This Easy Southern Peach Bread is a warm, sweet treat made with ripe peaches that brings a taste of summer to your kitchen. It’s moist, soft, and smells heavenly while baking!
There’s nothing quite like enjoying a slice with your morning coffee or a scoop of ice cream for dessert! I love making it on lazy weekends—so comforting and delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of the bread. If you want a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour instead. I’ve tried it and it works well!
Fresh Ripe Peaches: Fresh peaches are ideal, but if they’re out of season, you can use canned peaches (drained) or frozen peaches. Just chop them well. I love using seasonal fruits for the best flavor!
Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: These two sugars add the right sweetness and moisture. If you’re cutting down on sugar, use coconut sugar or a sugar alternative. I personally like the rich taste of brown sugar!
Vegetable Oil: While vegetable oil keeps it light, you can substitute it with melted butter for more flavor. Olive oil also works, but it has a stronger taste.
Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch. If nut allergies are a concern, simply leave them out or replace with seeds like sunflower seeds!
What’s the Best Way to Fold in the Peaches?
Folding in the peaches evenly is key to ensuring every slice has that fruity sweetness. Here’s how to do it:
- After mixing the batter, gently add the chopped peaches to the bowl.
- Use a spatula to scoop from the bottom and fold over the top. Turn the bowl as you go to mix without overworking the batter.
- Avoid smashing the peaches too much to keep their chunks intact—this adds great texture to the bread!
Remember, a gentle touch is important to maintain a light and fluffy loaf!
Easy Southern Peach Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh ripe peaches, peeled and finely chopped
- Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious peach bread requires about 15 minutes of prep time and 50-60 minutes of baking time. Be sure to allow an additional 10 minutes for cooling before slicing into your warm bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper so the bread doesn’t stick.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This will give your bread a lovely spice flavor and help it rise nicely!
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a larger bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil until everything is well mixed. Don’t forget to stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely aroma!
4. Combine Wet and Dry:
Now, gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix just until everything is combined—don’t worry, the batter doesn’t have to be perfectly smooth.
5. Fold in the Peaches:
Gently fold in the chopped peaches and any nuts you choose to add. This is where the magic happens, and you can mix until the peaches are just incorporated!
6. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Make sure it’s evenly spread for even baking.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Pop it into the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. The house will smell fantastic!
8. Cooling Time:
Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice up your delicious peach bread, serve it warm or at room temperature. It’s delightful on its own or with a little butter spread on top!
Enjoy your moist, spiced peach bread with tender peach pieces—perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert!
FAQ for Easy 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 chopping and adding them to the batter. This will help prevent the bread from becoming too wet.
How Do I Adjust the Recipe for a Different Pan Size?
If you want to use a smaller or larger pan, adjust the baking time accordingly. For a smaller loaf pan, start checking for doneness at 40 minutes. For a larger pan, it may take up to 70 minutes. Always use the toothpick test to ensure it’s fully baked!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! To make vegan peach bread, replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use a plant-based oil. Also, make sure to use a dairy-free butter substitute if you opt for that instead of vegetable oil.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave for a warm treat!
