If you’ve ever craved a muffin that feels like a little dessert and a comforting breakfast at the same time, these Vanilla Custard Peach Muffins are exactly what you need. Imagine soft, fluffy muffin batter flavored with fresh lemon zest and sweet peach chunks, then filled with a creamy, luscious vanilla custard that oozes gently with each bite. They’re light but indulgent, fruity but creamy, and absolutely irresistible whether you’re enjoying them with a morning coffee, packing them for a snack, or serving them as a sweet ending to a meal. The combination of tangy peaches and smooth vanilla custard makes these muffins feel like a bakery treat that you can make at home without complicated steps.
Ingredients
For the Vanilla Custard Filling:
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300 ml whole milk
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1 egg yolk
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10 g vanilla sugar (or 1 tsp vanilla extract + 5 g granulated sugar)
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3 tablespoons granulated sugar
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2 tablespoons cornstarch
For the Muffin Batter:
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2 large eggs
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100 g granulated sugar
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100 ml sunflower oil (or neutral vegetable oil)
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Zest of 1 lemon (about 1 teaspoon)
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300 g all-purpose flour
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10 g (2 teaspoons) baking powder
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80 g peaches in light syrup, drained and diced (reserve 1–2 tbsp syrup)
Cooking Directions
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Make the Vanilla Custard: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm the milk until it just begins to simmer at the edges. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, vanilla sugar, 3 tablespoons sugar, and cornstarch until smooth and lump-free. Slowly pour half of the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to temper the yolk. Return this mixture to the saucepan with the remaining milk and cook, stirring continuously, until the custard thickens to a pudding-like consistency. Remove from heat, transfer to a bowl, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and chill completely before using.
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Prepare the Muffin Batter: Preheat your oven to 180 °C (350 °F). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper liners. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar with an electric mixer until pale and ribbon-like, about 3 minutes. With the mixer running on low, drizzle in the sunflower oil and fold in the lemon zest.
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Incorporate Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Sift half of this mixture into the wet batter and fold gently. Add the diced peaches with their reserved syrup, then fold in the remaining flour mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
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Assemble the Muffins: Spoon batter into muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Using a spoon or piping bag, insert about 1 tablespoon of chilled custard into the center of each muffin. Cover with more batter until cups are about three-quarters full.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20–25 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through. Muffins are ready when golden, springy to the touch, and a toothpick inserted into the cake portion (not the custard) comes out clean.
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Cool and Serve: Let muffins rest in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm for a gooey custard center or at room temperature for a more set filling.
Nutrients
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Calories: ~230 per muffin
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Carbohydrates: ~30 g
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Protein: ~5 g
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Fat: ~10 g
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Saturated Fat: ~2 g
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Fiber: ~1 g
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Sugar: ~18 g
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Sodium: ~90 mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love these Vanilla Custard Peach Muffins because they’re the perfect marriage of two worlds—classic custard desserts and fluffy fruit muffins. The peaches keep them moist, the lemon zest brightens the flavor, and the creamy custard in the middle makes every bite special. They’re fancy enough for entertaining but easy enough to bake on a weekend morning.
The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish
Custard-filled pastries are a staple in European bakeries, often seen in Danish pastries or cream-filled buns. This recipe takes inspiration from that tradition but reinvents it in muffin form for a more casual, grab-and-go treat. Adding peaches gives it a summer twist, while the lemon zest ties it together with a fresh aroma.
Ingredient Spotlight
The star of this recipe is the silky vanilla custard, made from scratch with real milk, egg yolk, and a touch of vanilla. Peaches, whether canned or fresh, add bursts of sweetness that balance beautifully against the soft sponge. Lemon zest brightens the flavor, preventing the muffins from being overly heavy, and the oil-based batter ensures a moist crumb that keeps well for days.
Storage and Reheating Tips
These muffins are best eaten fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for 4 days. If chilled, allow them to come to room temperature before serving or warm briefly in the oven at 160 °C (320 °F) for 5 minutes to revive their softness. Freezing is possible, but note that custard may slightly change texture when thawed.
Common Variations to Try
You can experiment with different fruits—apricots, raspberries, or blueberries all work wonderfully with custard. For a richer flavor, add a handful of white chocolate chips to the batter, or drizzle baked muffins with a light glaze made of powdered sugar and lemon juice. You can even swap the vanilla custard for a chocolate custard if you want a more decadent twist.
Pairing Recommendations
These muffins pair perfectly with a cup of strong coffee or black tea, balancing sweetness with boldness. For a lighter pairing, try them with a glass of cold milk or even a peach iced tea to echo the fruity notes. They also work well served slightly warm with a dollop of whipped cream on the side if you want to dress them up for dessert.
Health Benefits
While this is definitely a treat, it does have some nutritional perks. Eggs provide protein, peaches offer vitamins A and C plus natural fiber, and the lemon zest brings antioxidants. Making the custard from scratch also means you can control the amount of sugar, which makes it a cleaner option compared to store-bought filled pastries.
Conclusion
Vanilla Custard Peach Muffins are one of those bakes that surprise people with just how delightful they are. They look simple from the outside, but the moment you bite in and discover the creamy custard and juicy peach pieces, you realize they’re a step above your average muffin. They’re versatile, easy to make, and bound to become a favorite whether you bake them for family, guests, or just yourself as a well-deserved treat.