Okie Peach Pudding: A Taste of Summer Sunshine

There’s a special kind of magic that happens when you’re at a local festival, the air thick with the scent of ripe fruit and community spirit. It was at just such a gathering, nestled in the heart of Stratford, Oklahoma, that I first encountered Okie Peach Pudding. The aroma alone was enough to draw me in – a sweet, warm embrace that promised pure comfort. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s a sun-drenched memory baked into a dish, a reminder of simpler times and the incredible bounty of summer, all wrapped up in a surprisingly uncomplicated package.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yield: 1 8×8 inch dish
• Dietary Type: Dessert

Ingredients

This delightful Okie Peach Pudding is a testament to how few, high-quality ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. Its simplicity is its strength, allowing the natural sweetness of the peaches to shine through.

• 5 cups sliced fresh peaches
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 large egg
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces (for topping)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (for topping)

Notes on Ingredients:

• Peaches: For the best flavor and texture, use ripe, juicy peaches. You can use fresh or frozen peaches (thawed and drained). If using frozen, be sure to drain off any excess liquid to prevent the pudding from becoming too watery.
• Butter: Using softened butter for the pudding base ensures it incorporates smoothly. The small pieces dotted on top will melt and create a lovely, slightly crisp finish.

Equipment Needed

While this recipe is wonderfully straightforward, a few key pieces of equipment will help you achieve the perfect Okie Peach Pudding.

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• 8×8 inch glass baking dish
• Oven
• Cooling rack

Instructions

The beauty of Okie Peach Pudding lies in its effortless preparation. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can go from gathering your ingredients to pulling this golden, fragrant dessert from the oven.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your 8×8 inch glass baking dish, or prepare it with parchment paper for easier removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of the granulated sugar, and the 1 tablespoon of baking powder. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well incorporated.
3. In a separate medium mixing bowl, beat the 1 large egg with the 5 tablespoons of softened butter until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Add the wet ingredient mixture (egg and butter) to the dry ingredients in the large bowl. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Gently fold in the 5 cups of sliced fresh peaches into the batter. Mix until the peaches are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
6. Pour the peach and batter mixture into your prepared 8×8 inch glass baking dish, spreading it evenly.
7. Sprinkle the ¼ cup of granulated sugar evenly over the top of the peach mixture.
8. Add the 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the sprinkled sugar, mixing them together slightly before sprinkling.
9. Dot the top of the pudding with the 2 tablespoons of butter, cut into small pieces, distributing them evenly.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. The pudding is ready when the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, but not wet batter.
11. Once baked, remove the Okie Peach Pudding from the oven and place it on a cooling rack to cool slightly before serving.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Elevating this simple yet delicious pudding is all about understanding a few culinary nuances. Even a recipe with so few ingredients can benefit from a little chef’s touch to enhance its texture and flavor profile.

• Peach Perfection: For an even richer peach flavor, consider macerating your sliced peaches with a tablespoon or two of sugar for about 15-20 minutes before adding them to the batter. This draws out their natural juices and intensifies their sweetness.
• Butter Bliss: Ensure your butter for the topping is cut into small, pea-sized pieces. This helps it melt evenly across the surface, creating those delectable, slightly caramelized pockets. If you find your butter is too soft and melting too quickly, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes before dotting it on top.
• Oven Variations: Ovens can be notoriously different. Keep a close eye on your Okie Peach Pudding after the 25-minute mark. If the topping is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.
• A Touch of Zest: For a brighter, more complex flavor, consider adding the zest of half a lemon or orange to the dry ingredients before combining them with the wet. It adds a subtle, refreshing counterpoint to the sweet peaches and sugar.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Okie Peach Pudding is a versatile dessert that shines on its own but truly comes alive with a little something extra.

• Serving: This pudding is best served warm, straight from the oven, or at room temperature. A dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or, as many Oklahomans prefer, a generous pour of half and half is simply divine. The creamy liquid gently melds with the warm pudding, creating an incredibly comforting and luscious experience.
• Storage: Leftover Okie Peach Pudding can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture may change slightly upon refrigeration, becoming firmer.
• Reheating: To enjoy it warm again, gently reheat individual portions in the microwave or in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make it gummy.

Nutritional Information

While Okie Peach Pudding is a dessert meant for indulgence, understanding its nutritional profile can be helpful. The following is an estimated breakdown per serving, based on the ingredients and quantities provided.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	386.1 kcal
Calories from Fat	118.5 kcal
Total Fat	13.2 g	17%
Saturated Fat	8.1 g	41%
Cholesterol	56.4 mg	19%
Sodium	278.7 mg	12%
Total Carbohydrate	70.8 g	24%
Dietary Fiber	2.7 g	10%
Sugars	52.5 g	105%
Protein	4.5 g	9%

(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.)

Variations & Substitutions

While the classic Okie Peach Pudding is perfection in its simplicity, a few creative twists can introduce new dimensions to this beloved dessert.

• Berry Boost: For a delightful variation, incorporate a cup of fresh or frozen mixed berries (like blueberries or raspberries) along with the peaches. The tartness of the berries can offer a beautiful contrast to the sweet peaches.
• Spice It Up: Beyond cinnamon, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the dry ingredients for a warmer, more complex spice profile. A touch of ground ginger can also be lovely.
• Nutty Addition: A handful of chopped pecans or walnuts, stirred into the batter with the peaches or sprinkled over the top before baking, can add a satisfying crunch and earthy flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, you can experiment with a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure it contains a binder like xanthan gum for best results.

FAQs

Q: Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh peaches?
A: Yes, you can use canned peaches, but be sure to drain them very well to avoid adding too much liquid to the pudding. Using them will result in a slightly softer texture compared to fresh peaches.

Q: My pudding topping browned too quickly. What did I do wrong?
A: Ovens vary, and sometimes the top layer of sugar and butter can caramelize very fast. Tent the dish loosely with aluminum foil if you notice it browning too rapidly before the center is fully cooked.

Q: How can I make sure the center of the pudding is cooked through?
A: A toothpick inserted into the center of the pudding should come out with moist crumbs attached. If it comes out with wet batter, it needs more time. Ensure your oven temperature is accurate.

Q: Is this pudding considered a cake or a cobbler?
A: It shares characteristics of both! It has a cake-like batter that bakes into a soft pudding texture, often reminiscent of a cobbler topping with its fruit base and baked topping.

Q: What is the best way to serve Okie Peach Pudding to impress guests?
A: Serve it warm in individual ramekins or directly from the baking dish, with a generous drizzle of half and half, a dollop of homemade whipped cream, or a scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream. A sprig of fresh mint can also add a lovely visual touch.

From its humble beginnings at a roadside festival to its place as a cherished family dessert, Okie Peach Pudding embodies the spirit of simple, honest cooking. It’s a dish that invites you to slow down, savor the flavors of the season, and share a little bit of sunshine with those you love. Give it a try, and I promise, you’ll understand why this Oklahoman treasure is so deeply adored.