If you’ve never tried this classic Southern delight, you are in for a real treat with the Tennessee Peach Pudding Recipe. This warm, comforting dessert captures the juicy sweetness of fresh peaches baked into a soft, cake-like pudding topped with a luscious, melting layer of brown sugar and butter syrup. It’s simple to make but delivers a depth of flavor and cozy texture that will instantly become a favorite at your table. Whether you serve it for a family gathering or just as a decadent weeknight treat, this recipe brings a bit of Southern charm into every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Tennessee Peach Pudding Recipe lies in its simplicity — every ingredient is straightforward but essential to building those layers of flavor and texture that make this dessert unforgettable.
- 2 cups sliced fresh or canned peaches: The star of the dish, delivering juicy sweetness and a tender bite.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the structure necessary for the pudding’s soft, cakey texture.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter perfectly without overpowering the peaches.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Gives the pudding a light and airy rise.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup milk: Adds moisture, creating a tender crumb in the pudding.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Brings richness and helps keep the batter moist.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Introduces a warm, inviting aroma that complements the peaches.
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (for topping): Creates that irresistible syrupy caramelized glaze on top.
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water: Dissolves the brown sugar to form the luscious topping.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (cut into small pieces, for topping): Adds pockets of buttery richness as it melts into the topping.
How to Make Tennessee Peach Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish generously; this little detail ensures the pudding won’t stick and helps with those delightful edges that everyone loves to nibble.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry components first ensures the rising agents are evenly distributed so your pudding can puff up beautifully.
Step 3: Mix in the Wet Ingredients
Next, pour the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract right into the dry mixture. Stir everything gently until smooth and creamy. This batter will be the tender base where the peaches shine.
Step 4: Fold in the Peaches
Carefully fold your sliced peaches into the batter, taking care not to over-mix. The peaches should be evenly dispersed, promising sweet pockets of juicy fruit throughout the cake.
Step 5: Pour Batter and Prepare the Topping
Pour your batter into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. In a separate bowl, dissolve the brown sugar in the boiling water—this creates the signature sticky syrup. Slowly pour this syrup mixture over the batter, but avoid stirring; this layering is key to the pudding’s unique texture.
Step 6: Dot with Butter and Bake
Scatter small pieces of butter across the top of your pudding. Pop it into the oven for 40 to 45 minutes. Look for a golden, set top with a deliciously soft and pudding-like center when you insert a knife or toothpick—it’s okay if it comes out a little wet.
How to Serve Tennessee Peach Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
Serve this delightful pudding warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a luscious contrast. A sprinkle of freshly chopped pecans or a dusting of cinnamon can add that extra special touch to impress your guests.
Side Dishes
This sweet treat pairs wonderfully with robust black coffee or a mild dessert wine, enhancing the rich peach flavor. For a complete Southern-inspired meal, consider serving it alongside a light salad with citrusy dressing to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, spoon the pudding into individual ramekins and garnish with fresh peach slices and mint leaves. You can even drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top for an elegant finish at a dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, cover the pudding tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it into an airtight container and refrigerate. It should stay deliciously fresh for up to three days.
Freezing
This Tennessee Peach Pudding Recipe freezes well. Wrap it securely in foil and place in a freezer-safe container. It will keep its flavor and texture for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions gently in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds or warm the entire dish in a 350°F oven until heated through. The pudding is best enjoyed warm, just like fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh or canned?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain frozen peaches thoroughly before adding them to the batter to avoid excess moisture that could affect the pudding’s texture.
Is it alright to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg?
Definitely! A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the batter can enhance the warm, cozy flavors, giving it a more pronounced Southern flair.
Can I substitute milk with a dairy-free alternative?
Yes, you can use almond milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk. Just choose an unsweetened variety to keep the dessert’s sweetness balanced.
What should I look for to know when the pudding is done baking?
The top should be golden and set, while the pudding underneath remains moist and a little soft. A toothpick might come out with some moist crumbs, which is perfect for this dessert.
Can this pudding be made in a larger pan for more servings?
Yes! Just increase the baking time slightly and keep an eye on the pudding’s top and texture. A larger pan may take around 50-55 minutes, but timings can vary depending on your oven.
Final Thoughts
This Tennessee Peach Pudding Recipe is the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug from the South. Its simple ingredients come together in a beautiful harmony of flavors and textures that’s sure to bring smiles around your table. Don’t hesitate to give it a try — the comforting taste of peaches baked into a tender pudding with a rich, caramelized topping will have you reaching for seconds every time.
Print
Tennessee Peach Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tennessee Peach Pudding is a classic Southern dessert featuring tender peaches baked in a sweet, cakey batter with a rich, buttery brown sugar topping. This old-fashioned recipe yields a warm, comforting pudding perfect for serving with vanilla ice cream for a nostalgic treat.
Ingredients
Batter
- 2 cups sliced fresh or canned peaches (drained if using canned)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups boiling water
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the milk, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract, stirring until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
- Incorporate Peaches: Gently fold in the sliced peaches, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter without breaking them up.
- Pour Batter into Dish: Transfer the peach batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Prepare Brown Sugar Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the brown sugar with boiling water and stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add Topping to Batter: Carefully and slowly pour the brown sugar mixture over the batter in the dish without stirring, allowing it to seep through during baking.
- Dot with Butter: Distribute small pieces of unsalted butter over the top of the batter to add richness and help create a golden crust.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and set but the inside remains soft and pudding-like.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the pudding to cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm, especially delicious when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Frozen peaches can be used as a substitute—just thaw and drain them well before adding to the batter.
- For an enhanced Southern flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter before baking.
- This dessert is best served warm to enjoy the contrast of the hot pudding and cold ice cream.
