Ozark Pudding Recipe

Ozark Pudding is a simple, classic, southern dessert made from apples, nuts, and a few other ingredients, served with caramel sauce and ice cream. Ozark pudding, isn't actually a pudding at all. Rather, it's the child of a blondie (brownie's chocolate free cousin) joined with a cookie.

The apples keep this cake like dessert super moist, and the entire dessert is prepared in minutes.

I'm a lifelong apple lover, and I've tried them in a lot of different recipes. This has to be one of my favorite ways to use them!

It's not just like a little more than a cookie meets a blondie because it has slivered almonds and apples inside. But, when making it, the batter starts off like a cookie and ends up baking like a brownie.

The center of it once cooled is a soft apple texture but with an oh so delicious, crispy, crunchy topping. And I must say that the combination of textures is just mind blowing.

Getting it's name from the landscape of the Ozarks, this tasty treat is sure to please all. Once you try it, you'll be hooked for life and you'll find that this is your go-to dessert recipe when you want to impress!

Ozark Cake

This was inspired by this delicious muffin tin apple pie dessert on the site. It takes apple desserts to an entirely new level.

Ingredients

This is a simple recipe that only uses a few simple ingredients. You'll find them all readily available at your local grocery store if you don't have them in your kitchen already.

• egg
• sugar
• flour
• baking powder
• salt
• apple
• nuts - pecans, almonds or walnuts
• vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
• caramel sauce

Mix together egg and sugar until light and fluffy, either by hand or using a hand mixer. 

Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.

Combine with sugar mixture. 

Fold in apples and nuts. 

Spoon and spread in to a greased baking dish. Bake for 35-40 minutes. 

Allow to sit for about 5 minutes so the filling settles and the “clouds” appear. Serve while warm with whipped cream or ice cream. 

See the recipe card at the end of the post for quantities and cooking times.

Substitutions

Don't have the correct ingredients on hand or want to change something up? Here are some helpful tips for you to change this Ozark pudding.

• Apples - If you don't have Granny Smith apples on hand, any firm apple will do the trick.
• Nuts - If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds work well in this recipe.

Variations

Want to personalize this Ozark pudding recipe? Here are some of my tried and true tips for changing up this recipe.

• Make Them Mini - Use ramekins to make individual pudding cups.
• Raisins - Add raisins for more flavor.
• Add Cinnamon - Apples and cinnamon is always a great combination in any dish.
• Gluten-free - Easily make this gluten-free by using 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.

If you love rustic recipes like this, you may also enjoy this Stovetop Raisin Almond Rice Pudding.

Equipment

It only takes a few simple pieces of standard kitchen equipment to make this recipe. A simple recipe only requires simple tools.

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden or plastic spoon
• Baking dish
• Nonstick spray

Storage

You can store this delicious pudding at room temperature in an air-tight container for about three days or for up to a week in the refrigerator. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to three months.

Tips

This recipe is incredibly easy, but that doesn't mean there aren't a few tricks to make things even more simple. Take a look!

• This dessert is best served fresh. I recommend reheating in oven after storing in the refrigerator and not serving cold.
• Save some time by buying chopped nuts at the grocery store.
• If you forgot to bring your eggs to room temperature, simply place them in a cup of hot water for about five minutes.
• Keep your apple pieces on the larger side of bite-sized for a true rustic feel.
• Before turning out your pudding, tap the bottom and sides of the pan several times to help it release.

History of Ozark Pudding

The pudding is called Ozark Pudding. This name comes from the US region of the same name, also known as Big Bend Country, that comprises Texas and Arkansas.

In the 70s & 80s, a local baker named Samuel Gist started popularizing his version of this dessert among friends and family by baking batches twice a week to have enough to distribute amongst his friends during the week.

Much to his surprise, people started looking forward to getting their weekly serving of Ozark Pudding. Word got around and it wasn't long before others were inquiring about when they would be able to get their hands on some Ozark Pudding.

Bess Truman Ozark Pudding Recipe

The most famous person who has been associated with Ozark Pudding is former First Lady of the United States Bess Truman. When she and her husband Harry visited Missouri, everyone wanted to show them their hospitality.

On one occasion, a local baker named Samuel Gist was asked to bake some dessert for the event. He decided that he would bake Ozark Pudding because he had never made it before.

The President and First Lady loved the dessert so much that some days later they asked to have more of it at another event! That's when Samuel realized he was on to something big, so he set up a business out of his kitchen with the goal of sharing "Big Bend Country" with the entire nation!

More Apple Recipes

Do you love apples? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.

• Air Fryer Strawberry Apple Crumble
• Air Fryer Baked Apples
• Old Fashioned Apple Turnovers

FAQ

Do you have questions about this Ozark pudding recipe? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about this Ozark pudding recipe.

How do I serve Ozark pudding?
Place a slice on a plate and top it with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream. You can also drizzle some caramel sauce over the top.

How long will it last?
This dessert will last for about three days at room temperature or about a week in the refrigerator. You can also freeze it for up to three months.

How do I freeze it?
Let the pudding cool completely in the refrigerator, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a heavy-duty, freezer-safe container.

How do I reheat it?
Let the pudding cake defrost in the refrigerator overnight. Then microwave individual pieces or heat the entire thing in the oven at 300 degrees until heated through.

Why is it called Ozark pudding?
It gets its name from the region where it originated. This pudding is actually from the Ozarks region.

Is Ozark pudding really pudding?
Sort of. It's a dry custard, which means it's solid unlike other puddings. This recipe is actually more of a cake than a pudding - kind of like bread pudding.

Ozark Pudding Recipe

Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.