Growing up in the South, I was fortunate to experience the joys of homemade desserts like Tennessee Peach Pudding at every family gathering. My grandmother, a true Southern cook, would often whip up this delectable dish using peaches from the backyard orchard. The fragrance of cinnamon and nutmeg wafting through the house as it baked was an aroma that signaled the start of something special. I remember sitting around the kitchen table, eagerly awaiting the moment when we’d dig into the warm, comforting pudding topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Those moments, filled with laughter and love, are among my fondest memories of growing up.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a comforting treat, Tennessee Peach Pudding is sure to delight. This classic recipe combines the tartness of peaches with a sweet, spiced batter, resulting in a dessert that’s both indulgent and satisfying. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
For the 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
For the 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, or Cool Whip, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial as a hot oven ensures that the pudding will bake evenly and develop that delightful golden crust. Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and to help with easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, sea salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This mixture will form the base of your pudding and provide the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
Add the milk and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients, mixing until the batter is smooth. The vanilla extract adds a subtle depth of flavor, enhancing the natural sweetness of the peaches.
Gently fold in the diced peaches. If you’re using frozen peaches, ensure they are fully thawed and drained before adding them to the batter. The peaches should be evenly distributed throughout the batter to ensure a consistent flavor in every bite.
Pour the peach mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This will form the bottom layer of your pudding and provide a juicy, fruit-filled base.
3. Make the Topping:
In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, sugar, and nutmeg. This mixture will create the sweet, spiced syrup that drizzles over the pudding as it bakes.
Add the butter and water to the saucepan, and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar is fully dissolved and the butter is melted. This creates a syrupy sauce that will soak into the pudding as it bakes, infusing it with a rich, caramel flavor.
Once the mixture reaches a boil and the sugar has dissolved, remove the saucepan from heat. Set it aside while you prepare for the final baking step.
4. Combine and Bake:
Slowly pour the hot syrup over the peach mixture in the baking dish. The syrup will pool on top of the batter and seep into the filling, creating a wonderfully gooey and sweet topping as it bakes.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes. The pudding should be golden brown on top, and the filling should be bubbling around the edges. If you notice that the top is browning too quickly, cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning while allowing the pudding to continue baking.
5. Cool and Serve:
After baking, let the pudding cool for about 15 minutes before serving. This allows the pudding to set slightly and makes it easier to serve. It’s perfect on its own or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a spoonful of Cool Whip for extra indulgence.
Variations and Substitutions
Fruit Variations: While peaches are the star of this recipe, you can experiment with other fruits like berries, apples, or pears. Just adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit you choose.
Gluten-Free Option: To make this pudding gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend is designed for baking to achieve the right texture.
Dairy-Free Version: If you need a dairy-free alternative, use almond milk, coconut milk, or any other dairy-free milk in place of whole milk. For the butter, coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine can be used.
Spice Variations: Adjust the spices to suit your taste. For example, adding a pinch of cloves or allspice can provide an extra layer of warmth and complexity.
Topping Twist: If you prefer a crunchier topping, sprinkle some chopped nuts or oats over the syrup before baking. This adds texture and a delightful contrast to the soft pudding.
Conclusion
Tennessee Peach Pudding is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of Southern tradition and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. Its blend of tender peaches, spiced batter, and sweet syrup creates a comforting and indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a holiday feast, or just as a special treat for yourself, this pudding is sure to bring smiles and satisfaction to everyone who tastes it. With its easy preparation and delightful flavors, Tennessee Peach Pudding is a testament to the beauty of classic comfort food. Dive into this recipe and let the warm, fruity goodness transport you to a place of culinary bliss. Enjoy every delicious bite!
