Oh, I absolutely love this Southern Peach Bread Recipe because it s like a bite of summertime all year round! The way those juicy, fresh peaches melt into the soft, sweet crumb gives you such a cozy, comforting feeling-like a warm hug from the South itself. Whenever I m craving something simple but special, this bread is my go-to, especially with a cup of morning coffee or afternoon tea.
You’ll find that this Southern Peach Bread Recipe is incredibly versatile and pretty forgiving to make, which I always appreciate. I remember the first time I tried it-I was surprised how the natural sweetness from the peaches balances perfectly with the cinnamon and brown sugar, creating a mellow, nostalgic flavor that my whole family goes crazy for. Trust me, once you try it, this bread will quickly become a staple in your home too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Naturally Sweet and Moist: Fresh peaches bring juicy sweetness, keeping the bread tender without needing excessive sugar.
- Easy To Make: The recipe is straightforward, with simple mixing steps that even busy bakers can handle smoothly.
- Comforting Flavors: Warm cinnamon and brown sugar add a cozy depth that feels like classic Southern hospitality in every slice.
- Versatile and Customizable: You can easily add nuts or a sweet glaze to personalize this bread to your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Southern Peach Bread Recipe really lies in the harmony between fresh, juicy peaches and a well-balanced blend of sweeteners and spices. Each ingredient plays its role-and shopping for ripe peaches is a key tip if you want that authentic, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Fresh Peaches: Look for ripe, fragrant peaches that give slightly when pressed for the best flavor and juice.
- All-Purpose Flour: This provides the perfect structure for a tender yet sturdy crumb.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds straightforward sweetness without overpowering the peaches.
- Brown Sugar: Gives a subtle molasses flavor that deepens the sweetness.
- Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise evenly with a light texture.
- Baking Soda: Works with the acid in peaches to boost the bread s lift.
- Cinnamon: Adds warm, comforting spice that pairs beautifully with peaches.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and flavor layers.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture for softness.
- Milk: Keeps the bread tender, balancing dry ingredients.
- Vegetable Oil: Locks in moisture, ensuring the bread stays fresh longer.
- Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
Variations
I love playing around with this Southern Peach Bread Recipe by adding little touches that make it my own. You should feel free to experiment too-the beauty of this recipe is its flexibility, whether you want to make it dairy-free, add crunch, or boost sweetness for special occasions.
- Nutty Upgrade: I often toss in chopped pecans or walnuts for texture; it adds a wonderful crunch that pairs well with the soft peaches.
- Gluten-Free Version: Swapping all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend works great-just be sure to check your mix includes xanthan gum for structure.
- Glazed Sweetness: Drizzling a simple powdered sugar glaze over cooled slices turns this bread into a pretty dessert that everyone asks for at brunch.
- Peach Swap: When fresh peaches aren t in season, try drained canned peaches-just be careful not to add extra liquid to keep batter consistency perfect.
How to Make Southern Peach Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients with Care
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your loaf pan well-trust me, this helps the bread come out clean and beautiful. While the oven warms, dice those ripe peaches into small chunks; you want pieces that will distribute evenly without sinking to the bottom. I like to set them aside on a paper towel to absorb excess juices so the bread batter isn t too wet.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients Gently but Thoroughly
In a large bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. The key here is to evenly distribute the rising agents and spices so your bread bakes uniformly and tastes balanced. I always take a moment to sift or whisk really well-this also helps avoid clumps.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated. I ve found this step guarantees the wet ingredients integrate well when joined with the dry mixture, which means you won t get streaks of flour or dry spots.
Step 4: Bring It All Together and Add Peaches
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix, gently folding them together until just combined. You want to avoid overmixing here-those little flour pockets give you a tender crumb instead of tough bread. Finally, fold in the diced peaches with care; being gentle helps keep their juicy bursts intact without turning the batter mushy.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared loaf pan and pop it into the oven. Bake for about 50 to 60 minutes, but start checking around 50 minutes with a toothpick. It should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs-not wet batter. Once baked, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes; this helps it set and makes it much easier to remove.
Step 6: Cool Completely Before Slicing
Transfer the bread to a wire rack and allow it to cool fully before cutting into it-this step is crucial to avoid a gummy texture. I know it s tempting to slice right away because it smells so good, but patience always pays off with better texture and flavor.
Pro Tips for Making Southern Peach Bread Recipe
- Choose Peaches Wisely: Using ripe but firm peaches prevents excess moisture and keeps the bread structure intact.
- Don t Overmix: Stir just until combined to keep the bread tender and avoid a tough crumb.
- Watch Your Oven Time: Oven temperatures vary, so check the bread with a toothpick starting at 50 minutes to avoid drying it out.
- Let It Cool Fully: Cooling completely before slicing gives the best texture and flavor-jumping the gun can leave your bread gummy.
How to Serve Southern Peach Bread Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple-just a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of homemade glaze to highlight the peach flavors without overwhelming them. Sometimes, a smear of softened butter or cream cheese turns it into a decadent treat. It s all about complementing that sweet, fruity essence without stealing the show.
Side Dishes
This Southern Peach Bread is fantastic alongside fresh fruit salad for a light breakfast, or you can serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of toasted nuts for an easy dessert. I also love it with a hot cup of black tea or coffee to round out a cozy afternoon.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I ve topped the bread with whipped cream and fresh peach slices to make a charming peach bread trifle. Another idea is slicing the loaf and toasting the pieces with a bit of honey butter for a gorgeous brunch spread. These little presentation touches always impress guests and make the bread feel festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I wrapped leftovers in plastic wrap and keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This method keeps the bread moist without drying out. If my kitchen is warm, I pop it in the fridge but bring to room temp before serving for best taste.
Freezing
This Southern Peach Bread freezes beautifully! I slice it first, then wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When you want a quick treat, just thaw a slice on the counter or microwave it briefly-super convenient for busy mornings.
Reheating
To warm up leftover slices, I prefer using a toaster or oven at low heat for a few minutes to keep the crust slightly crisp while softening the middle. Avoid microwaving too long as that can make the bread chewy or dry.
FAQs
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Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh in this Southern Peach Bread Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute canned peaches when fresh ones aren t available. Just be sure to drain them thoroughly to avoid adding too much moisture to the batter, which can affect the bread s texture.
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How long does Southern Peach Bread stay fresh?
Stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, this bread stays fresh for about three days. You can also refrigerate or freeze it to extend its shelf life.
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Can I add nuts to Southern Peach Bread?
Definitely! Adding chopped pecans or walnuts is a popular variation that adds texture and a nutty flavor, taking this bread to another level of deliciousness.
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What s the best way to know when Southern Peach Bread is done baking?
Use a toothpick test: insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf, and if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your bread is done. If there s wet batter on the toothpick, it needs more time.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Southern Peach Bread Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it combines simplicity with that irresistible Southern charm-nothing fancy, just pure, comforting flavor. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do and sharing it with your family and friends. Seriously, give this recipe a try and watch how it quickly becomes a cherished favorite in your home too!
Print
Southern Peach Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Southern Peach Bread is a moist and flavorful quick bread bursting with juicy fresh peaches and warm cinnamon spice. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, it combines tender crumb with natural sweetness from the peaches and sugars, featuring a hint of vanilla and spice for comforting Southern charm.
Ingredients
Peach Bread Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh ripe peaches, diced
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard loaf pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bread after baking.
- Dice Peaches: Peel if desired, then dice fresh ripe peaches into small pieces and set them aside to be folded into the batter later.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir these together until evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Form the Batter: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, gently stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing which can make the bread tough.
- Fold in Peaches: Carefully fold the diced peaches into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout without breaking them down too much.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely for best texture and slicing.
Notes
- Use ripe peaches for optimal natural sweetness and juiciness.
- If fresh peaches are unavailable, canned peaches can be substituted but be sure to drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
- Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a delightful crunchy texture.
- Consider drizzling with a simple powdered sugar glaze to enhance the sweetness and presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of loaf)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
