just desserts: peach pot de crème

Who can resist the combination of peaches and cream? Why not step up the combination with a peach pot de crème served with seasonably fresh peaches? Pots de crème are essentially custards baked in diminutive pots. Custard is derived from the medieval word “croustade” which means dishes served in a crust. As most of us know, a custard is made with milk (or cream) and eggs, but according to the book On Food and Science any liquid combined with the eggs will do, even water! As long as a mineral, such as salt, is dissolved a “coherent gel” will form. This is an interesting fact, if not an appealing one. Our modern definition of custard arrived in the 1600’s when it became popular to bake fruit crèmes in individual dishes instead of using them as a filling for crusts. The pots associated with pots de crème arrived on the scene during the early to mid 1730’s. However, the pots with one handle were used to serve à jus. A diner could sip the warm broth during the course of a meal. It wasn’t until the 1800’s that the small pots were used for desserts, specifically baked custard, hence pots de crème. Today you can find many recipes for pots de crème. The custard is a blank canvas waiting for you to flavor it as your taste demands. My taste buds were demanding peaches and cream when I came upon the beautiful donut peaches at my farmers market. Donut peaches. Not only are these little heirloom peaches adorable, they are low in acid making them gently sweet, with a hint of almond. It is hard to resist just eating one after another, but even harder still if they are served with pots de crème. The pairing creates the perfect summery dessert that will disappear before your eyes. Pots de crème is dessert comfort food baked in an oven, but during the dog days of August who wants to turn on the oven? Admittedly I’ve been anti-oven this summer. I have been avoiding the oven as if it was a dark and evil beast. I’ve turned to my crock pot, treating it as a mini oven. Crock pots are associated with busy schedules and cold weather comfort food. Never would I imagine putting my pots de crème in the crock pot to “bake”. Craving pots de crème and also craving the need to stay cool, I prepared the pots de crème as I would normally, but then I placed them within my crock pot (in a water bath), covered with the lid and set on high. I walked away and two hours later I had perfection.
Ingredients 2 cups cream 1 tsp peach extract 1 vanilla bean 6 egg yolks 1/2 cup sugar 1/8 teaspoon salt 1. Heat 1 3/4 cup of the cream with the vanilla bean. 2. Beat egg yolks until they are pale. Beat in the sugar, salt, extract and 1/4 cup of the cream. 3. Gradually beat in the hot cream, stirring constantly. Strain the mixture into a large 4-cup measuring cup. 4. Place 6 - pots de crème cups (soufflé cups or ramekin) in a large roasting pan. Divide the mixture evenly into the cups. Pour enough hot water in the pan to come halfway up the sides of the dishes. Cover the pan with foil or with the pot lids. Place in oven and bake at 350°F until the custard is just set around the edges. Time will vary based on the depth of your cups or ramekins and how much is poured into them. 5. Remove the pan from the oven. Remove cups from the pan and allow them to cool. Then, cover and chill in refrigerator at least 2 hours.
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145 comments

    • August 24, 2011 at 2:30 pm //

      Hi Regan, Thank you, and thank you for commenting!

  • August 19, 2011 at 9:59 pm //

    This looks so yummy! Your photos are gorgeous as well.

    • August 24, 2011 at 2:30 pm //

      Hello Dara, Thank you, and thank you for commenting!

  • August 19, 2011 at 10:25 pm //

    Those peaches look awesome! No doubt the pots de creme is delicious. Lovely anytime dessert-yum!

    • August 24, 2011 at 2:31 pm //

      Well hello Tina, thank you!

  • August 20, 2011 at 12:04 am //

    A great idea for my sunday dessert!
    :-)

    • August 24, 2011 at 2:31 pm //

      Hi Two Stella, Thank you, and thank you for commenting!

    • August 24, 2011 at 2:31 pm //

      Hi Boulder Foodie, Thank you, and thank you for commenting!

  • August 20, 2011 at 2:51 pm //

    This is such an interesting and oh so pretty post! I crave peaches now…

    • August 24, 2011 at 2:31 pm //

      Hi there, Thank you, and thank you for commenting!

    • August 24, 2011 at 2:32 pm //

      Hi Elizabeth, I sure will, Thank you, and thank you for commenting!

      • September 6, 2011 at 2:51 am //

        Thanks :) I saw that you looked at my blog. What did you think? Did you come across anything you like?
        Let me know xx

  • August 20, 2011 at 6:59 pm //

    I have many peaches, thanks for this recipe!

    • August 24, 2011 at 2:32 pm //

      Hi Tania, Thank you, and thank you for commenting!

  • August 20, 2011 at 7:03 pm //

    P.S. I think I could use them instead of peach extract.

    • August 24, 2011 at 2:32 pm //

      Hi Tania, the real thing is sometimes better than extract!

  • August 21, 2011 at 3:11 am //

    Great photos! I want that cream bottle.

    • August 24, 2011 at 2:33 pm //

      Hi Rosemary, Thank you, and thank you for commenting!

  • August 21, 2011 at 4:08 am //

    This looks so good! I love peaches and I love cream! This is a must-try for me. Thanks for sharing!!! And thanks for visting my blog!

    • August 24, 2011 at 2:34 pm //

      Hi there Baltic Maid, I hope you’ll get the chance to try it!

  • August 21, 2011 at 8:47 am //

    Love how the donut peaches inspired you to make this dessert, and in a crockpot nonetheless! So clever.

    • August 26, 2011 at 9:54 am //

      Hi Jeanette, thank you so much for commenting and for the kind compliments. Let me know if you try the crockpot idea!

  • August 21, 2011 at 11:16 am //

    This is beautiful! What a great idea to make Peach Pots de Creme. Your photos are absolutely incredible!

    • August 26, 2011 at 9:55 am //

      Hi Ann, thank you so much for commenting and for the kind compliments.

  • August 21, 2011 at 11:57 am //

    Beautiful! I’ll be sure to make these.

    • August 26, 2011 at 9:55 am //

      Hi Lynda, thank you so much for commenting and for the kind compliments.

  • August 21, 2011 at 4:13 pm //

    The peaches are so pretty, wish it was peach season too here!

    • August 26, 2011 at 9:55 am //

      Hi Pease Pudding, thank you so much for commenting and for the kind compliments.

  • August 21, 2011 at 6:17 pm //

    This looks delicious – I love these sort of custardy desserts. So comforting!

    • August 26, 2011 at 9:56 am //

      Hi Emma! thank you so much for commenting and for the kind compliments. = )

  • August 21, 2011 at 7:17 pm //

    Looks yummm….thanks for sharing

    • August 26, 2011 at 9:56 am //

      Well Hello, Vidya thank you so much for commenting and for the kind compliments.

  • August 21, 2011 at 10:09 pm //

    wow! My first time here….
    amazing space ….and love the pictorials…..

    will be happy to follow you ….I don’t see any google connect!

    I hope you would also like my space…..

    http://anuzhealthykitchen.blogspot.com/

    • August 26, 2011 at 9:57 am //

      Hi Anu, thank you for visiting us and thank you so much for commenting and for the kind compliments. Google connect?

  • August 21, 2011 at 11:19 pm //

    What an amazing idea, using the crock pot! Peaches and pot de creme are favorite foods, so I will be sure to try this soon:)

    • August 26, 2011 at 9:57 am //

      Hi Bobbi, I hope you get to try it soon, please let me know if you try the crockpot idea?

  • August 22, 2011 at 12:33 am //

    Agree, they are hard to resist.
    Thanks for dropping by and your kind comment.

    • August 26, 2011 at 9:57 am //

      Hello, Taste Hong Kong, thank you so much for commenting and for the kind compliments.

  • August 22, 2011 at 1:15 am //

    What a beautiful dessert! Such a great use for peaches!

    • August 26, 2011 at 9:58 am //

      Hi Faith, thank you so much for commenting and for the kind compliments.

  • August 22, 2011 at 2:00 am //

    Hi
    I´m Paz from Bread & Oil. I´m visiting your blog and I really like it. Your photos are amazing.

    • August 26, 2011 at 9:58 am //

      Well, hello Paz, Love that name, bread & oil! thank you so much for commenting and for the kind compliments.

  • August 22, 2011 at 7:34 am //

    this dessert looks wonderful
    following you on twitter :)

    • August 26, 2011 at 9:58 am //

      Me too!!! Thank you! Glad to have connected!

  • August 22, 2011 at 10:22 am //

    gorgeous peaches! i love them so much!

    • August 26, 2011 at 9:58 am //

      Hi there, and thank you so much!

  • August 22, 2011 at 12:00 pm //

    These peaches are beautiful, what a great idea to use the crock pot – I’ll have to pick up some peaches at the farmers market this week and try your recipe. Thanks for sharing, and stopping by my blog.

    • August 26, 2011 at 9:59 am //

      Thank you Kelly, let me know if you give the crock pot idea a try.

    • August 26, 2011 at 9:59 am //

      Hi Laurie, thank you so much for commenting and for the kind compliments.

    • August 26, 2011 at 9:59 am //

      Hi there Tori, love your profile photo, it’s so fashion forward and chic, love it.

  • August 22, 2011 at 2:54 pm //

    Donut peaches are just so darling. :) I love the idea making this in the crock pot. Very clever!

    • August 26, 2011 at 10:00 am //

      Hello Carrie, Thank you, let me know if you try the crock pot idea!

  • August 22, 2011 at 5:34 pm //

    YUM!!! This looks so beautiful and delicious. I love peaches and this will be on my must make list!

    • August 26, 2011 at 10:00 am //

      Hi Nami, thank you so much for commenting and for the kind compliments.

  • August 22, 2011 at 6:17 pm //

    Love your photos!

    Peach is expensive in Malaysia. :(

    • August 26, 2011 at 10:01 am //

      Hi Che-Cheh, thank you so much for commenting and for the kind compliments, fruits can be so expensive in different parts of Asia.

  • August 22, 2011 at 7:17 pm //

    ¡Preciosas fotos y riquísimo postre!
    Gracias por tu comentario.

    Besos.

    • August 26, 2011 at 10:01 am //

      Hi Silvia, thank you, thank you so much for commenting and for the kind compliments.

  • August 22, 2011 at 11:16 pm //

    Love your larger-than-life photos of the donut peaches. And what a great idea to use them in pots de crème!

    • August 26, 2011 at 10:02 am //

      Hi Diana, the photos are just “out there” big, and in your face “giggles” thank you so much for commenting and for the kind compliments.

  • August 23, 2011 at 2:27 am //

    Absolutely beautiful! Very simple yet elegant

    • August 26, 2011 at 10:02 am //

      Hi Claire, thank you so much for commenting and for the kind compliments.

  • August 23, 2011 at 2:43 am //

    Peaches are my fave summer fruit. I can’t resist them in any way, shape or form in desserts, too.

    • August 26, 2011 at 10:02 am //

      Hi Carolyn, Thank you so much!

  • August 23, 2011 at 4:18 am //

    Wow – pot de creme in a crock pot! Brilliant! (if I had a slow-cooker I’d try it out, too…) :)

    • August 26, 2011 at 10:02 am //

      Hi Claudine, thank you, oh and please let me know if you try the crock pot idea!

  • August 23, 2011 at 4:56 am //

    What an amazing idea! I love chocolate pot de creme’s, but never, ever would have thought of peach! I’m in lust! Gotta try t!

    • August 26, 2011 at 9:53 am //

      Hi Lisa! Thank you for commenting, let me know if you give it a try.

  • August 23, 2011 at 8:58 pm //

    How interesting that you “baked” these in a crockpot. I have never thought to do that. Thanks for the background on this dessert. I love knowing the history behind food as it ties to cultural times. We homeschool as well. I thought my kids would go to high school but we have found homeschool “high school” classes here in TX and a mix of “online” high school classes. It’s an interesting journey that must have helped you with all of your moves.

    • August 26, 2011 at 10:52 am //

      Thyme…thank you for visiting. Yes, I love the history and science behind the food. The science part made me think of the crock pot as a viable appliance for pots de creme.

      Homeschooling was a wonderful journey where not only did my children grow, but I grew. However, they have been in school for two years and are having a blast.

  • August 23, 2011 at 9:43 pm //

    Such a Nice Idea….. Gorgeous and greedy. Camille, have you prepared Mini mediterranean hamburgers with chips, for your anniversary?
    I apologize about comments on the blog: they do not appear where they would have to….. I always leave a reply, but as comment area does not work, you can not read what I write. I am working to arrange things. Hope everything will be good asap.

    Have a nice day
    Ciao from Milano.

    Aria

    • August 26, 2011 at 10:57 am //

      Grazie, Aria. La mia famiglia ama cursori (hamburger mini) e cerchiamo di molte varianti. Dovremo fare una notte mediterranea hamburger.

      Si prega di fermarsi a visitare di nuovo.

      Ciao Ciao,
      Camilla

  • August 24, 2011 at 3:48 am //

    How interesting that you make pot de creme in a crock pot. Nice photos!

    Thanks again for your comment on my blog.

    • August 24, 2011 at 2:28 pm //

      Hi Nipponnin: Thank you for visiting, and thank you so much for your comment.

  • August 24, 2011 at 7:29 am //

    What beautiful peaches – your photography is amazing, and the recipe is so tempting!

    • August 24, 2011 at 2:28 pm //

      Hi Katy, Thank you, and thank you for commenting!

  • August 24, 2011 at 7:29 am //

    Love the idea of making pots de creme in a crock pot! Excited to give this technique a try. Lovely!

    • August 24, 2011 at 2:27 pm //

      Hi Dawn! Thank you, and thank you for commenting! Let me know if you give it a try!

  • August 24, 2011 at 11:08 am //

    I love these cute donut peaches. Love the idea of a fruity pot de creme.

    • August 24, 2011 at 2:27 pm //

      Hi Ellie, thank you, and thank you for commenting!

  • August 24, 2011 at 4:03 pm //

    I love donut peaches and that’s one great dessert! Beautiful pics!

    • August 26, 2011 at 9:48 am //

      Hi Peachie! Thank you so much for commenting, and thank you for the complements on the photos!

    • August 26, 2011 at 9:47 am //

      Hi Cheryl & Adam! Thank you so much for commenting, and thank you for the complements on the photos!

  • August 25, 2011 at 3:28 am //

    Love the pics of the peaches….they’re one of my favourite fruits and I haven’t had nearly enough of them this year yet!!! And summer is almost over…

    I think you’ve inspired me to pick some up tomorrow! :)

    • August 26, 2011 at 9:47 am //

      Hi Charissa, thank you so much for commenting, and thank you for the complements, I can’t believe summer is almost over GAH!

  • August 25, 2011 at 11:23 pm //

    Sounds every bit as luscious as the photos look! I rarely cook with peaches, but now I feel like I should change that practice asap.

    • August 26, 2011 at 9:46 am //

      Hi Hannah, thank you so much for commenting, and thank you for the complements on the photos! Let me know if you give it a try!

  • August 26, 2011 at 1:04 pm //

    Gorgeous photos! :) And since we are in the top peaches season, the perfect recipe :)

  • August 26, 2011 at 8:47 pm //

    I love your fruity peach pots!! the peaches have been divine this year. I musy try it, thank you for sharing!!

  • August 27, 2011 at 3:40 pm //

    Oh, I adore peaches, and this delicious dessert sounds like just my kind of thing!

    • August 29, 2011 at 4:49 am //

      Thank you Paula! I could eat peaches (and cream) every day! Love peaches, too.

  • August 28, 2011 at 12:45 am //

    I hardly do desserts because they are usually baked…baked….baked …and I don’t bake. Other than tiramisu, non-baked cheesecake, looks like this is another dessert I can do. Sounds do-able….:D

    • August 29, 2011 at 4:50 am //

      Tigerfish, so many good desserts to make without baking. Keep checking back for new ideas=D

  • August 28, 2011 at 2:55 pm //

    Nice and clean pictures! I have never heard of these donut peaches until 2 years ago. We call them wild peaches here in the Netherlands. I do get a little alergic reaction from it, but I still eat it hehe.

    • August 29, 2011 at 8:16 am //

      Hi Kelivin, thank you, wild peaches sounds like a great name alternative. I’m sorry you get an allergic reaction from peaches.

  • August 28, 2011 at 5:11 pm //

    I don’t think ANYONE can resist that!
    love your photography by the way

    • August 29, 2011 at 8:15 am //

      Thank you Sawsan!

  • August 28, 2011 at 7:04 pm //

    Thanks for visiting my “kitchen”, glad to get to know yours, you have gorgeous photos and this peach pot de creme looks delicious!

    • August 29, 2011 at 8:14 am //

      Hi Renta, and thank you as well for coming by to say “hello”!

  • August 28, 2011 at 9:53 pm //

    I couldn’t agree more about using the crockpot instead of the oven. Have never tried custard in it but what a great idea!

    Question: I have never seen peach extract in the store. Am I missing it or is it a specialty item? What if I leave it out?

    • August 29, 2011 at 8:14 am //

      Hi Yudith, thank you, I agree, who can resist peaches and cream!

  • August 29, 2011 at 12:15 am //

    This looks delicious. I just love fresh peaches. It’s too bad their season is so short.

    • August 29, 2011 at 8:13 am //

      Hi Cheri, thank you so much.

  • August 29, 2011 at 12:33 am //

    Yum! I’ve never had pot de creme, but this looks amazingly delicious! Peaches are definitely one of my top 5 favorite fruits.

    • August 29, 2011 at 8:13 am //

      Hi Tina, I hope you have the chance to try it, please let me know if you like it.

  • August 29, 2011 at 1:52 am //

    Looks delicious and beautiful peaches you have there.

    • August 29, 2011 at 8:13 am //

      Thank you!

  • August 29, 2011 at 2:31 am //

    Oh your pictures looks so stunning :) And the recipe sounds delightful. This post makes me happy :)

    • August 29, 2011 at 8:12 am //

      Hi Tes, love the name, thank you for commenting.

  • August 29, 2011 at 6:17 am //

    Wow these are some seriously delicious looking photos!

    • August 29, 2011 at 8:12 am //

      Hi Kathleen, thank you so much!

  • August 29, 2011 at 7:00 am //

    That looks delicious. Love your photos!

    • August 29, 2011 at 8:12 am //

      Thank you so much Simone!

  • August 29, 2011 at 8:07 am //

    I’ve never made pots de creme, but I they always look so good! I love your peach version here. I can’t seem to get enough of peaches this year.

    • August 29, 2011 at 8:12 am //

      Hi Lori, thank you!

  • August 29, 2011 at 10:25 am //

    Oh my this dessert looks good – so creamy and lovely. What a fantastic idea using the crockpot.

    • August 29, 2011 at 11:54 am //

      Hi Emma, thank you so much, let me know if you give the crockpot idea a go?

  • August 29, 2011 at 10:43 am //

    Mmmm….this looks like the perfect dessert! I love peaches! I have never made pots de creme before….I think I need to! :D

    • August 29, 2011 at 11:55 am //

      Hi Christina, thank you, I love peaches as well, let me know if you give the recipe a try!

  • August 29, 2011 at 1:25 pm //

    This looks amazing!!

    • August 29, 2011 at 4:18 pm //

      Thank you Deborah!

  • August 29, 2011 at 5:47 pm //

    Beautiful little dessert pots, totally agree with you about the peaches – I always try to get those when I can over regular ones. They’re so small and cute (especially the *tiny* pit inside!) and just delicious too.

    • August 29, 2011 at 8:55 pm //

      Hello Charles, thank you for commenting, do you have a favorite “peach”?

  • August 29, 2011 at 6:12 pm //

    Got to love this dessert, simple yet delicious! Great photography too

    • August 29, 2011 at 8:54 pm //

      Hi Raymund, thank you so much for commenting, thank you for your kind comments on the photography.

  • August 30, 2011 at 2:38 am //

    mmm it looks so yummy….I should try your recipe!!!

    • August 30, 2011 at 10:57 am //

      Hi Claudia, I hope you get to give it a try, let me know if you do, I hope you like it.

  • August 31, 2011 at 4:38 am //

    Maybe it’s time for me to start making pot de creme

    • August 31, 2011 at 2:06 pm //

      Hi Yadsia, thank you so much for commenting, let me know if you do?

  • September 3, 2011 at 12:35 pm //

    This looks delicious. Big juicy peaches are my favorite.

    • September 5, 2011 at 7:42 pm //

      Hi Maryanna, thank you so much for commenting!

  • September 4, 2011 at 7:15 am //

    thanks for visited my blog and for your reply on my Fiesta cake post. It’s really too difficult for me to translate the recipe of the cake for you because it’s very long and complicated and my english is orrible!… maybe if you know someone who speak italian, he could translate it for you. This cake is delicious and you have to bake it! Bye!! ;)

  • September 6, 2011 at 8:26 pm //

    wow – first of all…amazing photography! And peaches ‘n cream is definitely irresistible :) Thanks for the informative history lesson on the humble custard…didn’t know that before! Now, im hungry for those pot de creme :D

    • September 7, 2011 at 10:42 am //

      Hi Vivienne, thank you, I’m so happy you enjoyed the bit on history too!

  • September 7, 2011 at 1:13 am //

    Hey there,
    Wow do those peach pot de creme look delish! And the donut peaches are adorable.
    I recently read about peach leaf custard and I was fascinated by the idea of infusing the custard with the peach leaf. Odd, but interesting, right?
    Cheers,
    Erin

    • September 7, 2011 at 10:41 am //

      Hi Erin, thank you, peach leaf custard sounds so intriguing, will you give it a try?

  • September 20, 2011 at 6:28 am //

    That just sounds so amazing. I always pick the cakes over the desserts, but maybe it’s not the best way ;)

    • September 20, 2011 at 8:27 am //

      Thank you Magda!