust

A well-baked crust is essential for a successful pie. Here’s how to bake the perfect crust:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured work surface, roll the dough into a 12-inch circle, about ⅛ inch thick.
Fit into Pie Plate: Carefully fit the dough into a 9-inch pie plate. Fold the edges under and crimp them to create a decorative border.
Prepare for Baking: Prick the bottom and sides of the dough with a fork. Line the dough with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans.
Blind Bake: Bake the crust for 20 minutes. Then, remove the weights and parchment paper and continue baking until the crust is lightly browned, about 5 to 10 minutes more.
Cool: Transfer the pie crust to a wire rack and let it cool completely, which should take about 30 minutes.

Preparing the Filling

While the crust cools, you can start preparing the rich, creamy filling that makes this pie so special.

Whisk Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, heavy cream, melted butter, flour, salt, ginger, and eggs until the mixture is completely smooth.
Arrange Peaches: Place the sliced peaches evenly in the cooled pie crust.
Pour Custard: Pour the sugar-cream mixture evenly over the peaches.

Baking the Pie

Now, it’s time to bring everything together and bake your Peach Custard Pie to perfection.

Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake at 375°F until the filling is almost set in the middle, which should take about 40 to 45 minutes. If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil during the last 10 to 15 minutes of baking.
Cool: Transfer the pie to a wire rack and let it cool completely, which should take about 2 hours.

The Joy of Serving

Once the pie has cooled, it’s ready to be served. Each slice reveals the beautiful layers of flaky crust, creamy custard, and sweet peaches. This pie is perfect for any summer gathering, from family picnics to festive barbecues. The combination of textures and flavors creates a harmonious balance that delights the senses.

A Versatile Delight

While the classic Peach Custard Pie is delicious on its own, there are several ways to customize and enhance this recipe to suit your taste:

Adding a Streusel Topping

For an extra layer of texture and flavor, consider adding a streusel topping. Combine flour, brown sugar, and butter until crumbly, and sprinkle it over the custard before baking. The streusel will add a delightful crunch to each bite.

Incorporating Spices

If you enjoy a bit of spice, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard filling. These warm spices complement the sweetness of the peaches and add depth to the overall flavor profile.

Using Different Fruits

While peaches are the star of this pie, you can experiment with other fruits as well. Plums, apricots, or nectarines are great alternatives that pair wonderfully with the custard filling. You could even create a mixed fruit custard pie for a unique twist.

Serving with Ice Cream

For a truly indulgent experience, serve your Peach Custard Pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The cold, creamy ice cream melting over the warm pie creates a delightful contrast that’s hard to resist.

A Pie for All Occasions

The Peach Custard Pie isn’t just a summer treat; it’s a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed year-round. In the fall, consider using spiced pears instead of peaches. During the winter holidays, cranberries can add a festive touch. Come spring, rhubarb or strawberries can provide a fresh, tangy flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably special about baking a pie from scratch, especially one as beloved as the Peach Custard Pie. It’s a labor of love that brings joy to both the baker and those who get to enjoy the finished product. This pie, with its rich history and timeless appeal, is more than just a dessert; it’s a way to connect with the past and create new memories with loved ones.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a pie that captures the essence of summer. Whether you’re enjoying a slice on a warm afternoon or serving it at a family gathering, this Peach Custard Pie is sure to become a favorite in your household. With its perfect blend of flavors and textures, it’s a dessert that celebrates the simple pleasures of life.

Nutritional Information

Each slice of this Peach Custard Pie, assuming the pie is cut into eight servings, contains approximately 400 calories. This makes it a relatively indulgent treat, but one that is well worth the occasional splurge, especially when shared with family and friends.

Conclusion

Baking a Peach Custard Pie is an invitation to slow down and savor the sweetness of life. From the process of preparing the crust to the aroma of the pie baking in the oven, every step is a reminder of the joy that comes from creating something delicious with your own hands. So, the next time you’re looking for a dessert that embodies the spirit of summer, reach for this cherished recipe and enjoy a slice of pure, peachy perfection.