This Easy Southern Peach Bread is a warm and cozy treat! Made with fresh peaches, it’s wonderfully moist and bursting with sweet fruity flavors that make your kitchen smell amazing.
Every slice is like a hug from grandma! I love to enjoy it with a cup of coffee for breakfast. Plus, it’s super simple to whip up, so you’ll be savoring it in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Peaches: The star of the show! Fresh, ripe peaches give the best flavor. If they’re out of season, you can use canned peaches (drained) or frozen peaches (thawed and drained).
Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds rich flavor and moisture. If you don’t have it, mix 1/2 cup of milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes to mimic buttermilk.
Flour: All-purpose flour works great here. For a gluten-free version, try using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend, though the texture might slightly differ.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These spices enhance the peach flavor. If you’re not a fan of nutmeg, leaving it out won’t hurt! You can also use pumpkin pie spice for a twist.
What’s the Best Way to Incorporate Fresh Peaches into the Bread?
Gently folding in the chopped peaches is key to keeping the bread fluffy. Here’s how to do it:
- Once your batter is mixed, sprinkle the chopped peaches on top.
- Using a spatula, fold the peaches in by turning the batter over from the bottom gently. This keeps the batter airy.
Don’t overmix, or the peaches will break down, and you want those sweet chunks to shine in every slice!
Easy Southern Peach Bread with Fresh Peaches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Fruit:
- 1 cup fresh peaches, peeled and chopped (about 2 medium peaches)
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 55-65 minutes to bake. So, you’re looking at roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes total. After that, just let it cool, and you’ll be ready to enjoy a delicious slice of peach bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the bread bakes evenly. Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan to prevent sticking later on.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk these together until well mixed, so that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is important as it helps to add air to the batter and makes your bread nice and soft.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well between each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract until it’s combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk into the butter and egg mixture. Start with a bit of flour, then add some buttermilk, continue until everything is combined. Make sure not to overmix—just mix until you don’t see any more flour.
6. Fold in the Peaches:
Gently fold in the chopped peaches with a spatula. This keeps the peaches in chunks, giving you delicious bites of fruit throughout the bread.
7. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with the spatula to ensure an even bake.
8. Bake the Bread:
Bake in your preheated oven for 55-65 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the bread towards the end to ensure it doesn’t over bake!
9. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This helps the texture set nicely, making it easier to slice.
Enjoy your moist and flavorful Southern Peach Bread—perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert! It’s a delightful way to celebrate the sweetness of fresh peaches!
FAQ about Easy Southern Peach Bread
Can I Use Frozen Peaches for This Recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the batter. Pat them dry with paper towels for the best results.
How Do I Store Leftover Peach Bread?
Store any leftover peach 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 individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.
Can I Add Nuts or Other Fruits?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans make a great addition for some crunch. You can also mix in other fruits like blueberries or diced apples, but scale back on the peaches to avoid excess moisture.
What’s the Best Way to Serve Peach Bread?
This bread is delicious on its own, but for a special treat, try serving it warm with a spread of butter or cream cheese. It also pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert!
