Tennessee Peach Pudding – A Southern Heritage Dessert Reborn
Welcome to the warm and nostalgic world of Tennessee Peach Pudding — a unique twist on the traditional fruit cobbler that every Southerner knows and loves. Imagine sweet, juicy peaches enveloped in a soft cake-like batter, then drowned in a hot syrup that magically sinks and thickens as it bakes. The result? A self-saucing, gooey, golden pudding that tastes like home in a bowl.
This humble yet decadent dessert is deeply rooted in Southern comfort food culture, and it’s the perfect way to showcase fresh or frozen peaches. And guess what? It’s easy enough to whip up on a weeknight, yet impressive enough to serve to guests with a dollop of whipped cream or scoop of vanilla ice cream.
So let’s celebrate tradition, flavor, and all things peachy with this heartwarming classic. 🍑🫶
Ingredients
🍑 Fruits et légumes:
- 3 cups peaches fresh (peeled and sliced) or frozen
🧁 Aides culinaires et épices:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar divided
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
🧈 Produits laitiers:
- 1 tbsp butter
- ½ cup milk
💧 Liquides:
- 1½ cups water boiling hot
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9x9-inch baking dish or similar sized pan with butter or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Layer the Peaches
- Place your peeled and sliced peaches in the bottom of the baking dish.
- Spread them out evenly so they form a juicy, sweet base.
Step 3: Make the Batter
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- Add in the milk and melted butter, stirring just until a thick batter forms.
- Spoon the batter over the peaches, spreading gently but not mixing in.
Step 4: Add the Sweet Syrup Layer
- In another bowl, mix together:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- Sprinkle this sugar mixture evenly over the batter.
- Slowly pour the boiling water over everything — do NOT stir! This is what creates the pudding sauce as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Bake uncovered for 45–50 minutes until the top is golden brown and firm to the touch.
- The syrup will thicken and settle at the bottom, while the cake rises to the top — magic! ✨
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream 🍨 Add a dollop of homemade whipped cream Drizzle with caramel or bourbon sauce for extra indulgence Serve with sweetened Greek yogurt for a brunch-friendly twist 🔄 Variations
Berry Blend: Add a handful of blueberries or raspberries to the peaches Bourbon Kick: Mix 2 tbsp of bourbon into the boiling water Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking Spiced Up: Try cardamom or allspice instead of nutmeg for a new flavor profile Make it Vegan: Use non-dairy milk and vegan butter 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days Freezing:
Cool completely, wrap well, and freeze for up to 2 months Thaw overnight in the refrigerator Reheating:
Microwave individual servings for 30–45 seconds Or reheat in a 325°F oven until warm and bubbly ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes this a pudding?
The hot water poured over the top creates a syrup that sinks to the bottom and thickens, forming a pudding-like sauce. 2. Can I use canned peaches?
Yes, just drain them well and reduce the sugar slightly. 3. Why don’t we stir the boiling water in?
This is key to creating the layered pudding effect — no stirring allowed! 4. What’s the texture like?
The top is golden and cakey while the bottom is gooey, syrupy, and soft. 5. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can prep the peaches and batter ahead, but add the boiling water and bake right before serving. 6. What’s the best way to peel peaches?
Blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then shock in ice water. Skins slide right off! 7. Is this dessert too sweet?
It’s sweet and rich, but you can easily cut back the sugar by ¼ cup if needed. 8. Can I make it gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. 9. Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely! Apples, nectarines, or even cherries can sub in beautifully. 10. Can I serve this cold?
Yes, though it's best warm. Cold versions are still tasty but denser. 💡 Pro Tips
Use ripe peaches for maximum flavor and juice Don’t overmix the batter — just combine ingredients gently Pour water slowly over the top so you don’t disrupt the layers Let the pudding cool slightly so the syrup thickens and flavors settle Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic Southern combo 🏁 Conclusion
Tennessee Peach Pudding isn’t just a dessert — it’s a Southern tradition baked into every spoonful. Juicy fruit, cozy spices, and a buttery cake layer all come together in a magic trick of oven alchemy. It’s the kind of dish that makes people go back for seconds (or thirds), with a smile. Serve it at your next family gathering, holiday, or Sunday supper, and watch it disappear. Peach perfection never looked so simple — or so delicious. 🍑✨
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream 🍨 Add a dollop of homemade whipped cream Drizzle with caramel or bourbon sauce for extra indulgence Serve with sweetened Greek yogurt for a brunch-friendly twist 🔄 Variations
Berry Blend: Add a handful of blueberries or raspberries to the peaches Bourbon Kick: Mix 2 tbsp of bourbon into the boiling water Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking Spiced Up: Try cardamom or allspice instead of nutmeg for a new flavor profile Make it Vegan: Use non-dairy milk and vegan butter 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days Freezing:
Cool completely, wrap well, and freeze for up to 2 months Thaw overnight in the refrigerator Reheating:
Microwave individual servings for 30–45 seconds Or reheat in a 325°F oven until warm and bubbly ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes this a pudding?
The hot water poured over the top creates a syrup that sinks to the bottom and thickens, forming a pudding-like sauce. 2. Can I use canned peaches?
Yes, just drain them well and reduce the sugar slightly. 3. Why don’t we stir the boiling water in?
This is key to creating the layered pudding effect — no stirring allowed! 4. What’s the texture like?
The top is golden and cakey while the bottom is gooey, syrupy, and soft. 5. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can prep the peaches and batter ahead, but add the boiling water and bake right before serving. 6. What’s the best way to peel peaches?
Blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then shock in ice water. Skins slide right off! 7. Is this dessert too sweet?
It’s sweet and rich, but you can easily cut back the sugar by ¼ cup if needed. 8. Can I make it gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. 9. Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely! Apples, nectarines, or even cherries can sub in beautifully. 10. Can I serve this cold?
Yes, though it's best warm. Cold versions are still tasty but denser. 💡 Pro Tips
Use ripe peaches for maximum flavor and juice Don’t overmix the batter — just combine ingredients gently Pour water slowly over the top so you don’t disrupt the layers Let the pudding cool slightly so the syrup thickens and flavors settle Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic Southern combo 🏁 Conclusion
Tennessee Peach Pudding isn’t just a dessert — it’s a Southern tradition baked into every spoonful. Juicy fruit, cozy spices, and a buttery cake layer all come together in a magic trick of oven alchemy. It’s the kind of dish that makes people go back for seconds (or thirds), with a smile. Serve it at your next family gathering, holiday, or Sunday supper, and watch it disappear. Peach perfection never looked so simple — or so delicious. 🍑✨