Imagine a dessert that combines the essence of summer peaches with a comforting, rustic finish. Tennessee Peach Pudding is a classic Southern treat that promises to transport you straight to the heart of the South with every bite. This unique dessert may seem unconventional at first, but it’s designed to surprise and delight. The rich peach filling and the unusual, liquid “crust” topping come together to create a dish that’s both indulgent and irresistibly delicious.

The magic of Tennessee Peach Pudding starts with a luscious peach filling. Fresh or frozen peaches are gently combined with flour, sugar, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla to form a thick, creamy base. This mixture is both simple and satisfying, highlighting the natural sweetness of the peaches while providing a comforting, creamy texture.

What makes this dessert truly special is its topping, which defies traditional dessert norms. Instead of a crumbly or cakey topping, this recipe calls for a fully liquid layer made from sugar, butter, and water. It may seem odd to pour a liquid over the filling, but don’t be fooled—this liquid transforms during baking into a delightful, crisp crust with pockets of molten goodness. Trust the process, and you’ll be rewarded with a dessert that’s both crunchy and gooey, perfectly complementing the sweet, creamy peaches below.

Bonus Tip: For an extra touch of indulgence, consider serving your Tennessee Peach Pudding with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a generous swirl of Cool Whip. These additions can enhance the dessert’s creamy texture and add a contrasting chill to the warm, baked pudding.

In conclusion, Tennessee Peach Pudding is a testament to the magic of Southern cooking. Its unique preparation and delightful layers make it a standout dessert that’s sure to impress at any gathering. Whether you’re enjoying it as a comforting weeknight treat or serving it at a special occasion, this dessert is bound to become a new favorite. With just an hour and fifteen minutes from start to finish, you’ll find that this classic pudding is well worth the wait.

Tennessee Peach Pudding

Yield(s): Serves 8
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour

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
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

Topping:

• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ¾ cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cups water
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• Ice cream, whipped cream, or Cool Whip (optional, for garnish)

Preparation:

1. Preheat your oven to 400º F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Prepare the Topping: In a large saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and nutmeg. Add the butter and water, bringing the mixture to a boil while stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Make the Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold in the diced peaches.
4. Assemble the Dish: Pour the peach filling into the greased baking dish. Carefully pour the prepared topping over the filling.
5. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, covering with aluminum foil if necessary, until the pudding is cooked through and the topping is golden brown.
6. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.