Moist Southern Peach Bread is a sweet treat packed with juicy peaches. It’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, and your kitchen will smell amazing while it bakes!
I love enjoying a slice warm with a bit of butter melted on top—yum! It’s a great way to use up ripe peaches and share the goodness with friends and family.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh peaches are the star of this bread, bringing sweetness and moisture. If fresh peaches aren’t available, you can replace them with canned peaches, just drain well and chop them. Frozen peaches work too; thaw and squeeze out excess moisture.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best since it lets you control the saltiness. If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute half the butter with applesauce to keep the bread moist, but it will slightly alter the flavor.
Sour Cream or Yogurt: This adds rich creaminess. Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute, providing similar moisture and tang. You could also use buttermilk for a fluffier texture, but it’ll change the taste a bit.
Nuts: Optional nuts add texture and flavor. If you’re not a fan of pecans or walnuts, try swapping them for chocolate chips or leave them out completely for a nut-free version.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare Peaches for This Recipe?
Preparing peaches is key to making the bread flavorful and moist. Here’s how you can do it:
- Make sure to use ripe peaches for the best flavor; they should be slightly soft to the touch.
- To peel easily, score a small “X” on the bottom, then blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to ice water. The skins will slip right off!
- Once peeled, remove the pit and chop the peaches into bite-sized pieces. This way, they distribute evenly in the batter.
Taking the time to prepare your peaches well will pay off in the flavor of your Southern Peach Bread! Enjoy your baking!
Moist Southern Peach Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
Mix-Ins:
- 1 ½ cups fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes for preparation, plus an additional 55 to 65 minutes for baking. Once it’s out of the oven, allow it to cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. It’s an easy yet satisfying treat to enjoy at any time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing and lightly flouring it, or you can use parchment paper for easy removal of the bread later.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). This will help distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the batter.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes. It’s a great way to incorporate air into the batter, leading to a fluffier loaf!
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is well combined before adding the next. After that, mix in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
5. Incorporate Sour Cream:
Mix in the sour cream (or yogurt) until everything is fully blended. This will keep your bread moist and add a nice tanginess.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually mix in the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—some lumps are okay!
7. Fold in Peaches and Nuts:
Gently fold in the chopped peaches and nuts (if using) with a spatula. This adds a delightful texture and flavor to your bread.
8. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula.
9. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for about 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it as baking times can vary slightly based on your oven.
10. Cool:
Once done, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help preserve its moisture.
11. Slice and Enjoy:
Once cooled, slice the bread and enjoy it plain or with a pat of butter! It’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a lovely afternoon snack.
Enjoy your moist and flavorful Southern Peach Bread!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Canned Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use canned peaches! Just make sure to drain them well and chop them into smaller pieces. This will prevent excess moisture that can alter the bread’s texture.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains binders like xanthan gum for the best results!
Can I Add Other Fruits or Ingredients?
Absolutely! You can mix in other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a fruit medley. Just be mindful of the moisture levels, and consider reducing the amount of sour cream slightly if you add very juicy fruits.
What’s the Best Way to 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 refrigerate for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before wrapping!
