If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug from the South, look no further than this delightful Tennessee Peach Pudding Recipe. It’s a luscious blend of fresh peaches and a lightly sweetened batter that bakes into a golden, bubbling masterpiece. This old-fashioned peach pudding is more than just a dish; it’s a comforting tradition that brings out the best flavors of summer peaches with a tender cake-like topping, making every bite irresistibly cozy and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Tennessee Peach Pudding Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to enhance the natural sweetness of fresh peaches and create the perfect texture—light yet rich, with a hint of buttery warmth.
- 2 cups peeled and sliced fresh peaches: The star of the show, providing juicy sweetness and tender fruitiness.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Gives structure to the batter, balancing softness and moisture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar (divided): Sweetens the pudding and caramelizes for a lovely crust.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the batter rise lightly and become fluffy.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Adds moisture and richness to the batter.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Brings a silky, buttery taste and tender crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Introduces a warm, aromatic note to the pudding.
- 1 cup light brown sugar: Deepens the flavor with caramel undertones and helps create a sticky top layer.
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water: Pouring this on top sets the pudding while keeping it wonderfully moist.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into small pieces): Dotted on top for added richness and buttery pockets.
- Ground cinnamon for sprinkling (optional): Adds a subtle spicy warmth to brighten the flavors.
How to Make Tennessee Peach Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peaches
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish generously, then spread your fresh, peeled, and sliced peaches evenly across the bottom. These juicy peaches form the bedrock of your pudding and their natural sweetness will really shine through once baked.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, half of your granulated sugar (1/2 cup), baking powder, and salt. This blend ensures the batter will have the perfect rise and a balanced flavor that complements—not overpowers—the peaches.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
To your dry mix, stir in the whole milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. This creates a luscious batter that will lightly cover the peaches and bake into a tender cake top, soaking up the fruity goodness beneath.
Step 4: Assemble the Pudding
Pour the batter evenly over the peaches in your baking dish. Be careful not to stir—leave the layers as they are. In a separate bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup of granulated sugar with the brown sugar, then sprinkle it evenly over the batter.
Step 5: Add Boiling Water and Butter
Here’s a little Southern magic: gently pour the boiling water over the top without mixing, allowing the sugars and batter to meld as it bakes. Dot with the small pieces of butter and sprinkle with cinnamon if you want that extra cozy spice.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the pudding for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top turns a tantalizing golden color and you see bubbles rising to the surface. Let it cool for about 10 minutes to set before serving—this waiting time makes all the difference!
How to Serve Tennessee Peach Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
Serving this pudding warm is key to enjoying its full flavor and texture. Top it with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for that melting, dreamy contrast. A light dusting of powdered sugar or an extra sprinkle of cinnamon can elevate its look and taste even more.
Side Dishes
Pair this luscious dessert with a simple cup of black coffee or a tall glass of cold milk to keep things classic. For a brunch twist, serve alongside biscuits and fried chicken for a Southern-inspired feast that will wow your guests.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, serve individual portions in rustic ramekins or mason jars. Layer some extra peach slices and whipped cream on top just before serving to showcase the freshness visually. You might even drizzle a little honey or bourbon caramel sauce for a grown-up twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Tennessee Peach Pudding Recipe tastes just as good the next day! Cover your leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Chill for up to 3 days and enjoy as a quick, comforting snack or dessert.
Freezing
You can freeze this pudding for longer storage by wrapping the baking dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently in the oven.
Reheating
To warm up leftovers, place portions in a baking dish and cover loosely with foil. Heat in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes if you’re short on time.
FAQs
Can I use canned or frozen peaches for the Tennessee Peach Pudding Recipe?
Absolutely! Canned or frozen peaches work just as well, especially when fresh peaches are out of season. Just be sure to drain them well to avoid extra liquid diluting the batter.
What type of sugar works best in this recipe?
This recipe uses both granulated and light brown sugar. The brown sugar adds a beautiful depth of caramel flavor, while granulated sugar provides clean sweetness and helps create the pudding’s crisp top layer.
Is this dessert gluten-free?
The classic Tennessee Peach Pudding Recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. You could try a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary since the texture might change slightly.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the whole milk with your favorite plant-based milk, like almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free butter alternatives. The flavors will still be delightful and just as comforting.
How do I know when the pudding is fully baked?
Look for a golden-brown top with bubbling juices around the edges. The filling should be thickened and the batter cooked through. If you insert a toothpick, it should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs.
Final Thoughts
This Tennessee Peach Pudding Recipe is a warm slice of Southern comfort that will quickly earn a spot in your dessert rotation. Its simple ingredients and easy method deliver a result bursting with juicy peaches and buttery sweetness that feels like a homemade hug. I promise, once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and time again, no matter the season.
Print
Tennessee Peach Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern, American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tennessee Peach Pudding is a classic Southern baked dessert that showcases fresh, juicy peaches beneath a tender, moist cake-like topping. This comforting recipe combines the natural sweetness of peaches with a buttery, cinnamon-spiced brown sugar sauce that bubbles up during baking to create a luscious, old-fashioned treat. Perfect served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, this traditional pudding is simple to make and a delightful way to enjoy seasonal peaches.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 2 cups peeled and sliced fresh peaches
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar (divided)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup light brown sugar
Liquids and Fats
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)
Spices
- Ground cinnamon for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare baking dish and peaches: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish thoroughly. Evenly spread the peeled and sliced fresh peaches in the bottom of the dish to form the fruit base.
- Make the batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of the granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Stir in the whole milk, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and uniform.
- Layer batter over peaches: Pour the prepared batter evenly over the peaches in the baking dish. Important: do not stir the batter into the peaches; it should stay on top to create a distinct pudding layer.
- Add sugar topping: In a separate bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar with the light brown sugar. Sprinkle this sugar mixture evenly over the batter layer to help form a rich caramelized topping as it bakes.
- Pour boiling water and add butter: Carefully and gently pour the 1 1/2 cups of boiling water evenly over the entire dish without stirring, allowing the liquid to sink through the layers. Dot the top with the small pieces of unsalted butter, distributing them evenly for richness.
- Optional cinnamon topping: Sprinkle ground cinnamon over the top of the pudding if desired to add a warm, spicy note.
- Bake the pudding: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling, indicating the pudding is cooked through and the sugars have caramelized.
- Rest before serving: Remove from the oven and let the pudding cool for about 10 minutes to allow it to thicken slightly, making it easier to serve.
- Serve: Spoon warm Tennessee Peach Pudding into bowls and enjoy plain or topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Notes
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a classic touch.
- If fresh peaches are unavailable, canned or frozen peaches can be substituted—ensure they are well drained to avoid excess liquid.
- For a spicier flavor, increase cinnamon slightly or add a pinch of nutmeg.
- The pudding is best enjoyed the day it’s made but can be reheated gently if needed.
