This Southern Peach Bread is a warm, cozy treat filled with sweet, juicy peaches that make every bite a delight. It’s easy to make and smells heavenly while baking!
I love slicing into this bread when it’s still slightly warm. A smear of butter on top? Yes, please! Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack anytime. 🍑
Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This gives the bread its structure. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend, which works quite well.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is used for sweetness. You could try brown sugar for a deeper flavor, but it might make the bread a tad denser.
Fresh peaches: Sweet, ripe peaches are the star, but you can substitute with canned or frozen peaches if fresh ones aren’t available. Just be sure to drain and pat them dry!
Sour cream: This adds moisture and tang. Plain yogurt works perfectly as a substitute, giving it a similar texture and taste.
Nuts: I love adding pecans for a nice crunch, but walnuts or even chocolate chips can be fun variations if you’re not a nut fan.
How Do You Get the Perfect Texture for Your Peach Bread?
The texture of this bread is crucial, and for a lovely moist loaf, the mixing method is key. When you combine wet and dry ingredients, do it gently; over-mixing can lead to a tough bread. Here’s a quick guide:
- Mix your wet ingredients until just combined before adding the dry ones.
- Stir in the dry ingredients just until you see no more flour; it’s okay if some lumps remain.
- Fold in the peaches gently to maintain their shape.
- Be sure not to overbake! Keep an eye on it; once the toothpick comes out clean, take it out!
Following these tips will help you achieve that tender, delicious bread everyone will love!
Southern Peach Bread with Sweet Fresh Peaches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1 ½ cups fresh sweet peaches, peeled and diced
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- Optional: 2 tablespoons brown sugar for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Southern Peach Bread takes about 15 minutes of prep time and about 55 to 65 minutes to bake. You’ll want to let it cool for a bit after baking, so plan for around 1 hour and 15 minutes to enjoy it freshly baked! Perfect for your breakfast table or an afternoon treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Whisk the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined. This will help evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices throughout the bread.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is important for the texture of the bread!
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to make sure they’re fully incorporated. Then stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely sweetness.
5. Incorporate the Sour Cream:
Mix in the sour cream or yogurt until the batter is smooth and creamy. This helps keep the bread moist!
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now it’s time to combine everything! Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to over-mix!
7. Fold in Peaches and Nuts:
Gently fold in the diced peaches and nuts (if you’re using them). If the peaches are super juicy, they’ll make the bread even more flavorful!
8. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top so that it bakes evenly.
9. Add a Sweet Topping:
If you want an extra touch, sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top of the batter to create a sweet, caramelized crust as it bakes.
10. Bake to Perfection:
Bake in the preheated oven for about 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it toward the end!
11. Cool and Enjoy:
Once it’s done, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove it from the pan and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, slice it up and enjoy your delicious Southern Peach Bread!
It’s absolutely perfect with a pat of butter, or you can enjoy it just as it is. Happy baking!
FAQ for Southern Peach Bread
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 liquid to avoid making the batter too moist. Pat them dry with paper towels before folding them into the batter.
Can I Substitute Greek Yogurt for Sour Cream?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute for sour cream in this recipe. It will add the same moisture and tanginess, plus a bit of extra protein!
How Should I Store Leftover Peach Bread?
Store any leftover peach bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying!
Can I Make This Bread Vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegan version! Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter. Additionally, replace sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt!
