When you think of Southern comfort desserts, Tennessee Peach Pudding stands proudly among the greats. It’s warm, sweet, nostalgic, and unbelievably simple — the kind of dessert that brings people together around the table. Imagine the aroma of peaches bubbling under a golden, buttery crust. It feels like a hug in dessert form, doesn’t it?

If you’ve ever wondered how to make this classic treat without fuss, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know — from ingredients to step-by-step preparation, plus tips, variations, and FAQs to ensure your Tennessee Peach Pudding comes out heavenly every time.

Before we dive deep, think of this dessert like a cozy Southern sunset: warm, golden, and impossible to forget.

1. What Is Tennessee Peach Pudding?

Tennessee Peach Pudding is a traditional Southern baked dessert featuring peaches at the bottom and a sweet, buttery batter poured on top. As it bakes, something magical happens: the peaches become soft and juicy, while the batter rises above to form a golden, cake-like crust.

It’s similar to a cobbler, but richer, softer, and more pudding-like — imagine cobbler’s cozy cousin.

2. Why This Recipe Is Special

What sets this dessert apart isn’t just its flavor but its simplicity. No fancy tools. No complicated steps. Just everyday ingredients that transform into something extraordinary.

You know how some recipes feel like they’re trying a little too hard? This one doesn’t need to. It’s simple, rustic, reliable, and downright delicious — the kind of dessert that feels like home.

3. Ingredients You’ll Need

Here are the ingredients exactly as required:

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh or canned peaches, sliced

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup milk

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving (optional)

Simple, right? These ingredients work together beautifully to create the perfect Southern pudding texture.

4. Step-by-Step Instructions

Below are the instructions, exactly as provided, for a flawless Tennessee Peach Pudding:

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. In a mixing bowl, toss the sliced peaches with 1/2 cup of sugar. Spread the sugared peaches evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

3. In another mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt.

4. Stir in the milk and melted butter until a smooth batter forms.

5. Pour the batter over the peaches in the baking dish, spreading it evenly.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the pudding is set.

7. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

8. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.

Enjoy!

5. Prep Time, Cook Time, and Servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 40–45 minutes

• Total Time: ~55 minutes

• Servings: Approximately 8

It’s an ideal dessert when you need something fast, comforting, and crowd-pleasing.

6. Tips for Choosing the Best Peaches

Peaches are the soul of this dish. Here’s how to choose the best ones:

• Fresh peaches work best when they’re ripe but firm.

• If using canned peaches, choose ones packed in juice, not heavy syrup.

• Avoid peaches that feel mushy — they’ll lose structure in the pudding.

• Smell them! A peach that smells sweet will taste sweet.

Fresh peaches give the brightest flavor, but canned peaches give consistency. It’s really your call.

7. Fresh vs. Canned Peaches: Which Is Better?

Both work beautifully, but here’s the difference:

Fresh Peaches

• More vibrant flavor

• Slightly firmer texture

• Seasonal and sometimes pricier

Canned Peaches

• Convenient and affordable

• Always available

• Pre-sliced and easy to use

Think of fresh peaches as summer sunshine and canned peaches as a reliable old friend — they both make you happy.

8. Why This Batter Works Like Magic

The batter in this recipe is wonderfully simple, yet it creates a magical transformation in the oven. With its mixture of flour, sugar, butter, and milk, it floats above the peaches as it bakes.

Imagine pouring a blanket over sleeping peaches — the batter rises, wraps around them, and bakes into a golden, pillowy topping.

The baking powder gives it lift, while the sugar ensures a caramel-like sweetness that enhances the peach juices bubbling underneath.

9. How to Prevent a Soggy Pudding

A soggy pudding is the only villain in this story. Here’s how to stop it:

• Drain canned peaches before using.

• Don’t add extra liquid — peaches release their own juice.

• Make sure your oven is fully preheated.

• Don’t cover the dish while baking.

• Give the pudding a few minutes of rest time before serving.

Follow these, and your pudding will have the perfect golden crust.

10. Flavor Boosters and Variations

You can stick to the classic recipe or get creative. Here are some fun variations:

Add spices

• Cinnamon

• Nutmeg

• Cardamom

Just a pinch transforms the flavor.

Add a splash

• Vanilla extract

• Almond extract (pairs beautifully with peaches)

Add texture

• Toasted pecans

• Almond slivers

• Oat crumble on top

Make it boozy

• A tablespoon of bourbon adds depth (very Southern!)

11. How to Serve Tennessee Peach Pudding

Serve it warm — that’s non-negotiable.

Top it with:

• Vanilla ice cream (melts into the warm pudding like a dream)

• Whipped cream

• A drizzle of caramel sauce

This dessert is comforting enough to shine on its own, but toppings take it to another level.

12. Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating

To reheat:

• Microwave individual portions for 20–30 seconds.

• Or warm the whole dish in a 300°F oven for 10–12 minutes.

Freezing

You can freeze it, though the texture may soften. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

13. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though Tennessee Peach Pudding is simple, a few common mistakes can ruin the texture:

• Using too much liquid from canned peaches

• Undermixing the batter (leads to lumps)

• Overbaking (dries the crust)

• Using salted butter (throws off the flavor)

• Cutting the pudding too soon (let it rest!)

Avoid these, and your pudding will be flawless.

14. Healthier Twists You Can Try

If you want to lighten things up:

• Replace half the sugar with honey.

• Use whole wheat pastry flour instead of all-purpose.

• Swap butter for coconut oil.

• Serve with yogurt instead of ice cream.

You’ll still get a delicious dessert with a wholesome twist.

15. Final Thoughts on This Southern Classic

Tennessee Peach Pudding is more than a recipe — it’s a memory-maker. It’s warm, cozy, aromatic, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering, a holiday dinner, or a quiet night at home, this dessert will always bring comfort.

Its simplicity is its charm, and its flavor is timeless. Once you try it, you’ll understand why this recipe has been loved across generations.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen peaches in Tennessee Peach Pudding?

Yes! Just thaw and drain them before baking.

2. Why did my pudding turn out too runny?

Excess liquid is usually the culprit. Always drain canned or frozen peaches well.

3. Can I add cinnamon or spices to the batter?

Absolutely — cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom all pair beautifully with peaches.

4. What’s the best dish size for this recipe?

A 9×13-inch baking dish works perfectly for even cooking.

5. Can I make Tennessee Peach Pudding ahead of time?

Yes, but it tastes best fresh. You can prepare the batter and peaches separately and assemble just before baking.