Tennessee Peach Pudding Recipe

 

Tennessee Peach Pudding: A Warm Southern Hug in Every Bite

When it comes to Southern desserts, nothing says "home" quite like a warm, gooey pudding bursting with fresh peaches. Tennessee Peach Pudding is a classic, old-fashioned treat that captures the heart of Southern comfort in every spoonful. Imagine sweet, juicy peaches nestled in a tender cake-like batter, all baked under a buttery brown sugar topping that turns into a luscious caramel sauce as it cooks. It’s part cobbler, part cake, and 100% irresistible.

Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, this dessert is a celebration of the season’s best fruit — and a recipe handed down through generations of Tennessee kitchens.

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What Makes Tennessee Peach Pudding Special?

Unlike typical cobblers or crisps, this dessert has a unique twist — a boiling syrup is poured over the batter before baking. As it bakes, the syrup sinks through the cake, creating a gooey, self-saucing pudding with an incredible depth of flavor. It’s rustic, rich, and packed with peachy goodness.

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Ingredients

For the Peach Base:

• 2 cups peeled and sliced fresh peaches (or use drained canned peaches in a pinch)

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup milk

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Topping (Syrup):

• 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)

• 1 cup boiling water

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking dish or similar-sized casserole dish.

2. Make the Batter

In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth. Gently fold in the sliced peaches.

3. Spread into Dish

Pour the peach batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

4. Prepare the Syrup

In a small bowl or saucepan, combine brown sugar, boiling water, and butter. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the butter melts.

5. Pour Over Batter

Carefully pour the hot syrup over the batter — do not stir. This step might feel strange, but trust the process. As it bakes, the syrup works its way down, creating a rich sauce at the bottom.

6. Bake

Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and set, and the syrup is bubbling up around the edges.

7. Serve Warm

Let the pudding cool for about 10–15 minutes, then serve warm — ideally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

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Tips for Success

• Use ripe, fresh peaches in the summer for maximum flavor, but canned peaches will work beautifully out of season.

• Don’t skip the syrup step — it's what creates the gooey, caramel-like sauce.

• Make ahead: This pudding holds up well when made a few hours in advance. Reheat gently in the oven before serving.

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Serving Ideas

• Top with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for the ultimate Southern indulgence.

• Serve with fresh mint and a drizzle of cream for a lighter twist.

• Add a splash of Tennessee whiskey to the syrup for a grown-up version.

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Final Thoughts

Tennessee Peach Pudding is more than just dessert — it’s a slice of Southern tradition. Whether you’re making it for Sunday supper, a summer potluck, or just because peaches are in season, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe).

Warm, sweet, and a little nostalgic, this is comfort food at its finest — straight from the heart of Tennessee.