This Southern Peach Bread is a warm, sweet treat loaded with juicy peaches. It’s perfect for breakfast or a snack and makes your kitchen smell amazing!
There’s something special about homemade bread, especially with fresh peaches in it. I love to enjoy a slice with a cup of tea—it’s like a hug in food form! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Peaches: Using sweet, ripe peaches gives this bread its delightful flavor. If fresh peaches aren’t available, you can substitute with canned peaches (drained) or even diced pears for a different yet tasty option.
Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly here, but if you’re looking for a gluten-free version, try almond flour or a gluten-free baking mix. Just keep in mind that the texture may change a bit.
Sugars: The combo of granulated and brown sugar creates great sweetness and moisture. If you want a healthier option, you can use coconut sugar or honey (reduce liquid slightly if using honey).
Sour Cream/Yogurt: This adds moisture to the bread. If you’re lactose intolerant, try using non-dairy yogurt or applesauce instead.
Nuts: I love adding chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch, but you can skip them or use seeds if you prefer a nut-free recipe!
How Do I Ensure My Peach Bread Turns Out Moist and Fluffy?
Moisture is key to a good bread. Here’s how to keep it fluffy:
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until you see no dry flour. Overmixing makes the bread dense.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using eggs and butter at room temperature helps everything blend better, making for a lighter texture.
- Creaming Butter & Sugar: Make sure to beat the butter and sugars well until light and fluffy, as this creates air bubbles that help the bread rise.
- Proper Measuring: Measure flour correctly—spoon it into the cup and level it with a knife. Packing it down can lead to too much flour and a dry loaf!
With these tips, you’ll have a delicious and fluffy Southern Peach Bread ready to enjoy!
Southern Peach Bread with Sweet Fresh Peaches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 cup fresh sweet peaches, peeled and diced
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 50-60 minutes to bake. After baking, let it cool for about 10 minutes in the pan, and then transfer it to a wire rack. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish before you can enjoy a slice of this delicious peach bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
5. Mix in the Sour Cream:
Add in the sour cream (or yogurt) and mix until everything is well combined.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir just until combined—try not to overmix to keep the bread fluffy!
7. Fold in Peaches and Nuts:
Gently fold the diced peaches and nuts into the batter, making sure they are evenly distributed.
8. Pour into the Loaf Pan:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Bake the Bread:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bread; it should come out clean.
10. Cool the Bread:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Slice and Serve:
Once cooled, slice the bread and enjoy it plain or with butter or cream cheese spread on top. You’ll cherish every bite of this delightful Southern Peach Bread!
Enjoy every slice of this warm, delightful bread filled with sweet, juicy peaches! It’s a lovely treat for any time of day!
FAQ about Southern Peach Bread
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the batter. Pat them dry with a paper towel before folding them into the mix.
How Should I Store Leftover Peach Bread?
Store leftover peach bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. Just ensure that the mix you choose contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
How Can I Add More Flavor to My Peach Bread?
You can enhance the flavor by adding a teaspoon of almond extract for a nutty touch or incorporating a tablespoon of lemon zest for brightness. Dried fruits like cranberries or blueberries also work great with peaches!
