This Southern Peach Bread is a warm, cozy treat filled with juicy peaches and a sprinkle of sweet cinnamon. It’s soft and buttery, perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Honestly, nothing beats the smell of fresh peaches and cinnamon wafting through the kitchen! I like to enjoy it with a little butter on top for extra yumminess! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Peaches: Fresh peaches are key for flavor! If they’re out of season, feel free to use canned peaches (drained well) or frozen peaches (thawed) for a similar sweet taste.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of the bread. You can use whole wheat flour for more nutrition, but it may give a denser texture.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds moisture and a slight tang. If you don’t have it, mix milk with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice, let it sit for a few minutes, and use! It works great in a pinch.
Unsalted Butter: I like using unsalted butter so I can control the saltiness. If you’re out, coconut oil or vegetable oil can be used as a substitute, but the flavor will vary.
How Do You Get the Perfect Texture for Your Peach Bread?
The key to a moist and fluffy bread lies in the mixing technique. When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until you see no dry flour. Overmixing can lead to a tough loaf!
- Start by creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy—that gives air to the bread.
- When adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk, mix gently with a spatula—don’t worry about small lumps!
- Remember to fold in the peaches delicately to avoid crushing them.
Baking times can vary based on your oven, so keep an eye on it as it bakes. Don’t forget to check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean!
Southern Peach Bread with Sweet Cinnamon Flavor
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
For the Cinnamon Topping:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Southern Peach Bread takes about 15 minutes for prep and 55-65 minutes of baking time. Don’t forget to let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before removing it to cool completely on a wire rack. Altogether, it’s around 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Start by greasing and flouring a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or you can line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg (if you’re using it). Setting this aside allows the flavors to mix together nicely.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat it until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take a few minutes.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Crack in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract to add that sweet aroma!
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, alternately add the dry ingredients mixture and the buttermilk to the butter mixture. Start with the dry ingredients and end with them—mix until just combined. Don’t overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
6. Fold in the Peaches:
Gently fold in the finely chopped peaches. This helps keep them intact and distributes their sweet flavor throughout the bread.
7. Pour and Add Topping:
Pour the peach batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon for the topping, then sprinkle it evenly over the batter.
8. Bake Until Golden:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your bread is ready!
9. Cool and Serve:
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Slice and enjoy your delicious Southern Peach Bread, perhaps with a warm cup of tea or coffee!
Enjoy your sweet creation! 🍑✨
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen peaches, make sure to thaw them completely and drain excess moisture before chopping and adding them to the batter. This will help maintain the bread’s texture and prevent it from becoming too soggy.
How Should I Store Leftover Peach Bread?
Store any leftover Southern 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 for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just make sure that your baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly!
What Can I Use Instead of Buttermilk?
No buttermilk? No problem! You can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup and then filling it with regular milk until you reach the 1/2 cup mark. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to curdle before using in your recipe!
