This Southern Peach Bread is a sweet treat made with fresh, juicy peaches that steal the spotlight. It’s soft, moist, and perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Whenever I make this bread, my kitchen smells like summer—who can resist that? I love to enjoy a warm slice with a dab of butter. Yum! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted butter: This helps create a rich flavor and moist texture. If you need a dairy-free option, you can use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.
Sugar: Granulated sugar keeps things sweet. If you want a healthier choice, consider using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like honey (adjust the liquid in the recipe accordingly).
Fresh peaches: Fresh peaches are the star of this bread. If they’re out of season, you can use frozen peaches—just make sure to thaw and drain them well first.
Chopped pecans or walnuts: Nuts add a nice crunch. If you have nut allergies, feel free to skip them or use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower instead.
How Do I Ensure My Peach Bread Stays Moist?
Keeping your peach bread moist is all about proper mixing and baking. Here are some tips to help you achieve that perfect loaf:
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to keep the bread tender.
- Use ripe peaches. The juiciness from ripe peaches adds moisture to the bread.
- Check the bread for doneness a few minutes early. Every oven is different, so start checking around the 50-minute mark to avoid drying it out.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for a bit before transferring it to a wire rack. This prevents it from becoming soggy.
Southern Peach Bread with Fresh Peaches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and diced
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 50-60 minutes to bake. Allow an additional 10 minutes for cooling in the pan before letting it cool completely on a wire rack. Overall, you’ll need around 1 hour and 20 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or you can line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use a mixer or a wooden spoon to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time. Mix well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract for that delicious flavor.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if you’re using it. This will help evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. It’s important not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
6. Fold in Peaches and Nuts:
Gently fold in the diced fresh peaches and any nuts you choose to add. This will give your bread a delightful texture and flavor.
7. Prepare for Baking:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top evenly.
8. Bake the Bread:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean if the bread is ready!
9. Cool Down:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoy:
After the bread has cooled, slice it into pieces. It tastes amazing on its own or served with a bit of butter. Enjoy your delicious Southern Peach Bread!
This bread is moist and bursting with fresh peach flavor, making it a perfect summertime treat!
FAQ for Southern Peach Bread with Fresh Peaches
Can I Use Frozen Peaches in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw them completely first and drain off any excess moisture before adding them to the batter. This will help maintain the right texture in your bread.
How Should I Store Leftover Peach Bread?
To store leftover peach bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the baking powder you use is also gluten-free to keep the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
What Can I Substitute for Eggs?
If you need an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let it sit for a few minutes to thicken). These options will help bind the ingredients together.
