This Easy Southern Peach Bread is a sweet treat that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert! Made with fresh peaches, it’s moist and bursting with fruity goodness.
You’ll love how simple it is to prepare—just mix, pour, and bake! I often enjoy a slice warm, maybe with a little butter on top. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter gives the best flavor. If you’re out of butter, you can use coconut oil or margarine as a substitute. Just keep in mind that it may alter the taste slightly.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is standard, but you could use brown sugar for a deeper flavor. For a healthier option, consider using honey or maple syrup, but adjust the liquid in the recipe accordingly.
Peaches: Fresh peaches are ideal for this recipe. If they’re out of season, canned or frozen peaches can work too. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid to avoid a soggy bread.
Nuts: While optional, chopped pecans or walnuts add great texture. If you have nut allergies, you can skip them or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
How Do I Know When to Take the Bread Out of the Oven?
Finding the right baking time is crucial for perfect bread. Here’s how to know when it’s done:
- Check around the 55-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bread is ready.
- If the toothpick has wet batter on it, give it another 5-10 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent overbaking.
- The top should look golden brown, and the sides will start to pull away from the pan a bit.
Once it cools slightly, the bread will firm up, making it easier to slice. Enjoy your baking adventure!
Easy Southern Peach Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Bread:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh peaches, peeled and finely chopped
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Southern Peach Bread takes about 15 minutes to prep, plus 55-65 minutes to bake. After baking, allow an extra 10 minutes to cool. So, in total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 30 minutes before you can enjoy a warm slice!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan generously with cooking spray or butter, or you can line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Cream Together Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or a wooden spoon to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and give it a good stir until everything is combined.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices throughout the flour.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix gently with a spatula or spoon until just combined—be careful not to overmix!
6. Fold in Peaches and Nuts:
Now it’s time to fold in those delicious chopped peaches and, if you’re using them, the chopped nuts. Gently stir until they’re distributed evenly through the batter.
7. Pour and Spread the Batter:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
8. Bake the Bread:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 55-65 minutes. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
9. Cool the Bread:
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. Slice and Serve:
Once cooled, slice the peach bread and serve it plain or with a bit of butter. Enjoy your delightful treat!
This moist and flavorful peach bread highlights the sweetness of fresh peaches with warm spices, capturing the essence of Southern baking. Perfect for breakfast, tea time, or a sweet snack!
FAQ for Easy Southern Peach Bread
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen peaches, make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before chopping. This helps avoid a soggy bread.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover peach bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing.
Can I Add Other Fruits or Ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to get creative! You can add other fruits like blueberries or raspberries, or even mix in chocolate chips for a fun twist. Just keep the total amount of fruit similar to the one cup of peaches specified in the recipe.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this bread gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the blend for a good balance of flours and starches for the best results. You might want to add a teaspoon of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already include it.
