This Southern Peach Bread is a delightful treat that’s moist, sweet, and packed with fresh peach goodness. It’s perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack!
Every time I make this bread, my house smells amazing! I love to enjoy a slice warm with a little butter spread on top. Trust me, it’s hard to stop at just one piece! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for the bread. If you want a healthier option, you can use whole wheat flour, but it may yield a denser bread. I’ve tried it both ways, and I prefer sticking with all-purpose flour for that light texture.
Unsalted Butter: Butter adds rich flavor and moisture. If you want to cut down on fat, try using applesauce in place of half the butter. It makes the bread a bit more moist and keeps it sweet without all the calories!
Fresh Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are essential for that delicious fruit flavor. If peaches are out of season, consider using canned peaches, just make sure to drain them well. You could also swap in other fruits like pears or blueberries.
Buttermilk: This adds a nice tang and moisture. If you don’t have buttermilk, simply mix one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice into regular milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. It works just as well!
How Do You Get the Bread Moist and Fluffy?
Getting the right texture for peach bread is all about mixing and baking properly. Here are some tips:
- Make sure not to overmix once you add the flour. Stir just until the ingredients are combined to keep the bread light.
- Using room temperature ingredients, especially butter and eggs, helps in achieving a fluffier texture.
- Don’t rush the cooling process! Letting the bread cool in the pan for a bit keeps it moist and helps develop flavor.
Southern Peach Bread Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Basic Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup buttermilk or milk
For the Fruity Goodness:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Southern Peach Bread will take about 15 minutes to prep and approximately 55-65 minutes to bake. Be sure to let it cool for about 10 minutes after baking before slicing. So in total, plan for about 1.5 hours of fun and deliciousness!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and grease it with butter or cooking spray, then dust with a bit of flour. This will help your bread slide right out when it’s done!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This mix will be the base of your bread.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a larger bowl, use a mixer to cream together 1/2 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Mix until it looks light and fluffy—this is where you get that sweet, buttery flavor!
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for that lovely aroma and taste.
5. Combine It All:
Now it’s time to add your dry ingredients. Alternate adding the flour mixture and 1/4 cup of buttermilk to the butter mixture; start and end with the flour. Just stir until everything is combined without overmixing.
6. Add the Peaches:
Gently fold in the 1 1/2 cups of diced fresh peaches and the 1/2 cup of chopped nuts if you opted to use them. This is where your bread starts looking delicious!
7. Bake the Bread:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Let it Cool:
Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important for the texture!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooled, slice your Southern Peach Bread. Enjoy it as it is, or add a little butter on top for an extra treat. Every bite is a taste of sweet, peachy joy!
FAQ about Southern Peach Bread
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches in this recipe! Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before folding them into the batter. This will help maintain the moisture balance in your bread.
Can I Substitute Whole Wheat Flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Keep in mind that the bread might be denser, so you might want to add an extra tablespoon of liquid to the batter to keep it moist.
How to Store Leftover Peach Bread?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag to keep it fresh for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Add Other Fruits to This Recipe?
Sure! You can experiment with other fruits like diced pears, apples, or even blueberries. Just ensure that the total amount of fruit remains roughly the same (about 1.5 cups) so the texture of the bread stays consistent.
