This Southern Peach Bread is a delicious, sweet treat bursting with juicy peaches. It’s perfect for breakfast or a snack, and your kitchen will smell heavenly while it bakes!
In my house, this bread never lasts long. It’s great warm with a little butter, which makes each bite feel like a warm hug. Trust me, you’ll want a slice (or two)! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Peaches: The star of this bread! Use ripe, sweet peaches for the best flavor. If you can’t find fresh ones, canned peaches in juice (not syrup) can work; just drain and pat them dry.
Buttermilk: This adds moisture and a slight tang to the bread. If you’re out, regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice works great as a substitute.
Butter: Unsalted butter keeps flavor balanced, but you can use margarine if you’re after a dairy-free option. Just skip the salt in the recipe.
Nuts: I love adding chopped pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch. If you have nut allergies, leave them out entirely or use seeds like sunflower seeds instead.
How Do I Make Sure My Peach Bread Turns Out Moist?
The trick to a moist peach bread is all in the mixing and baking process. Here are a few tips to keep it perfectly soft:
- Don’t overmix the batter once you add the flour—mix just until combined to avoid tough bread.
- Make sure your peaches are diced small to distribute moisture evenly throughout.
- Keep an eye on the baking time. Every oven is different; check for doneness a bit earlier if needed.
Oh, and letting the bread cool before cutting helps it set and keeps moisture locked in. Enjoy your baking! 🍑
Southern Peach Bread with Sweet Fresh Peaches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 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
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and diced
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
For the Optional Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh peach juice or milk
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Southern Peach Bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 60-70 minutes to bake. Allow some extra time for cooling before you slice into it. In total, expect about 1.5 to 2 hours for the entire process!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×5 inch loaf pan, grease it well, and dust it with flour, or you can line it with parchment paper for easier removal later.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This helps to evenly distribute the baking agents throughout the flour. Set the bowl aside for a moment.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Mix until it’s light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is important as it gives the bread its nice texture!
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Then add in the vanilla extract, stirring until everything is well combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now it’s time to mix the dry ingredients with your butter mixture. Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk, starting with the dry ingredients and ending with them. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix, or your bread might turn out tough.
6. Fold in Peaches and Nuts:
Gently fold in the diced fresh peaches and any nuts you’re using. This adds a nice texture and flavor to the bread!
7. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to smooth the top. It should look nice and even, ready to go into the oven!
8. Bake:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. Keep an eye on it; if the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it loosely with foil. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean.
9. Cool the Bread:
Once done, take the bread out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. After that, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help keep it from getting soggy on the bottom.
10. Make the Optional Glaze:
If you want to add a little sweetness on top, mix the powdered sugar with fresh peach juice or milk until it’s smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled bread for a perfect finishing touch!
11. Slice and Serve:
Now your Southern Peach Bread is ready to enjoy! Slice it up and serve it warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a delicious snack!
Enjoy every heavenly bite! 🍑
FAQ for Southern Peach Bread with Sweet Fresh Peaches
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess moisture. Pat them dry with a paper towel before folding them into the batter to avoid excess liquid in your bread.
What Can I Substitute for Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by mixing 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes to curdle, and then use it in place of buttermilk!
How Should I Store Leftover Peach Bread?
Store any leftover peach bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just make sure it’s wrapped tightly!
Can I Make This Recipe as Muffins Instead?
Absolutely! You can make peach muffins using the same batter. Just adjust the baking time to about 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. This is a great option for breakfast on the go!
