Tennessee Peach Pudding Delight Recipe

Welcome Cook Recipe: Tennessee Peach Pudding Delight Recipe

There’s something undeniably Southern, nostalgic, and heartwarming about a bubbling dish of peach pudding straight from the oven. A beloved heirloom dessert across Tennessee and much of the American South, the Tennessee Peach Pudding Delight captures everything people love about classic home baking: juicy peaches, a tender cake-like base, and a rich, buttery sauce that creates its own caramelized magic while it bakes.

If you’re seeking an easy-to-make dessert that combines rustic charm with irresistible flavor, this Tennessee-style peach pudding will quickly become a cherished favorite. It’s perfect for summer gatherings, Sunday suppers, or just a cozy family night when nothing else but warm peach comfort will do.

What Is Tennessee Peach Pudding?

Unlike traditional cobblers or crisps, Tennessee Peach Pudding is a unique baked dessert where fresh or canned peaches are layered beneath a soft, biscuit-like batter and topped with a boiling sugar syrup that seeps through the pudding as it bakes. The result? A luscious, self-saucing dessert with layers of fruit, moist cake, and golden-brown topping.

The combination of warm peaches and sweet vanilla-butter sauce creates a flavor so comforting and rich, it tastes like Southern summer in every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Peach Dessert

Here’s why this recipe stands out from ordinary peach desserts:

• Self-saucing magic – Sauce forms underneath while baking
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• Old-fashioned Southern charm – Deeply rooted in Tennessee tradition
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• No mixer needed – Simple bowl-and-spoon method
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• Versatile with fresh or canned peaches
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• Perfect served warm with ice cream or whipped cream
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• Great for potlucks, church suppers, or holiday dinners
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Key Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Peaches (fresh or canned)	4 cups sliced	The fruity base, sweet and juicy
All-purpose flour	1 cup	Forms the cake-like batter
Granulated sugar	1 cup (divided)	Sweetens both batter and syrup topping
Baking powder	2 tsp	Leavens the pudding for fluffiness
Salt	½ tsp	Enhances flavor
Whole milk	½ cup	Adds moisture to the batter
Unsalted butter	6 tbsp (melted)	Richens the batter and syrup
Vanilla extract	1 tsp	Infuses warmth and aroma
Boiling water	1½ cups	Combines with sugar to make the pudding sauce
Brown sugar (optional)	¼ cup	Adds deeper, caramel-like flavor to the sauce
Ground cinnamon (optional)	½ tsp	For extra warmth and spice

How to Make Tennessee Peach Pudding Delight

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish generously with butter or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Arrange the Peaches

If using fresh peaches, peel and slice about 4 cups. If using canned, drain well. Spread the peaches evenly in the bottom of your prepared dish.

Step 3: Mix the Batter

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
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• ½ cup sugar
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• 2 tsp baking powder
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• ½ tsp salt
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Then add:

• ½ cup milk
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• 2 tbsp melted butter
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• 1 tsp vanilla extract
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Stir until combined. The batter will be thick and smooth. Spoon this batter over the peaches in the dish. Don’t worry if some peaches peek through.

Step 4: Make the Syrup

In a separate bowl, combine:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
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• ¼ cup brown sugar (optional)
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• 1½ cups boiling water
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• 4 tbsp melted butter
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• Cinnamon (if using)
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Gently pour the hot syrup over the entire dish, covering the batter. Do not stir. The liquid will sink down and create the pudding sauce as it bakes.

Step 5: Bake

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is bubbling at the edges. The syrup will settle into the bottom and form a luscious sauce.

Step 6: Cool Slightly and Serve

Let cool for 10–15 minutes. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of heavy cream.

Pro Tips for Success

• Use ripe, fresh peaches when in season for the best texture and flavor.
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• Don’t overmix the batter — stir just until combined.
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• Let the boiling syrup sit for 2 minutes before pouring to intensify the flavor.
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• Place the dish on a baking sheet to catch bubbling syrup overflow in the oven.
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• Add bourbon or almond extract for an extra twist of flavor.
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Delicious Serving Ideas

This pudding is best served warm, and even better with:

• A scoop of classic vanilla bean ice cream
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• Fresh whipped cream with a touch of cinnamon
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• A splash of cold cream over the top
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• A sprinkle of chopped pecans for crunch
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• Paired with sweet tea or coffee for an afternoon treat
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Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

• Make-Ahead: You can prep the batter and peaches a few hours in advance. Add syrup and bake when ready.
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• Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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• Reheat: Microwave single servings or reheat the full pan at 325°F until warmed through.
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Note: The pudding sauce thickens upon refrigeration but loosens again when warmed.

Variations and Add-Ins

• Blackberry-Peach Pudding – Add ½ cup fresh or frozen blackberries
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• Spiced Peach Delight – Add nutmeg, ginger, and cinnamon to batter
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• Southern Peach & Bourbon Pudding – Add 1 tbsp bourbon to the batter or syrup
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• Nutty Crunch Topping – Add chopped pecans or walnuts before baking
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen peaches?
Yes. Thaw and drain them first to prevent excess liquid.

Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, just ensure it’s a 1-to-1 baking blend.

Why is my pudding soggy?
The syrup creates a soft texture — it’s meant to be pudding-like. If overly watery, it may have been underbaked.

Can I double this recipe?
Yes. Use a 9×13-inch dish and increase baking time by 10–15 minutes.

Final Thoughts

The Tennessee Peach Pudding Delight isn’t just a dessert — it’s a celebration of Southern flavor, comfort, and simplicity. Whether you make it with farm-fresh peaches in July or canned fruit in the winter, this nostalgic pudding guarantees warmth and joy in every bite.

It’s a recipe that tells a story. One of family dinners, porch gatherings, and the kind of love you can taste. Try it once, and it will earn a permanent place in your recipe collection.