Tennessee Peach Pudding

### Instructions:

#### 1. **Prepare the Peaches:**
Start by prepping your fresh peaches. Peel and slice them into thin wedges, removing the pits. Place the peach slices in a large bowl. Add the sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and salt, tossing to coat the peaches evenly. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to allow the natural juices to release.

#### 2. **Preheat the Oven:**
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the pudding bakes evenly and turns out golden and bubbly.

#### 3. **Prepare the Batter:**
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and well combined. The batter should be slightly thick but pourable.

#### 4. **Assemble the Pudding:**
Grease a 9-inch baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish with butter or cooking spray. Pour the prepared peaches and their juices into the dish, spreading them evenly.

Next, spoon the batter over the peaches, spreading it out gently to cover the fruit. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly even—this will create a rustic, crumbly topping once it’s baked.

#### 5. **Bake the Pudding:**
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the pudding has set. The edges should be crispy, and the peaches should be bubbling and tender.

#### 6. **Serve and Enjoy:**
Once your Tennessee Peach Pudding is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. The warm, gooey peach filling combined with the lightly crisp top creates the perfect balance of texture and flavor.

For extra indulgence, serve your peach pudding with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. The cool creaminess pairs wonderfully with the warmth of the pudding.

### Tips for the Perfect Tennessee Peach Pudding:

– **Use Fresh, Ripe Peaches:** For the best flavor, make sure you use fresh, ripe peaches. They should be sweet and juicy, which will give your pudding the perfect fruity base.

– **Canned Peaches:** If fresh peaches are out of season, you can use canned peaches in syrup. Just drain them well to prevent the pudding from becoming too watery.

– **Spice Variations:** While cinnamon is the classic spice for this dish, you can experiment with a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or even a bit of ginger for a unique flavor twist.

– **Serve with Toppings:** The pudding is delicious on its own, but adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a dollop of whipped cream takes it to the next level.

### Why You’ll Love Tennessee Peach Pudding:

What makes Tennessee Peach Pudding so special is the harmony between the warm, tender peaches and the slightly sweet, cake-like batter that forms on top during baking. This dessert perfectly encapsulates the essence of Southern cooking—simple, hearty, and full of flavor. The juicy peaches provide a burst of freshness, while the cinnamon adds warmth and a hint of spice. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, using pantry staples and fresh fruit that can be found at your local market.

This pudding is a true crowd-pleaser, bringing together the best of Southern dessert traditions. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, a potluck, or just as a comforting treat after a long day, Tennessee Peach Pudding is sure to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth. Give it a try, and you’ll understand why this dessert is a beloved classic in the South!

### Final Thoughts:

Tennessee Peach Pudding is more than just a dessert—it’s a taste of Southern hospitality. With its layers of juicy peaches and buttery, slightly cakey topping, it’s the ultimate comfort food for warm summer nights or any time you want a slice of happiness. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this simple yet delicious recipe is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to indulge in this Southern treat!