This Easy Southern Peach Bread is a warm and fruity treat! It’s packed with fresh peaches and has a sweet, tender texture that makes it perfect for breakfast or a snack.
There’s nothing like the smell of peach bread baking. I love slathering mine with some butter right out of the oven—pure joy! 🍑
Making this bread is a breeze! Just mix your ingredients, pour in those juicy peaches, and bake. It’s a simple way to enjoy summer flavors anytime!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Peaches: Fresh peaches are key for flavor and moisture. You can substitute with canned peaches, but make sure they are well-drained to avoid excess moisture. For a different taste, consider using apricots or nectarines!
Sour Cream/Yogurt: I love using sour cream for extra moisture and tang. If you’re lactose intolerant, you can use dairy-free yogurt or applesauce instead. This keeps the bread tender while accommodating different diets!
Spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg add a warm flavor that complements the peaches. If you’re not a fan of nutmeg, you can leave it out or try some ground ginger for a spicy kick!
How Do You Get the Right Texture for Your Peach Bread?
Getting the right texture is all about how you mix your ingredients. Here’s how to ensure your peach bread turns out perfectly!
- When creaming butter and sugars, mix until fluffy; this adds air for rise.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated. This helps in achieving a uniform mix without overworking the batter.
- When adding dry ingredients, mix gently. Overmixing can lead to a dense bread—it’s better to leave small lumps!
- Folding in the peaches last ensures they are evenly distributed without breaking down.
- Don’t forget to check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs!
Easy Southern Peach Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup peeled, chopped fresh peaches (about 1 large peach)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious peach bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare, followed by 55-65 minutes of baking time. After baking, don’t forget to let it cool for about 15 minutes before serving. So you’re looking at around 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish, plus cooling time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan. You can also line it with parchment paper for easier removal later. This step is super important to prevent your bread from sticking!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if you’re using it). This helps ensure that the leavening agents are evenly distributed, which is key for a nice rise.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with both sugars using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This creates a wonderful base for your bread!
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 mix in the vanilla extract for that lovely flavor.
5. Stir in the Sour Cream:
Now, gently stir in the sour cream (or yogurt) until it’s just combined. This adds moisture and tenderness to your bread!
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix—lumps are okay!
7. Add the Peaches and Nuts:
Fold in the chopped peaches and nuts if you’re using them. The batter will be thick and chunky, which is exactly what we want!
8. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. This helps it bake evenly.
9. Bake It Up:
Pop your loaf pan into the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. If you can’t wait, slice and serve it warm or toasted, perhaps with a bit of butter!
11. Enjoy!
Your Easy Southern Peach Bread is now ready to be enjoyed! Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this loaf is sure to impress with its lovely peachy flavor and warm spices.
Happy baking!
FAQ for Easy Southern Peach Bread
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen peaches, make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid to avoid making the batter too wet. Chopping them into smaller pieces will also help them incorporate better into the bread.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make this bread gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. Check the blend’s packaging for any additional adjustments you might need to make, like adding more moisture or leavening agents.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftover peach bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.
Can I Add Other Fruits to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even chopped apples. Just make sure to adjust the amount of fruit if you’re adding more, as too much can make the bread too wet.
