This Classic Tennessee Peach Pudding is like a hug on a plate! It’s made with fresh peaches and a fluffy, cake-like topping that soaks up all the yummy fruit goodness.
What’s great is how simple it is to whip up, and oh boy, your house will smell amazing while it bakes! I love serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream on top—pure bliss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches make this dessert shine. If fresh peaches aren’t in season, you can use canned peaches—just make sure to drain them well. Even frozen peaches can work, but thaw and drain excess moisture!
Granulated Sugar: The sugar helps to sweeten the fruit and the batter. You can substitute with brown sugar for a deeper flavor, or use a sugar alternative if you’re watching your sugar intake.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the saltiness. For a healthier alternative, coconut oil or vegetable oil can be used, but it might change the flavor slightly.
Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess, but you can easily swap in almond milk, soy milk, or any other milk you prefer for a dairy-free option. Just make sure it’s unsweetened.
How Do I Achieve a Perfectly Fluffy Topping?
The batter for the topping is key to that light, fluffy texture. Here’s how to get it right:
- Do not overmix the batter. Just stir until combined; a few lumps are okay.
- Spread the batter over the peaches gently to preserve air pockets, which helps it rise.
- Check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer if your cakes often bake unevenly.
This will help ensure your Classic Tennessee Peach Pudding comes out perfectly golden and fluffy every time! Happy baking!
Classic Tennessee Peach Pudding
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fruit Filling:
- 5 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (about 6-7 medium peaches)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Topping:
- Ground cinnamon or nutmeg for sprinkling
Total Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 45-50 minutes to bake, making it a total of around 1 hour for a delicious dessert that can serve a crowd!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, you can get everything ready!
2. Prepare the Peaches:
In a mixing bowl, toss the sliced peaches with 1/4 cup of sugar and the lemon juice. Let them sit for about 10 minutes so they can release some juices and become extra yummy.
3. Make the Batter:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar. Then, stir in the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract until just combined. Don’t overmix—just mix until you don’t see any dry flour!
4. Assemble the Dish:
Pour the peaches and all their lovely juices into the greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread them out evenly and then dollop the thick batter on top. It’s fine if some peaches are showing through the batter!
5. Add the Optional Toppings:
If you like, sprinkle a little dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg over the top for extra flavor. Yum!
6. Bake:
Put your dish in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is a golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the batter comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing during this time!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the dish out of the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. It’s best served warm, and you can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for some extra indulgence!
Enjoy the comforting, fruity goodness of this Southern classic!
FAQ for Classic Tennessee Peach Pudding
Can I Use Frozen Peaches for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture before adding them to the dish. This will help keep the pudding from becoming too soggy.
Can I Make This Dessert Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the fruit filling and batter separately in advance. Assemble and bake just before serving. If you have leftovers, they can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days—just reheat before enjoying!
What Can I Substitute for Milk in This Recipe?
If you’re looking for a non-dairy option, you can use almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Just ensure they are unsweetened so they don’t alter the flavor of your pudding negatively!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or oven until heated through. For the best texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes.
