This Easy Southern Peach Bread is a cozy treat packed with juicy peaches and warm spices. It’s moist, sweet, and makes your kitchen smell amazing as it bakes!
I love enjoying a slice with my morning coffee or as a sweet afternoon snack. It’s so easy to make; I can whip it up even on a busy day. Trust me, you’ll want to share this one (or not)! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter keeps the sweet flavor balanced. You can substitute it with margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option, but butter gives the best flavor.
Granulated Sugar: This recipe uses regular sugar for sweetness. Brown sugar adds a deeper flavor if you’re looking for something richer. Just keep in mind that it might make the bread a bit denser.
Peaches: Fresh peaches are ideal for this recipe due to their juicy flavor. If they’re out of season, use canned peaches (drained) or frozen ones (thawed), but they might make the bread a little wetter.
Sour Cream: This adds moisture and a slight tang. If you’re out, plain yogurt works well, or even buttermilk if you have it. Each option will still keep the bread nice and fluffy.
How Do You Get the Bread to Rise and Stay Moist?
Getting the right rise and moisture is key for a tender bread. Here are the steps:
- Don’t overmix the batter; mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture.
- Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. Old leavening agents won’t rise properly.
- Adding sour cream or yogurt keeps the bread moist and adds a nice tender crumb.
- If your peaches are very juicy, consider reducing other liquids slightly to maintain the right batter consistency.
With these tips, your Southern Peach Bread will be a delightful treat every time! Enjoy a slice warm with a bit of butter, and you can’t go wrong.
How to Make Easy Southern Peach Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful peach bread will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 55 to 65 minutes to bake, plus around 10-15 minutes for cooling. In total, you should plan on spending about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish to enjoy this sweet treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure to grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. This will help the bread come out easily once it’s baked.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a mixer or a whisk to beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will usually take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract to coat the sweet and buttery mixture with flavor.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. This ensures that everything is evenly distributed and you get the right flavor throughout the bread.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Be careful not to overmix—just stir until everything is combined.
6. Fold in Peaches:
Gently fold the chopped fresh peaches into the batter, making sure they’re evenly distributed. This will give your bread that delicious peachy goodness!
7. Pour and Smooth Batter:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and use a spatula to smooth the top. This helps everything bake evenly.
8. Bake the Bread:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool the Bread:
After baking, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then carefully remove it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps it firm up and makes slicing easier!
10. Slice and Serve:
Once cooled, slice up your peach bread and enjoy it plain or with a spread of butter. Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or anytime you want a sweet treat!
Enjoy your homemade Easy Southern Peach Bread! It’s sure to become a favorite!
FAQ for Easy Southern Peach Bread
Can I Use Canned or Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes! You can use canned peaches (drained) or frozen peaches (thawed and chopped) if fresh ones aren’t available. Just be aware that they may add extra moisture to the batter, so you might want to decrease other liquids slightly.
How Do I Store Leftover Peach Bread?
Store leftover peach bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Just be sure to follow the package instructions for the best results to maintain texture.
Can I Add Nuts or Other Fruits to This Bread?
Yes! Feel free to add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch, or you can combine peaches with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries. Just adjust the amount of fruit to avoid making the batter too wet.
