A Southern classic comfort dessert — tender baked peaches with a rich pudding-like topping, perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
📝 Recipe Card
Hook
Tennessee Peach Pudding – Sweet peaches baked with sugar and flour, topped with a caramelized, cake-like pudding layer. A simple yet unforgettable Southern dessert.
Servings & Timing
Servings: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 40–45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Dietary Badges
🍑 Southern Dessert | 🥄 Comfort Food | 🧁 Family-Style Bake
Ingredients
Peach Filling:
4 cups fresh peaches, peeled & sliced
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
Pudding Topping:
1 cup light brown sugar
1 cup boiling water
3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
Pinch of salt
Instructions
Preheat Oven: Heat to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Make Peach Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine peaches, sugar, and flour. Spread evenly in the baking dish.
Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt. Carefully stir in boiling water until combined.
Assemble: Pour topping mixture evenly over peaches. It will look watery, but during baking it forms a caramel-like pudding layer.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.
Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Best enjoyed warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. 🍨
Brief Introduction
This Tennessee Peach Pudding is an old-fashioned Southern dessert that’s part cobbler, part cake, and part pudding. As it bakes, the peaches soften into syrupy sweetness while the topping transforms into a caramel-glazed, cake-like layer that’s pure comfort food.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Step 1 – Peach Base: Tossing peaches with sugar and flour creates a syrupy filling as it bakes.
Step 2 – Liquid Topping: The boiling water mixture seems unusual, but it bakes into a gooey pudding-like layer.
Step 3 – Golden Bake: The dessert emerges bubbling, with peaches at the bottom and a rich, golden crust on top.
Ingredient Details & Substitution Tips
Peaches: Fresh is best, but frozen (thawed & drained) or canned (in juice, not syrup) work too.
Brown Sugar: Adds caramel depth — swap with white sugar for a lighter flavor.
Butter: For richness; substitute coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Add-ins: Sprinkle in chopped pecans or a splash of bourbon for a true Southern twist.
Variations & Serving Suggestions
Spiced Version: Add nutmeg or ginger for warm, fall flavors.
Nutty Crunch: Top with chopped pecans before baking.
Serving Ideas:
Warm with vanilla ice cream 🍦
Topped with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel 🥄
Served chilled for a firmer pudding texture ❄️
Storage & Make-Ahead Info
Fridge: Store leftovers covered up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm in oven at 325°F until bubbly, or microwave individual portions.
Freezer: Not recommended (texture becomes watery).
FAQs
Q: Can I make this with canned peaches?
A: Yes — drain well and reduce sugar slightly since canned peaches are sweeter.
Q: Why do I pour boiling water on top?
A: It creates the gooey pudding-like sauce during baking.
Q: Can I halve the recipe?
A: Yes — bake in an 8×8 dish for the same time.
Personal Note
This recipe is one of those heritage desserts that feels like home. It’s rustic, cozy, and always brings rave reviews at potlucks. The first spoonful, warm with ice cream melting into it, is pure Southern comfort.
Call to Action
If you make this Tennessee Peach Pudding, let me know how it turned out! ⭐ Did you keep it classic, or add pecans, bourbon, or spices? Share your twist to inspire other Southern dessert lovers.
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