Tennessee Peach Pudding

Have you ever had Tennessee peach pudding? We remember the first time we tried it and thought, what kind of magical goodness did we just taste? It should come as no surprise that we asked for the recipe then and there. This is a two-part dessert that might seem a little counterintuitive to make, but it hits it out of the ballpark every time. The filling is all about the peaches – fresh or frozen – that we lightly dress up with flour, sugar, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla to create a thick and creamy filling that tastes absolutely amazing. The counterintuitive part comes in with the topping.

Instead of a crumble or crisp topping, or even a cakey topping, this is a fully liquid topping that you just have to trust is going to turn out like a dream. Sugar, butter, and water make up the heart of the crust” topping that forms on this dessert, but be prepared: it’s fully liquid and gets poured on top of your peach filling. You’ll pour it on and wonder how in the world it’s going to solidify into something crisp and delicious, but have faith! This is going to be great, just give it time.

At the end of it all, you’re going to end up with a beautiful dessert with distinct layers that will have you hooked after the first bite. The filling is the blissful definition of peaches and cream, where the milk and flour bind together and act as a thickener to give these bad boys substance. Then you’ve got your topping that mostly solidifies into a crunchy layer, sort of like in a crème brûlée, leaving pockets of molten goodness that pair perfectly with the sweet peaches. This rustic-feeling dessert is so, so good, you have to try it for yourself!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Tennessee Peach Pudding is a game-changer for your dessert repertoire. It’s easy to make, yet delivers complex flavors and textures that feel like a warm hug. You’ll love the balance of sweet and spicy notes, the creamy peach filling, and the surprising crunchy topping. It’s perfect for impressing guests or simply enjoying a cozy night in.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large saucepan
• Whisk
• Large bowl
• Aluminum foil (optional)

Ingredients

Filling:

• 5 cups peaches, peeled and diced, fresh or frozen
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup whole milk
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Topping:

• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• Ice cream/whipped cream/cool whip, optional, garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400º F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, whisk together brown sugar, sugar, and nutmeg, then mix in butter and water and bring to a boil, stirring until sugar is fully dissolved. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until combined.
4. Whisk in milk and vanilla extract until smooth, then fold in diced peaches.
5. Pour filling into greased baking dish, then pour topping on top.
6. Place in oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, covering with aluminum foil if necessary, until cooked through.
7. Remove from oven and let cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Tips for Success

• Ensure your peaches are well-drained if using frozen ones to prevent excess moisture in the filling.
• Don’t be alarmed by the liquid topping; it will transform during baking.
• If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it with foil to prevent burning.

Additional Tips and Variations

For a twist, try adding a handful of sliced almonds to the topping for extra crunch. You can also substitute the peaches with nectarines or a mix of your favorite fruits.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

This dessert is not only delicious but also offers some nutritional benefits. Peaches are a great source of vitamins A and C, and using whole milk provides calcium.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use canned peaches? Yes, but make sure to drain them well to avoid a watery filling.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time? Absolutely! It keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days and can be reheated in the oven.

What can I serve it with? It’s delightful on its own, but a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream takes it to the next level.

Conclusion

There you have it, a delightful Tennessee Peach Pudding that’s sure to win hearts at any gathering. I invite you to try this recipe and share your experiences in the comments below. I can’t wait to hear how much you enjoyed it!