This Tennessee Peach Pudding is a classic Southern dessert with a cozy, cobbler-style charm. What makes it truly special is the hot syrup poured over the batter before baking. As it bakes, the syrup sinks and transforms, creating a soft, cake-like top with a rich, jammy peach layer underneath. The result is a warm, comforting dessert that feels nostalgic, homemade, and perfect for family gatherings or holiday tables.
Tennessee Peach Pudding
Ingredients
For the Batter
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup |
| Baking powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Ground cinnamon (optional) | ½ teaspoon |
| Milk | ½ cup |
| Peeled, sliced peaches (fresh or frozen) | 3 cups |
For the Topping
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Water | 1½ cups |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup |
| Brown sugar, packed | ½ cup |
| Butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Ground nutmeg | ¼ teaspoon |
How to Make Tennessee Peach Pudding
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Dish
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon if using. Pour in the milk and stir until the batter is smooth and fully blended.
Step 3: Add the Peaches
Gently fold the sliced peaches into the batter. Frozen peaches can be added directly without thawing. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Step 4: Prepare the Syrup
In a saucepan set over medium-high heat, combine the water, granulated sugar, brown sugar, butter, and nutmeg. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly until the sugars dissolve and the syrup is smooth.
Step 5: Pour and Bake
Slowly pour the hot syrup evenly over the batter. Do not stir. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40–50 minutes, until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the cake portion comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the pudding rest for 10–15 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken. Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect finishing touch.
