This Easy Southern Peach Bread is like a warm hug on a plate! It’s moist, sweet, and packed with fresh peaches that make every bite a little piece of sunshine.
When you bake this, your kitchen will smell amazing, and trust me, your family will come running! I love enjoying a slice with my morning coffee—it’s the best way to start the day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the main ingredient for structure. If you’re gluten-free, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead.
Fresh Peaches: They bring sweet flavor and moisture. If you don’t have fresh ones, use canned peaches (drained) or even apples can work in a pinch!
Sour Cream or Yogurt: This adds moisture and tangy flavor. If you prefer, you can use buttermilk or plain Greek yogurt for a thicker texture.
Butter: Unsalted butter is a must for control over the salt in the recipe. If needed, you can use vegetable oil or coconut oil as a substitute.
How Do I Ensure My Peach Bread is Perfectly Moist?
Moisture is key in this bread, and there are a couple of tips to consider to achieve that soft texture. First, be sure not to overmix your batter once the dry ingredients are added; mix just until combined.
- Using ripe fresh peaches adds natural moisture. Ensure they are not overripe, or they may make the bread soggy.
- Don’t leave the bread in the oven too long; check it at the minimum time to avoid dryness. When the toothpick comes out clean, it’s done!
- Using sour cream or yogurt gives extra moistness; don’t skip this ingredient!
Easy Southern Peach Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh peaches, peeled and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare, plus 55-65 minutes of baking time. Overall, you should set aside about 1 hour and 20 minutes to create this delicious bread, and then a little time for it to cool before slicing!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
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 to prevent sticking. This is an important step to ensure your bread comes out easily.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This will help to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices, ensuring your bread rises perfectly.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer. The fluffier you get it, the better your bread will rise!
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix until fully combined. The mixture should look smooth and creamy at this stage.
5. Incorporate the Peaches:
Gently stir in the finely chopped peaches. Make sure your peaches are well distributed throughout the batter; they’ll add lots of flavor and moisture to the bread!
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Next, alternately add the dry ingredients and the sour cream into the wet mixture. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until everything is combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
7. Bake the Bread:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the bread is ready.
8. Cool and Slice:
Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once it’s cool, slice it up and enjoy your delicious Southern Peach Bread!
This bread is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. Enjoy every bite! 🍑
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 first and drain any excess liquid to prevent the batter from becoming too wet. Chop them into smaller pieces before adding them to the mixture.
How Long Does This Bread Last?
The peach bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying!
Can I Add Other Fruits or Nuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other fruits like blueberries or raspberries, or add nuts for extra crunch. Just keep in mind that adding additional ingredients may slightly change the baking time.
What Should I Serve with Peach Bread?
This bread is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a pat of butter, cream cheese, or a drizzle of honey. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful treat any time of day!
