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Tennessee Peach Pudding – A Southern Comfort Dessert Full of Warm Flavor
About This Recipe
Tennessee Peach Pudding is a traditional Southern-style dessert that celebrates the natural sweetness of ripe peaches baked beneath a soft, cake-like topping. Unlike a classic pudding made on the stovetop, this version is oven-baked, allowing the fruit to release its juices while the batter rises gently over the top. As it bakes, the dessert forms distinct layers: tender peaches at the bottom and a golden, fluffy topping above.
This dish is deeply rooted in comfort cooking and is often served warm, making it ideal for family gatherings, Sunday dinners, or cozy evenings at home. Its rustic appearance and rich aroma make it feel homemade in the best possible way.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tennessee Peach Pudding stands out because of its simplicity and depth of flavor. It does not rely on complicated techniques or special equipment, yet the result is a dessert that feels indulgent and satisfying. The peaches soften into a syrupy base, while the topping absorbs some of that sweetness and remains light and tender.
Another reason this recipe is so beloved is its flexibility. It can be made with fresh peaches during peak season or with canned peaches when fresh fruit is not available. Served on its own or paired with vanilla ice cream, this pudding always delivers comfort and warmth.
Ingredients You Will Need
For the Peach Layer:
• 4 cups sliced peaches (about 600 g), fresh or canned and drained
• ¾ cup granulated sugar (150 g)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml)
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (1 g)
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (0.5 g)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15 ml)
For the Batter:
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (125 g)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder (8 g)
• ¼ teaspoon salt (1.5 g)
• 1 cup whole milk (240 ml)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (115 g), melted
Preparing the Peach Base
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with butter.
Place the sliced peaches into the prepared baking dish and spread them evenly. Sprinkle the sugar over the peaches, followed by the vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Gently stir to coat the fruit evenly.
As the pudding bakes, this peach layer will soften and release its juices, forming a rich, syrupy base that flavors the entire dessert.
Mixing the Batter
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed.
Slowly add the milk while stirring, followed by the melted butter. Mix until the batter is smooth and free of large lumps. The batter should be pourable but not too thin.
Carefully pour the batter over the peach mixture in the baking dish. Do not stir. As the dessert bakes, the batter will rise naturally above the peaches, creating the signature pudding-style layers.
Baking the Pudding
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes. The top should be golden brown and set, while the peach layer below remains soft and bubbling.
To test doneness, insert a toothpick into the cake portion. It should come out mostly clean, with only a few moist crumbs.
Remove the pudding from the oven and allow it to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the layers settle slightly while keeping the dessert warm.
Serving Suggestions
Tennessee Peach Pudding is best served warm. Spoon generous portions into bowls, ensuring each serving includes both peaches and cake.
For a classic Southern touch, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The cold topping contrasts beautifully with the warm pudding.
This dessert also pairs well with lightly sweetened crème fraîche or a drizzle of warm cream.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Results
If using canned peaches, drain them well to prevent excess liquid from making the pudding too loose.
Fresh peaches can be peeled easily by blanching them briefly in boiling water, then transferring them to an ice bath.
Avoid stirring the batter into the peaches. The layering happens naturally during baking and is key to the pudding’s texture.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover Tennessee Peach Pudding can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture may soften slightly, but the flavor remains rich and comforting.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a low oven until heated through. This pudding is not ideal for freezing, as the fruit and cake layers may separate upon thawing.