This Southern Peach Bread is a sweet treat packed with fresh peaches that makes every bite feel like summer. It’s soft, moist, and simply delightful!
Whenever I make it, my kitchen smells amazing! It’s perfect for breakfast or a tasty snack. Trust me, you’ll want to keep some slices handy for a sweet afternoon pick-me-up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh peaches are the star here! You can substitute with nectarines if they’re not available. Just make sure they’re ripe for the best flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal to control the saltiness. If needed, you can use coconut oil or even margarine, though the taste may vary slightly.
Sour Cream/Yogurt: This adds moisture. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using almond or soy yogurt. They work well too!
Nuts: Pecan or walnut add crunch and flavor. If you have nut allergies, feel free to leave them out or replace them with sunflower seeds for some texture.
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture for My Peach Bread?
Getting the right texture is all about mixing and baking time. When you combine wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Over-mixing can make the bread dense.
- Ensure your butter is softened but not melted—this helps create a light texture.
- Don’t skip the cooling time in the pan; it’s crucial for the loaf to set properly.
- If your peaches are very juicy, pat them lightly with a paper towel to avoid excess moisture that can make the bread soggy.
How to Make Southern Peach Bread with Fresh Peaches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 cup fresh peaches, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Southern Peach Bread recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 55 to 65 minutes for baking. Don’t forget about the cooling time: let the bread cool for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. All in all, you’ll need a bit over an hour to enjoy this delicious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure your bread comes out easily.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer or a whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is an essential step for achieving that soft texture!
3. Incorporate the Eggs:
Add the eggs to the butter and sugar mixture one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract to add a lovely flavor.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if you’re using them). This will help to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
5. Mix Dry with Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can lead to a denser bread.
6. Fold in Peaches and Cream:
Gently fold in the sour cream (or yogurt), followed by the diced fresh peaches. If you like, you can also fold in the chopped nuts for a delightful crunch.
7. Pour and Smooth Batter:
Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. It should look nice and even.
8. Bake:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. You’ll know the bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool the Bread:
Once baked, carefully remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps it set and makes it easier to transfer without breaking.
10. Slice and Serve:
After cooling, carefully transfer your peach bread to a wire rack to cool completely. Once it’s at room temperature, slice it up and enjoy it for breakfast or as a sweet snack!
Enjoy the wonderful flavors of summer with this delightful Southern Peach Bread!
FAQ About 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 liquid before folding them into the batter. This helps prevent your bread from becoming too watery.
How Should I Store Leftover Peach Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container 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 individual slices for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Substitute Whole Wheat Flour for All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour! However, you might want to use a combination of whole wheat and all-purpose flour to maintain a lighter texture. Start with half and half, and see how you like it!
What Is the Best Way to Ripen Peaches for This Recipe?
If your peaches aren’t ripe yet, place them in a paper bag at room temperature for a couple of days until they soften. Avoid refrigerating them, as that can slow down the ripening process.
