This Southern Peach Bread is a sweet treat packed with juicy, fresh peaches. It’s moist, fluffy, and perfect for breakfast or a tasty snack!
Baking this bread fills the kitchen with a lovely peachy aroma. I love to enjoy a warm slice with a pat of butter. It’s like a hug from the inside! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Peaches: The star of this recipe! Use ripe, seasonal peaches for the best flavor. If peaches aren’t available, you can substitute with canned peaches (drained and diced), but fresh gives a much better texture and taste.
Butter: I recommend using unsalted butter to control the salt in your baking. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute works well too!
Buttermilk: This adds moisture and a slight tang. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes. It’ll work just fine!
Nuts: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts gives the bread a lovely crunch. If you prefer a nut-free version, just leave them out. Sunflower seeds could be a nice alternative.
How Do I Ensure My Bread is Moist and Tender?
Getting the bread to be soft and moist is all about the mixing process and ingredient proportions. Here’s how:
- Don’t overmix after adding the flour. Mix just until combined to keep the bread light.
- Make sure to cream the butter and sugar well, as this helps aerate the batter.
- Add the peaches with a light hand. Folding them in gently prevents the batter from becoming too heavy.
- Check doneness with a toothpick. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, the bread is perfect!
These tips should help you create the perfect Southern Peach Bread every time. Enjoy baking!
Southern Peach Bread with Fresh Peaches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Basic Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
Mix-ins:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and diced
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (for texture)
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Southern Peach Bread takes about 20 minutes to prepare and around 55-65 minutes to bake, plus a little cooling time afterward. Altogether, you should set aside about 1 hour and 30 minutes to enjoy this sweet treat from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, so your bread won’t stick.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This mixture will give your bread its rise and flavor. Set this bowl aside for now.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This mixing helps to create a nice airy texture in the bread!
4. Add in the Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract for that delicious flavor!
5. Combine the Mixtures:
Now it’s time to combine the dry and wet ingredients. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix—the batter should be nice and thick!
6. Fold in the Peaches:
Gently fold in the diced fresh peaches and chopped nuts (if you’re using them). Be gentle so you don’t smash the peaches!
7. Pour and Spread:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly across the pan.
8. Bake:
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
9. Cool the Bread:
Once baked, take the bread out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, gently transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
When the bread is cool, you can dust it with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish. Slice and enjoy your moist and flavorful Southern Peach Bread with a cup of tea or coffee!
Enjoy every bite of your homemade Southern Peach Bread! 🍑
FAQ for Southern Peach Bread Recipe
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. Pat them dry with paper towels before folding them into the batter to prevent the bread from becoming overly moist.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover peach bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to a week, or freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to slice it first for easy thawing!
Can I Substitute the Buttermilk?
Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a simple substitute by mixing 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using!
What Can I Serve with Southern Peach Bread?
This bread is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream, a spread of cream cheese, or enjoy it toasted with butter. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea!
