This Easy Southern Peach Bread is like a warm hug in a loaf! With juicy peaches mixed in a soft batter, it’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
I love how the smell of baking bread fills the kitchen. Slice it warm, spread some butter, and watch it disappear—everyone will want a piece! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are the star of this bread. If peaches aren’t in season, try using canned peaches (drained well) or frozen peaches (thawed and chopped).
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make your own by mixing 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for about 5 minutes.
Butter: Unsalted butter keeps the sweetness balanced, but feel free to use salted butter if that’s what you have. Just reduce the added salt in the recipe.
Spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth. If you like a bolder flavor, consider adding a pinch of cloves or ginger too!
How Do I Make Sure My Peach Bread Is Moist?
To keep your peach bread moist, it’s all about the mixing and baking times. Be careful not to overmix the batter; mix just until the flour disappears. Overmixing can make the bread tough.
- Check your bread a few minutes before the recommended baking time. Every oven is different!
- If it’s browning too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil.
- Lastly, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes so it holds its shape, then cool completely on a wire rack.
Easy Southern Peach Bread
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup peeled and finely chopped fresh peaches (about 2 medium peaches)
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and about 55 to 65 minutes for baking, plus around 10 minutes for cooling before slicing. In total, plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes to enjoy this delicious peach bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This will ensure your bread rises nicely. Set this bowl aside for later.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
Next, in a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
4. Beat in the Eggs:
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until everything is combined smoothly.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Do this gradually, alternating with the buttermilk—start and finish with the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Add Peaches:
Gently fold in the chopped fresh peaches into the batter, making sure they’re evenly distributed without breaking them up too much.
7. Bake the Bread:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Pop it into the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and check with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, the bread is ready!
8. Cool and Slice:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
9. Enjoy!
Now for the best part! Slice your moist, flavorful Southern Peach Bread and enjoy it warm or at room temperature, with or without a pat of butter. Happy baking!
FAQ for Easy Southern Peach Bread
Can I Use Frozen Peaches for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before chopping. This will help maintain the texture of your bread.
Can I Substitute the Buttermilk?
Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This will create a similar tangy flavor and acidity needed for the recipe.
How Should I Store Leftover Peach Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can keep it in the fridge for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing.
What’s the Best Way to Serve Peach Bread?
This delicious bread is fantastic on its own, but you can warm it slightly and serve it with a pat of butter or cream cheese for an extra treat. It’s also wonderful with a cup of coffee or tea!
