This Easy Southern Peach Bread is a sweet way to enjoy ripe summer peaches! Soft and moist, it’s packed with juicy peach pieces, giving every bite a burst of flavor.🍑
I love serving this bread warm with a bit of butter on top. It’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack. Just watch out, it may disappear fast, especially with family around! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour is the backbone of this bread. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend works well, but keep an eye on the texture.
Sugar: Regular granulated sugar is used for sweetness. You can substitute with brown sugar for a deeper flavor or coconut sugar for a healthier option.
Peaches: Fresh peaches give the best flavor, but you can use canned or frozen peaches if needed. Just drain and thaw them well, or use frozen ones straight from the freezer, but bake a few minutes longer.
Sour Cream: I love using sour cream for moisture. Plain yogurt is a great substitute, and for a lighter version, low-fat or even Greek yogurt works nicely, adding a slight tang.
Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts bring crunch, but they’re optional. You can skip them completely or use chocolate chips for a fun twist instead!
How Do You Ensure Your Peach Bread Isn’t Dry?
The key to keeping your peach bread moist is not overmixing the batter and using the right ingredients. Here are some steps:
- Combine wet and dry ingredients gently. Overmixing can lead to tough bread.
- Check your bread a few minutes before the time is up. If a toothpick comes out wet, keep baking; if it’s just a bit moist, it’s done!
- Adding sour cream or yogurt helps retain moisture, so don’t skip it!
Let the bread cool properly in the pan for a few minutes before slicing to avoid crumbling. Enjoy every slice without worrying about dryness!
Easy Southern Peach Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (about 2-3 medium peaches)
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 60 to 70 minutes of baking time. Plus, you will want to cool it for about 10 minutes before slicing. In total, you’re looking at roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes to enjoy this delightful peach bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that the bread bakes evenly. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg (if you’re using it). This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
3. Cream the Sugar and Eggs:
In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar and eggs together until the mixture is pale and fluffy. Add in the melted butter and vanilla extract, stirring well to combine. This adds richness and flavor to your bread.
4. Add the Sour Cream:
Mix in the sour cream (or yogurt) until everything is just combined. This adds moisture to the bread, keeping it tender and delicious!
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Carefully add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until everything is combined, being cautious not to overmix. This step is crucial for a soft bread!
6. Fold in the Peaches and Nuts:
Gently fold in the diced peaches and, if you’re using them, the chopped pecans or walnuts. This adds lovely texture and flavor to your bread.
7. Pour into Loaf Pan:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly.
8. Bake Your Bread:
Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for about 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
9. Cool the Bread:
Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
10. Enjoy:
You can serve this peach bread warm or at room temperature. It’s delightful on its own or topped with a little butter or cream cheese. Enjoy a taste of Southern summer with every bite!
FAQ for Easy Southern Peach Bread
Can I Use Frozen Peaches for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture before adding them to the batter. This helps prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
How Should I Store Leftover Peach Bread?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze slices for up to 3 months.
Can I Substitute the Sour Cream?
Absolutely! Plain yogurt works great as a substitute for sour cream. You can also use buttermilk or a dairy-free yogurt if you prefer. Each will add a lovely moisture to the bread!
What If I Don’t Have Nutmeg?
If you don’t have nutmeg, you can simply omit it or replace it with an additional pinch of cinnamon. Alternatively, try adding a bit of allspice for a warm flavor profile.
