Tennessee Peach Pudding Recipe

When I say that this Tennessee Peach Pudding Recipe is like a warm hug from the South, I really mean it. The first time I had it was on a summer road trip through Tennessee with Sultan. We ventured into a small-town diner outside Nashville, and the sweet older lady behind the counter insisted we must try her mama’s famous peach pudding. One bite in, and I knew I had to recreate this once home. It is now one of those cozy desserts that we’ve come to rely on. I make it especially when peaches are in season and the evenings are just a little cooler.

Where This Tennessee Peach Pudding Comes From

This Southern classic has history—it’s Depression-era comfort food. You have succulent peaches, an amazing combination of cake and cobbler, and simple pantry ingredients. Traditionally, it is made with fresh, summer-fresh peaches (though canned peaches work as well), with a one-of-a-kind hot water sauce on top that bubbles through the batter. The batter turns a lovely warm golden colour, and you have a sweet self-saucing dessert. You get gooey, tender peachy goodness. If you look, there will be versions of this recipe in Tennessee cookbooks everywhere and in church potlucks all over the South.

Why I Love This Recipe

I’ll admit it? It’s just really convenient. And homey. The type of dessert that doesn’t require frosting or sophisticated arrangement at all. With limited time and ingredients, this simple Tennessee peach pudding recipe is as dumb easy as it gets but it will impress your guests. And it definitely has the nostalgia factor since it’s something your grandma would have made on a Sunday night.

What Makes It Special

This pudding is different than typical cobbler, it has hot syrup poured over the top before it is put in the oven, and the syrup will soak through the batter and give the pudding that delicious, caramelized mark. When baked, your pudding will have the flavors of your favorite buttery cake and warm peach sauce combined in a pudding! Whipped cream or ice cream is optional for serving… but vanilla ice cream is always a nice touch!

Equipment You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
  
• 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish
  
• Small saucepan
  
• Measuring cups & spoons
  
• Whisk or spoon
  
• Oven (no fancy tools—this is an old-school recipe!)
  

Secret Tips to Make It Perfect

• Use ripe peaches – They make all the difference. Canned works, but fresh summer peaches give it that “wow” factor.
  
• Don’t skip the hot syrup – This step might seem weird, but it’s what creates that signature pudding texture.
  
• Add cinnamon or nutmeg – A little spice gives depth and warmth, especially in fall.
  

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the batter – Keep it simple. Stir just until combined.
  
• Using too much liquid – Don’t overdo the syrup or peaches, or it’ll get soggy.
  
• Skipping the baking dish size – A pan that’s too big or small will throw off the texture.
  

Ingredient Swaps & Customizations

• No fresh peaches- Use canned or frozen-just drain them well.
  
• Want extra crunch- Toss in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts.
  
• Make it gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
  
• For a deeper flavor, sub brown sugar for white in the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use canned peaches?
Yes! Just drain them well. I like using those packed in juice instead of syrup.

Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best fresh, but you can reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave. The pudding sauce reactivates beautifully.

What’s the difference between peach cobbler and peach pudding?
Great question—cobbler has more biscuit-like dough on top, while this pudding has cake batter under the peaches, and the syrup forms its own saucy magic.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use a 9×13 pan and watch the baking time—it may need a few extra minutes.

Conclusion

If you’re new to Southern desserts, then this Tennessee Peach Pudding Recipe is the perfect opportunity to start. It’s forgiving of mistakes, packed with flavor, and full of homemade goodness. The next time you have juicy peaches (or even just a hankering for comfort food), this will be worth a try. And if you do make it, please let me know how yours turns out—I love hearing about your variations and adjustments!

Craving more peachy goodness? Don’t miss my cozy Canned Peach Cobbler Recipe for another classic you can whip up any time.

And don’t forget—you can always use my handy Recipe Converter Tool if you want to bake for a smaller or larger group.

Alright, friend, let’s get baking