This Easy Southern Peach Bread is a lovely treat that bursts with the sweet flavor of fresh peaches. It’s moist, fluffy, and perfect for breakfast or snack time!
Honestly, I can’t resist the smell of peaches baking in the oven. It’s like a warm hug! I love enjoying a slice with a cup of coffee—simple pleasures at their best!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Peaches: Sweet, ripe peaches are the star of this bread. If peaches aren’t in season, you can use canned or frozen peaches, just make sure to drain and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture.
Flour: All-purpose flour is a great choice, but if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend instead.
Sour Cream or Yogurt: These add moisture and a little tang. But if you’re dairy-free, try unsweetened almond yogurt or coconut yogurt for a similar effect.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness. If you’re trying to reduce dairy, coconut oil or a plant-based butter can work as a substitution.
Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg give warmth to this bread. If you prefer, you can skip nutmeg or use pumpkin pie spice for a unique twist.
How Do I Get the Right Texture for My Peach Bread?
The key to the perfect texture is in the mixing technique. You want to combine the ingredients just until they are mixed, avoiding overmixing as it can make the bread tough. Here’s how to do it:
- Mix wet ingredients until fluffy, then add dry ingredients alternately with the sour cream.
- Stir gently, and stop as soon as everything is combined—don’t worry if there are a few lumps.
- Finally, fold in the peaches delicately to keep their shape and flavor.
This will help keep your bread light and fluffy. Enjoy every slice!
Easy Southern Peach Bread with Sweet Fresh Peaches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
Peach Layer:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (about 2-3 medium peaches)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
How Much Time Will You Need?
This lovely peach bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 55-65 minutes to bake. Including cooling time, plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes in total before it’s ready to serve. Perfect for afternoon treats or breakfast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps your bread bake evenly. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper so the bread doesn’t stick.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This ensures that everything is evenly distributed before it mixes with the wet ingredients.
3. Cream the Butters and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will help give your bread a soft texture.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract for extra flavor.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually mix in the dry ingredient mixture alternately with the sour cream (or yogurt). Start and end with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything is just combined—don’t worry if there are a few lumps, it will be fine!
6. Fold in the Peaches:
Gently fold in your diced fresh peaches and, if you’re using them, the chopped nuts. This prevents the peaches from breaking down in the batter.
7. Prepare for Baking:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. This helps the bread bake evenly.
8. Bake the Bread:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. When it’s done, a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
9. Cool Down:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven. Let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This keeps the bottom from getting soggy.
10. Enjoy Your Bread:
When the bread has cooled, slice it up and enjoy! It’s delicious on its own or spread with a bit of butter. You can enjoy it as a breakfast treat or an afternoon snack!
Enjoy your moist, flavorful Southern Peach Bread with the sweetness of fresh peaches shining through!
FAQ About Easy Southern Peach Bread
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture before folding them into the batter. This will help prevent the bread from becoming too soggy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover peach bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To keep it fresh, you can also wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 3 months.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your baking powder and any other packaged ingredients are gluten-free as well.
What Can I Substitute for Sour Cream?
If you don’t have sour cream, plain Greek yogurt works well as a substitute. You can also use buttermilk or a dairy-free yogurt for a lighter option without sacrificing flavor or moisture!
