This Easy Southern Peach Bread is like a warm hug from grandma! It’s moist and flavorful, packed with sweet, juicy peaches and a hint of cinnamon.
Making this bread is a breeze; just mix, bake, and enjoy the delightful smell wafting through the kitchen. I could eat it for breakfast, snacks, or whenever—it’s that good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh peaches give the best flavor! If they’re out of season, use canned peaches in juice (not syrup) or frozen peaches. Just be sure to thaw and drain them first.
Sour Cream/Yogurt: I love using sour cream for its richness, but plain yogurt works too. Greek yogurt adds protein and a nice tang. You can even use almond yogurt for a dairy-free option!
Spices: Ground cinnamon is key for that warm taste. If you want a new twist, try adding a bit of ginger or allspice for extra warmth. Don’t feel pressured to use nutmeg—skip it if you don’t have any!
How Do I Ensure My Peach Bread Is Perfectly Moist?
Getting the right moisture level is essential for this peach bread to be delicious. Here are some techniques to help:
- Use ripe peaches: Overripe peaches add more juicy sweetness.
- Don’t overmix the batter. Mix just until everything is combined to keep it light.
- Check for doneness around the 60-minute mark. Ovens can vary, so a toothpick should come out clean.
- Let it cool in the pan for a bit before transferring it—this helps maintain moisture!
With these tips in mind, your Easy Southern Peach Bread will turn out beautifully every time! Enjoy the cozy aroma and taste of summer in every slice.
How to Make Easy Southern Peach Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Special Touch:
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1 1/2 cups peeled, diced fresh peaches (about 2 medium peaches)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Southern Peach Bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 60 to 70 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to let it cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. All in all, you’ll be enjoying this delicious bread in just under 2 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or you can line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or a spatula to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully mixed in before adding the next. Then, add the vanilla extract and give it a quick stir until well combined.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). This incorporates the leavening agents evenly throughout the flour.
5. Combine Mixtures:
Now, alternately add the dry flour mixture and the sour cream to the butter mixture. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix gently, just until everything is combined—be careful not to overmix!
6. Fold in Peaches:
Gently fold in the diced peaches into the batter. This will add delicious chunks of fresh fruit throughout your bread.
7. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Bake:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool the Bread:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Slice and Enjoy:
Once cooled, slice the bread and enjoy it on its own or with a pat of butter for an extra treat. This Easy Southern Peach Bread is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert!
With its golden-brown crust and tender crumb bursting with peach goodness, this recipe embodies the warmth of Southern baking. Enjoy making it and the delightful flavors it brings to your home!
Can I Use Canned or Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If you can’t find fresh peaches, canned peaches in juice or frozen peaches work well. Just ensure to thaw frozen peaches and drain any excess moisture from canned peaches before adding them to the batter.
How Do I Store Leftover Peach Bread?
Leftover peach bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before enjoying!
Can I Make This Bread Gluten-Free?
Yes! For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum, or add 1/4 teaspoon per cup of flour to ensure the bread rises well.
Can I Add Nuts or Other Fruits to the Recipe?
Definitely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans would add a lovely crunch to the bread. You can also mix in other fruits like blueberries or raspberries. Just be sure to adjust the total amount of fruit so your bread doesn’t get too wet!
