Tennessee Peach Pudding: A Southern Comfort Dessert for Beginners

There’s something special about Southern desserts that just warm your soul. Whether it’s the buttery, flaky layers of a homemade pie or the sweet aroma of freshly baked cobbler, Southern baking has a way of making you feel right at home. One such dessert that’s a true crowd-pleaser is the Tennessee Peach Pudding. This dish combines the juicy sweetness of fresh peaches with a soft, cake-like consistency and a crispy, buttery topping—perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering, family dinner, or just a cozy treat for yourself.

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As someone who grew up enjoying Southern sweets at family gatherings, I can tell you that this Tennessee Peach Pudding has all the qualities of a traditional comfort dessert. It’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and most importantly, it’s delicious. The best part? You don’t need any advanced baking skills to pull it off! Whether you’re a beginner or just looking for a simple recipe that delivers big flavor, this one will become your go-to when you’re craving something sweet, warm, and comforting. The layers of fluffy cake and juicy peaches are topped with a caramelized syrup, giving it that satisfying crispiness. It’s a dessert you can make any time and still impress everyone who tastes it.

Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe and discover how you can recreate this Southern classic right in your own kitchen!

Ingredients and Preparation

Before we get started on the baking, let’s go over the ingredients that will bring this mouthwatering Tennessee Peach Pudding to life. You won’t need anything fancy or hard to find—just a few pantry staples and some fresh or frozen peaches, and you’ll be on your way to creating a delicious treat.

For the Pudding:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour – All-purpose flour provides the structure for the pudding and helps create a soft, fluffy texture.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar – The sugar sweetens the pudding base, making it delicious and comforting.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder – This is the leavening agent that helps the batter rise and become light and airy.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – A pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness of the pudding.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional) – Cinnamon adds warmth and a lovely, spicy note to the pudding, but it’s optional if you prefer a more neutral flavor.
• 1/2 cup milk – Full-fat milk creates a smooth batter with the right consistency. You can use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free alternative.
• 3 cups sliced, peeled peaches – Fresh, ripe peaches are ideal, but frozen peaches will also work in this recipe.

For the Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups water – The base for the syrup that will be poured over the pudding, creating a crispy, sweet top.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the syrup and adds that irresistible caramelized flavor.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed) – Brown sugar brings a deeper, molasses-like sweetness to the topping.
• 1 tablespoon butter – The butter helps to enrich the syrup and adds a smooth, velvety finish.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg – Nutmeg adds a warm, aromatic spice to the topping, giving it a comforting, holiday-like flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions:

If you have dietary restrictions or just want to experiment, there are plenty of ways to modify this recipe:

• Flour: If you want a gluten-free version, you can use a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the instructions on the packaging, as some gluten-free flours require additional ingredients like xanthan gum to help with texture.
• Milk: If you’re dairy-free, substitute the whole milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any plant-based milk you prefer.
• Sugar: You can reduce the amount of sugar in the pudding for a less sweet treat, or opt for natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup to make the dessert a little healthier.
• Peaches: Fresh peaches are the best option, but frozen peaches will work just as well. Make sure to thaw them before use, and drain any excess liquid to prevent the pudding from becoming too watery.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s break down the steps of this easy recipe. With just a few basic steps, you’ll be able to make a delicious Tennessee Peach Pudding that’s sure to impress.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature will allow the pudding to bake evenly and create that beautiful golden top. While the oven is heating up, grease an 8-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. You can also lightly flour the dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon (if using). Use a whisk or a spoon to stir the dry ingredients together. This helps ensure that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour, so the batter will rise evenly while baking.

Step 3: Add the Milk and Stir

Once the dry ingredients are mixed, pour in the milk. Stir the mixture until it comes together into a smooth batter. The batter should be thick yet pourable, with no lumps. If you’re using almond or oat milk, you may need to stir a bit longer to ensure everything is well incorporated.

Step 4: Fold in the Peaches

Now it’s time to add the peaches. Carefully fold in the sliced, peeled peaches, making sure that they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. If you’re using frozen peaches, make sure they’re thawed and drained to avoid excess liquid. The peaches should add bursts of sweetness throughout the pudding, so be gentle when folding them in to maintain the fluffy texture.

Step 5: Pour the Batter into the Baking Dish

Transfer the peach-filled batter to the prepared 8-inch baking dish. Use a spatula to spread the batter out evenly. It’s okay if the batter doesn’t completely cover the dish—it will spread out as it bakes.

Step 6: Prepare the Topping

In a medium saucepan, combine the water, granulated sugar, brown sugar, butter, and ground nutmeg. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir the mixture constantly until the butter has melted and the sugars have dissolved. Bring the syrup to a boil and let it cook for another 2–3 minutes to ensure everything is well incorporated.

Step 7: Pour the Topping Over the Batter

Once the syrup is ready, carefully pour it over the batter in the baking dish. The syrup will soak into the batter as it bakes, creating a sweet, golden crust on top. Don’t worry if the syrup covers only part of the batter—everything will bake together beautifully.

Step 8: Bake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The pudding will puff up as it bakes and develop a slight crispiness on top. Keep an eye on it towards the end of baking to ensure it doesn’t overcook.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Once the pudding is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve the pudding warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to add a touch of richness. The warm, gooey filling and crispy topping make this dessert irresistible!

Beginner Tips and Notes

As you follow this recipe, here are some tips to help you avoid common pitfalls and make sure your pudding turns out perfectly:

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: When mixing the dry and wet ingredients, avoid overmixing. Stir just until everything is combined. Overmixing can cause the pudding to become dense rather than light and fluffy.
• Watch the Peaches: If you’re using fresh peaches, make sure they’re ripe and sweet. Under-ripe peaches can make the pudding too tart. If you’re using frozen peaches, be sure to thaw and drain them first to prevent excess liquid from making the pudding soggy.
• Check for Doneness: Always check your pudding with a toothpick before removing it from the oven. If it comes out clean, the pudding is ready to be served.

Serving Suggestions

Tennessee Peach Pudding is delicious on its own, but you can enhance the experience with a few simple additions. Here are some serving ideas to take it to the next level:

• Vanilla Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: The rich, warm pudding pairs perfectly with the cool, creamy texture of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. This contrast of temperatures makes every bite even more satisfying.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzling homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the top of the pudding adds a luxurious, rich flavor that complements the peaches and spices perfectly.
• Fresh Mint or Basil: For a pop of color and a refreshing note, garnish your pudding with fresh mint or basil leaves. It adds an unexpected herbal twist that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the dessert.
• Serve for Breakfast: This pudding is so comforting that you can serve it for breakfast! A smaller portion, paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea, will start your day off on a sweet note.

Storage Tips for Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, don’t worry! Tennessee Peach Pudding stores well for a few days, making it a great dessert to prepare in advance.

• In the Refrigerator: Allow the pudding to cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for 30–45 seconds, or heat the entire pudding in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

Conclusion: Why You Should Try This Recipe

Tennessee Peach Pudding is a quintessential Southern dessert that combines the sweet, juicy flavor of peaches with a rich, comforting cake-like texture. It’s easy to make, requires basic ingredients, and is sure to impress your friends and family. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a comforting dessert, this pudding delivers on both flavor and simplicity. Perfect for beginners, this recipe is a great introduction to the world of Southern baking. So why not give it a try? You’ll love every bite of this warm, sweet treat—and so will everyone else you share it with!

Happy baking, and enjoy the Southern goodness of Tennessee Peach Pudding!