Peach Nectar Custard Bars

Published: July 12, 2025

by Amelia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: The simplicity of this recipe means you can whip up these bars quickly, even if you’re short on time.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of peach nectar and vanilla wafers creates a delightful flavor profile that is hard to resist.
Perfect for Sharing: With 20 servings, these bars are perfect for parties, potlucks, or any gathering where you want to impress guests.
Versatile Dessert: Enjoy them as a sweet snack or serve them as a fancy dessert after dinner; they fit any occasion beautifully.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking, gather your tools. Having everything ready ensures a smooth process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

9×13 brownie pan
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Cooking spray
Foil or parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

9×13 brownie pan: This size is essential for creating the right thickness for the custard bars.
Mixing bowls: Using large mixing bowls helps in easily combining ingredients without spills.
Whisk: A whisk is crucial for achieving a smooth custard mixture without lumps.

Ingredients

For the Crust

2 1/2 cups crushed vanilla wafers (about 1 box)
1/4 cup Dixie Crystals sugar
1/2 cup butter (melted)

For the Custard Filling

1 cup peach nectar
1 cup flour
2 1/2 cups Dixie Crystals sugar
6 eggs

For Dusting

Powdered sugar to dust top of bars

How to Make Peach Nectar Custard Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This step ensures that your crust bakes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

In a large bowl, mix together the crushed vanilla wafers, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter until fully combined.
Line your 9×13 brownie pan with foil or parchment paper and spray it with non-stick cooking spray.
Press the wafer mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to create an even layer.
Bake the crust for 10 minutes until it’s lightly golden, then remove it from the oven and let it cool.

Step 3: Make the Custard Filling

In another large bowl, whisk together the peach nectar, flour, 2 1/2 cups sugar, and eggs until well blended.
Pour this mixture over the cooled crust in your brownie pan.

Step 4: Bake the Bars

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles when shaken gently.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Allow the bars to cool to room temperature before slicing them into squares. They can be stored in the refrigerator for later enjoyment. Just before serving, dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness!

How to Serve Peach Nectar Custard Bars

Peach Nectar Custard Bars are a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.

With Fresh Fruit

Sliced Peaches: Fresh, juicy peach slices add a burst of flavor and complement the custard nicely.
Berries: A mix of strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries can add a refreshing contrast in taste and color.

With Whipped Topping

Homemade Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream enhances the creamy texture of the bars.
Coconut Whipped Cream: A dairy-free alternative that adds a subtle coconut flavor, perfect for those seeking plant-based options.

As a Parfait

Layered Dessert: Crumble the bars and layer them with yogurt and fruit for a delicious parfait that looks as good as it tastes.

With Ice Cream

Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing, vanilla ice cream adds creaminess and balances the sweetness of the bars.
Peach Sorbet: For a fruity twist, serve with peach sorbet to intensify the peach flavor.

How to Perfect Peach Nectar Custard Bars

To ensure your Peach Nectar Custard Bars turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

Bold crust preparation: Make sure to press the crust mixture firmly into the pan for a sturdy base that won’t crumble when cut.
Bold cooling time: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. This helps set the custard for clean edges.
Bold temperature check: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.
Bold egg whisking: Whisk eggs thoroughly with other ingredients to achieve a smooth custard without lumps.
Bold storage method: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Peach Nectar Custard Bars

Pairing side dishes with Peach Nectar Custard Bars can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and bright flavors.
Minty Green Salad: A light salad with mint leaves can cleanse the palate between bites of rich custard.
Cheese Platter: Soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese can provide a creamy contrast to the sweetness of the bars.
Granola Parfaits: Layered granola with yogurt offers crunch and texture alongside your custard dessert.
Herbed Couscous: Fluffy couscous with herbs creates a savory balance to sweet flavors.
Roasted Vegetables: Caramelized veggies can offer an unexpected but delightful savory side that complements desserts well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding mistakes can help you achieve the perfect Peach Nectar Custard Bars. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

Incorrect oven temperature: Always preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Baking at the wrong temperature can lead to uneven cooking.
Overmixing the batter: When combining the peach nectar, flour, sugar, and eggs, mix just until combined. Overmixing can create a tough texture in your custard bars.
Not cooling the crust properly: Ensure that the crust cools completely before adding the filling. A warm crust can lead to a soggy bottom.
Skipping the dusting step: Dusting with powdered sugar not only enhances presentation but adds a touch of sweetness. Don’t forget this step before serving!
Storing improperly: To maintain freshness, store your Peach Nectar Custard Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store Peach Nectar Custard Bars in an airtight container.
They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Peach Nectar Custard Bars

Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container.
They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Peach Nectar Custard Bars

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and heat for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
Microwave: Warm individual bars on medium power for about 30 seconds. Check and add more time if needed.
Stovetop: Place bars in a non-stick skillet on low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Peach Nectar Custard Bars:

Can I use fresh peaches instead of peach nectar?

Yes! You can puree fresh peaches and use them as a substitute for peach nectar. Adjust sugar levels based on sweetness.

How do I prevent my custard from cracking?

To avoid cracking, ensure that you don’t overbake the custard bars. Look for a set filling that still has a slight jiggle in the center when finished baking.

Can I customize the flavor of these bars?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or try using different fruit nectars for unique flavors.

What is the best way to serve these bars?

Peach Nectar Custard Bars are delicious served chilled straight from the fridge or at room temperature with a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Final Thoughts

Peach Nectar Custard Bars are a delightful treat that combines creamy texture with fruity flavor. Their versatility allows you to customize them according to your preferences. Try different fruits or toppings—these bars are sure to impress!

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