This Easy Southern Peach Bread is a warm and tasty treat that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack! Made with juicy peaches, it’s moist and bursting with flavor.
I love how this bread fills my kitchen with a sweet aroma while baking. It’s so good that sometimes I have to hide it from my family—just to save a slice for myself! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness. If you’re out of butter, you can use coconut oil or vegetable oil as a substitute, but it might slightly change the flavor.
Peaches: Fresh peaches bring sweetness and moisture. If they’re out of season, you can use canned peaches, just make sure to drain them well. Frozen peaches work too, but thaw and chop them before adding.
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to create a quick substitute. This adds a nice tanginess that complements the sweetness of the peaches.
Spices: The cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and flavor. You could substitute the nutmeg with allspice or pumpkin spice if you like. Feel free to adjust them to your taste!
How Do I Ensure My Peach Bread Turns Out Moist and Fluffy?
Getting the right texture in your peach bread is all about mixing and baking correctly. Start by creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy; this adds air and helps the bread rise.
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients—just mix until everything is combined. Overmixing can make the bread dense.
- Make sure your oven is fully preheated, as starting baking in a cool oven can affect rising and texture.
- Check for doneness with a toothpick: it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
Allow the bread to cool in the pan briefly before transferring it to a wire rack. This prevents it from becoming soggy. Enjoy your peach bread! 🍑
Easy Southern Peach Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 teaspoon vinegar)
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Fruity Addition:
- 1 cup fresh peaches, peeled and finely chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious peach bread will take about 15-20 minutes for preparation and 55-65 minutes to bake, plus cooling time. Plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes total to enjoy this sweet treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure the bread doesn’t stick.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it is light and fluffy. This step adds air to your batter, which helps the bread rise nicely.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely flavor.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using) until well combined.
5. Mix It Together:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
6. Fold in the Peaches:
Carefully fold the chopped fresh peaches into the batter, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout.
7. Pour and Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Place it in the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool Down:
Once baked, remove your peach bread from the oven. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help prevent it from becoming soggy.
9. Slice and Serve:
Finally, slice your peach bread and serve it plain or with a bit of butter. Enjoy this delicious Southern treat as a breakfast, snack, or dessert!
Happy baking! 🍑
FAQ About Easy Southern Peach Bread
Can I Use Canned or Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use canned or frozen peaches if fresh ones are unavailable. If using canned peaches, make sure to drain and chop them finely. For frozen peaches, thaw them first and pat them dry to reduce moisture in the batter.
How Should I Store Leftover Peach Bread?
Store any leftover peach bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you plan to keep it longer, wrap it well in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I Substitute the Buttermilk?
Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk mixed with 1 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes before adding it to the recipe to create a quick homemade buttermilk.
How Can I Make My Peach Bread More Flavorful?
For extra flavor, consider adding some chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans, or a handful of chocolate chips. You can also increase the spices like cinnamon or add a dash of vanilla extract for a richer taste!
