This Easy Southern Peach Bread is a sweet and lovely treat! Made with fresh peaches, it’s soft and moist, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Whenever I make this bread, it disappears fast! It’s so good that I sometimes forget to share. You might want to consider hiding a slice for yourself! 😄
Plus, it’s super simple to make! Just mix, pour, and bake. I love enjoying it warm with a little butter on top—heavenly!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sugar: Granulated sugar is standard for sweetness. If you prefer, coconut sugar or brown sugar can be used for a richer flavor. I love using brown sugar; it adds a hint of caramel notes.
Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt in the recipe. If you’re dairy-free, substitute with a plant-based butter or applesauce for moisture.
Peaches: Fresh peaches are the star here! You can use frozen peaches (thawed and drained) or even nectarines if peaches are not in season. I think fresh really captures that Southern essence!
Flour: All-purpose flour works great, but for a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s designed for baking!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Moist Texture in My Peach Bread?
Getting that moist texture is all about balancing wet and dry ingredients. Make sure not to overmix the batter after adding flour; this can make the bread dense. Also, draining excess moisture from frozen peaches helps keep the batter from being too wet.
- Mix until just combined—overmixing leads to tough bread.
- Let your peaches shine by chopping them finely; this helps distribute the flavor and moisture evenly.
- Don’t skip the cooling step! Letting it cool helps set the structure, making it easier to slice.
Easy Southern Peach Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup fresh peaches, peeled and finely chopped
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Southern Peach Bread will take about 15 minutes to prep and 55-65 minutes to bake. With about 10 minutes of cooling time, you can enjoy a delicious loaf in approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. This will help prevent your bread from sticking!
2. Creaming the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until it’s nice and light. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. You want it fluffy and well combined!
3. Adding the Eggs:
Now, add the eggs—one at a time—beating well after each addition. This ensures everything mixes evenly. It’s key for a lovely texture!
4. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This step helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and spices throughout the flour.
5. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk. Start with the dry, then add some milk, and mix until just combined. You don’t want to over-mix—just enough to get rid of the flour streaks!
6. Adding Peaches and Flavor:
Fold in the vanilla extract and chopped peaches gently. This way, every bite will have those delicious peach flavors!
7. Pour and Bake:
Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then carefully take it out and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. Slice once it’s cool and serve it warm or at room temperature—great with a dab of butter!
Enjoy your homemade Easy Southern Peach Bread, bursting with fresh peach flavor and perfect for sharing (or not)! 😋
FAQ for Easy Southern Peach Bread
Can I Use Canned Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the batter. Fresh peaches will provide the best flavor, but canned can work in a pinch!
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 it for up to 3 months!
Can I Add Nuts or Other Fruits?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would add a nice crunch. You could also mix in blueberries or raspberries for a fruity twist. Just be mindful of the moisture content; don’t add too much extra fruit!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. This should give you a similar texture and taste while keeping it gluten-free!
