Southern Peach Bread Recipe

Introduction

Southern Peach Bread is a moist, flavorful treat bursting with fresh peaches and warm spices. This classic southern recipe makes a perfect snack or dessert that’s easy to bake and delightful to share.

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
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (or 1 can of peaches, drained and chopped)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (for topping)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk until well mixed.
3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
4. Step 4: Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, mixing until just combined.
6. Step 6: Gently fold in the diced peaches and chopped pecans (if using) with a spatula.
7. Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
8. Step 8: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle evenly over the batter.
9. Step 9: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Step 10: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes.
11. Step 11: Run a knife around the edges of the bread to loosen it from the pan, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Step 12: Once cooled, slice into thick pieces and serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh ripe peaches for the best flavor, or canned peaches if fresh are out of season. Just be sure to drain them well.
• For a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans or substitute with sunflower seeds.
• Add a handful of mini chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
• Make sure not to overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep the bread tender.

Storage

Store the peach bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze slices for up to 3 months. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or toaster oven before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen peaches can be used but make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the batter.

How can I tell when the bread is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but no raw batter.

Southern Peach Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 144 reviews

Southern Peach Bread is a sweet, moist loaf cake bursting with fresh peaches and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. This delightful Southern treat features a tender crumb enhanced with chopped pecans and a cinnamon-brown sugar topping, perfect for breakfast or a comforting dessert.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
• Category: Baking
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main 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
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (or 1 can of peaches, drained and chopped)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Topping

• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the bread from sticking.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well mixed. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and spices.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, which incorporates air for a tender bread.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can make the bread tough.
6. Fold in Peaches and Pecans: Gently fold in the diced peaches and chopped pecans (if using) with a spatula to distribute them evenly without breaking down the fruit too much.
7. Fill Loaf Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top using a spatula for an even bake and attractive appearance.
8. Add Topping: Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the batter to create a sweet, crunchy crust.
9. Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This ensures the bread is cooked through without being dry.
10. Cool in Pan: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes to firm up, making it easier to remove.
11. Remove from Pan and Cool: Run a knife around the edges to loosen the bread, then invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely for best texture.
12. Slice and Serve: Once cooled, slice the bread into thick pieces and serve either warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your delicious Southern Peach Bread!

Notes

• For the freshest flavor and best texture, use fresh peaches during peach season; canned peaches work as a convenient alternative.
• If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans.
• Make sure not to over mix the batter to keep the bread tender and moist.
• Replacing buttermilk with regular milk plus 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice is a suitable substitute if buttermilk is unavailable.
• The bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
• It also freezes well; slice before freezing for easy thawing and serving later.

Keywords: Southern peach bread, peach loaf, sweet bread recipe, peach dessert, southern baking, cinnamon peach bread