This Easy Southern Peach Bread is a lovely treat bursting with sweet peach flavor. It’s moist and has a delightful golden crust that makes it hard to resist!
Making it is a breeze! Just mix the ingredients, fold in those juicy peaches, and let it bake. Your kitchen will smell heavenly, and you’ll have a yummy loaf to share—or not! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your bread. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix instead. It usually works just as well!
Fresh Peaches: The stars of this recipe! If peaches aren’t in season, you can substitute with canned peaches (drained) or even use other fruits like apricots or berries. Just adjust the sugar if using sweeter fruits.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk gives the bread a nice tang and keeps it moist. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice with enough milk to make 1/2 cup, let it sit for 5 minutes.
Cinnamon: This spice adds warmth and flavor. If you’re not a big cinnamon fan, feel free to reduce the amount or replace it with nutmeg for a different taste.
How Do I Ensure My Bread Comes Out Moist and Fluffy?
To keep the bread light and moist, be careful not to overmix the batter. When you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix until just combined. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
- Remember to cream the butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy; this introduces air into your batter, helping it rise.
- Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on the bread around the 55-minute mark. If it’s browning too fast, you can cover the top with foil to prevent over-baking.
Easy Southern Peach Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk or milk
- 1 1/2 cups peeled, finely chopped fresh peaches (about 2 medium peaches)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious peach bread takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare and 55 to 65 minutes to bake. You will also need about 10 minutes to cool it in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack for complete cooling. In total, you should plan on about 1 hour and 30 minutes to have your tasty bread ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bread bakes evenly. While the oven is heating, grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This will help to evenly distribute all the dry ingredients and set them aside for later.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Incorporate the Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix!
6. Add the Peaches:
Gently fold in the finely chopped fresh peaches using a spatula. This ensures that the peaches are evenly distributed throughout the batter without breaking them up too much.
7. Pour the Batter:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. This helps the bread bake evenly.
8. Baking Time:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool Down:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooled, slice your homemade peach bread and serve! It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert.
This peach bread boasts a beautiful golden crust and a tender crumb, all while being studded with sweet bits of peach—an absolute treat you won’t want to miss!
FAQ for Easy Southern Peach Bread
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before chopping. This will help prevent excess moisture from affecting the batter.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover peach bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy later, just thaw at room temperature and reheat if desired.
Can I Substitute the Buttermilk?
Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with enough milk to total 1/2 cup. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using to create a buttermilk substitute.
What Can I Serve with Peach Bread?
This peach bread is delicious on its own, but you can also pair it with cream cheese for a tasty spread or enjoy it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. Enjoy it warm or toasted for added flavor!
