We’ve always loved the creamy allure of frozen peach custard, a delightful twist on a classic dessert that captures summer’s essence with juicy peaches and rich, velvish texture. It’s our go-to treat for beating the heat while indulging in fresh flavors that evoke sunny orchards.
In our kitchen we blend tradition with simplicity to create this easy recipe. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or craving a cool snack you’ll find it’s both straightforward and satisfying.
Picture the smiles as you serve up this homemade favorite that’s sure to become a staple in your repertoire.
Ingredients
To create our delicious Frozen Peach Custard, we start by gathering high-quality ingredients that highlight the fresh, juicy essence of peaches blended with a creamy custard base. Below, we’ve listed them in the order they’re typically used, with prep specifics for accuracy and ease.
- Fresh peaches: 4 medium-sized, ripe peaches (about 1.5 pounds total), peeled, pitted, and sliced into 1/2-inch pieces to ensure optimal juiciness and texture.
- Granulated sugar: 3/4 cup, for sweetening the custard base and balancing the tartness of the peaches.
- Heavy cream: 2 cups, chilled to provide a rich, velvety consistency that forms the heart of our custard.
- Whole milk: 1 cup, for adding smoothness and helping to achieve the perfect frozen texture without overpowering the peach flavor.
- Egg yolks: 4 large, at room temperature, whisked thoroughly to create a stable emulsion in the custard.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, pure variety for enhanced aroma and depth that complements the natural sweetness of the peaches.
- Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed to add a touch of acidity that brightens the flavors and prevents browning of the peaches.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon, to enhance overall taste and bring out the subtle nuances in our Frozen Peach Custard.
Equipment Needed
To bring our Frozen Peach Custard to life, we rely on a few essential tools that ensure smooth preparation and perfect results. In our experience, having the right equipment streamlines the process, allowing you to focus on the creamy texture and vibrant peach flavors that make this dessert irresistible.
Here’s a breakdown of the key items we recommend:
- Blender or Food Processor: We use this to puree the fresh peaches into a smooth base, capturing their juicy sweetness and ensuring no lumps disrupt the custard’s velvety consistency.
- Saucepan: A medium-sized one is ideal for heating the milk and cream mixture on the stove, where we’ll gently whisk in the egg yolks to create that rich, custard foundation.
- Whisk: Essential for blending ingredients thoroughly and incorporating air, which helps achieve the light yet creamy texture we love in Frozen Peach Custard.
- Mixing Bowls: We suggest having at least two—one for combining dry ingredients and another for the custard base—to keep everything organized and prevent cross-contamination.
- Ice Cream Maker: This is our go-to for churning the mixture to the perfect frozen state, giving it that soft-serve quality that elevates Frozen Peach Custard from simple ice cream.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key, so we always use these for precise measurements of ingredients like sugar and vanilla extract to balance flavors flawlessly.
- Fine-Mesh Strainer: We incorporate this to strain the custard mixture before freezing, removing any bits for a silky-smooth final product.
- Freezer-Safe Container: After churning, we transfer the custard to this for hardening, ensuring it maintains its fresh, fruity essence until serving.
With these tools in hand, we’re set to transition seamlessly from preparing the ingredients to crafting the full recipe.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential equipment, we guide you through the straightforward steps to craft our creamy Frozen Peach Custard, ensuring a perfect balance of sweet, juicy peaches and velvety texture.
Prepare the Peaches
First, we select 4 large ripe peaches to capture their vibrant, juicy essence. Wash the peaches under cool water then pat them dry. Peel the skins using a sharp knife or vegetable peeler for a smooth puree. Halve the peaches, remove the pits, and chop the flesh into even 1-inch pieces to promote easy blending. In a blender or food processor, combine the chopped peaches with 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon lemon juice to enhance their natural tartness and prevent browning. Puree the mixture on high speed for 1-2 minutes until it forms a thick, luminous orange paste that releases a fragrant, summery aroma, setting the stage for our rich custard base.
Make the Custard Base
Next, we create the heart of our Frozen Peach Custard by combining the elements for a luxurious, creamy consistency. In a medium saucepan, heat 2 cups heavy cream, 1 cup whole milk, and 1/2 cup granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly with a whisk until the mixture reaches a gentle simmer—about 5 minutes—to dissolve the sugar fully and infuse a silky warmth. In a separate bowl, whisk 6 large egg yolks until they turn pale yellow and creamy, then slowly temper them by adding 1/2 cup of the hot cream mixture while whisking vigorously to avoid curdling. Pour the tempered yolks back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring continuously for 3-5 minutes, until the base thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Finally, fold in the peach puree from the previous step, stirring until fully incorporated for a vibrant, fruity custard that promises a delightful burst of flavor in every scoop.
Chill the Mixture
To achieve the ideal smooth texture in our Frozen Peach Custard, we must cool the base thoroughly. Transfer the warm custard mixture to a large mixing bowl and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to release heat. Once cooled, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until the mixture reaches 40°F (4°C), allowing the flavors to meld and the custard to firm up slightly. This chilling process ensures a velvety mouthfeel that enhances the fresh peach notes when we freeze it.
Freeze the Custard
| Freezing Stage | Time Required (minutes) | Recommended Temperature (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| Churning in ice maker | 20-25 | N/A |
| Initial hardening | 120-240 | 0 or below |
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the beauties of our Frozen Peach Custard recipe is its flexibility for preparation in advance, allowing you to enjoy a creamy, refreshing dessert without last-minute rush. By planning ahead, we can ensure the flavors meld perfectly while saving time on the day of serving. Below, we break down the key steps to make components ahead, drawing from our step-by-step instructions for the custard base and peach puree.
Preparing the Peach Puree in Advance
To get a head start, we suggest pureeing the peaches up to 24 hours before you plan to churn the custard. This step keeps the fresh, juicy essence of the peaches intact:
- Wash, peel, and chop 4 cups of fresh peaches as outlined in our earlier steps.
- Blend the chopped peaches with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice in a blender or food processor until smooth.
- Transfer the puree to an airtight container and refrigerate it immediately to preserve its vibrant flavor and prevent oxidation.
Storing the puree this way maintains its bright, fruity notes, making it easier to incorporate into the custard base later for that signature silky texture.
Making the Custard Base Ahead of Time
The custard base can be prepared up to 48 hours in advance, giving the flavors time to develop fully. Follow these streamlined steps based on our core recipe:
- Heat 2 cups of heavy cream, 1 cup of whole milk, and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until it simmers, as described previously.
- Temper 6 egg yolks by whisking them gradually with the hot mixture, then combine with the reserved peach puree for a rich, velvety blend.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 48 hours to chill thoroughly.
This chilling process enhances the creaminess and peach-forward taste, ensuring a smoother churn in your ice cream maker.
Storage and Freezing Tips
For optimal results, we recommend storing make-ahead elements properly to avoid any compromise in quality. Here’s a quick guide:
- Short-Term Storage: Keep the peach puree or custard base in the refrigerator for up to 24-48 hours in airtight containers. Always use fresh ingredients to maintain the dessert’s light, summery appeal.
- Freezing for Later: If you want to prepare the full Frozen Peach Custard mixture ahead, churn it in your ice cream maker as per our instructions, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 week, but for the best texture, consume within 3-5 days.
To help you track storage times effectively, we’ve compiled the details in the table below:
| Component | Make-Ahead Time | Storage Method | Best By (Days) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peach Puree | Up to 24 hours | Refrigerated in airtight container | 1-2 |
| Custard Base | Up to 48 hours | Refrigerated in covered bowl | 2 |
| Fully Churned Custard | Up to 1 week | Frozen in airtight container | 3-5 for peak texture |
By following these make-ahead strategies, we empower you to create our Frozen Peach Custard with ease, ensuring it’s ready to impress at any gathering. Always thaw slightly in the refrigerator before serving for that perfect, scoopable consistency.
Conclusion
We’re thrilled you’ve explored our frozen peach custard recipe with us. It’s a simple way to capture summer’s essence in every creamy bite, turning fresh peaches into a dessert we’ll crave all year.
By now, you’ve got the tools to make it your own, whether for quick treats or special occasions. Let’s keep creating delicious memories—one scoop at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Frozen Peach Custard?
Frozen Peach Custard is a creamy, refreshing summer dessert made from fresh peaches blended into a rich custard base. It combines juicy peaches with heavy cream, milk, and a touch of vanilla for a velvety texture that’s perfect for gatherings or a quick snack. This simple recipe highlights the natural sweetness of peaches, making it a beloved treat.
What ingredients are needed for Frozen Peach Custard?
To make Frozen Peach Custard, you’ll need fresh peaches, granulated sugar, heavy cream, whole milk, egg yolks, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. These ingredients work together to create a balanced, sweet flavor and smooth texture, enhancing the peach’s natural taste without overwhelming it.
What equipment is required to make Frozen Peach Custard?
Essential equipment includes a blender or food processor for pureeing peaches, a saucepan for heating cream and milk, a whisk for mixing, mixing bowls, an ice cream maker for churning, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a fine-mesh strainer for smoothness, and a freezer-safe container. These tools help streamline the process for a perfect result.
How do you make Frozen Peach Custard step by step?
Start by washing, peeling, and chopping fresh peaches, then blend them with sugar and lemon juice. Heat cream, milk, and sugar in a saucepan, temper with egg yolks, and mix in the peach puree. Chill the mixture, then churn in an ice cream maker until creamy. Finally, freeze until firm for a smooth dessert ready to enjoy.
Can I prepare Frozen Peach Custard ahead of time?
Yes, you can make components in advance. Puree the peaches up to 24 hours ahead and store in an airtight container. Prepare the custard base up to 48 hours in advance to let flavors develop. This flexibility makes it easy to have the dessert ready for events without last-minute hassle.
How should I store Frozen Peach Custard?
Store the peach puree in the fridge for up to 24 hours in an airtight container. Keep the custard base refrigerated for up to 48 hours. Once churned, freeze the custard in a freezer-safe container for up to a week, though it’s best enjoyed within 3-5 days for optimal texture and freshness.
Why is Frozen Peach Custard ideal for summer?
Frozen Peach Custard is a perfect summer dessert because it features juicy, fresh peaches in a cool, creamy form that refreshes on hot days. Its simple recipe makes it easy to prepare for gatherings, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and texture that elevates any occasion without much effort.