This Southern Peach Bread is a sweet treat packed with juicy fresh peaches. It’s soft, fluffy, and perfect for breakfast or a snack. Who can resist the smell of baking peaches?
I love to enjoy a slice warm with a bit of butter. It’s a great way to celebrate summer flavors, and it makes my kitchen smell amazing. Trust me, you might not want to share it! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Peaches: Juicy, ripe peaches make this bread special. If you can’t find fresh ones, feel free to use canned or frozen peaches, but be sure to drain them well to avoid extra moisture.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for better control of salt flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using coconut oil or applesauce in place of butter for moisture while reducing fat.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds tenderness to the bread. 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 5 minutes. This will work just as well!
Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add great texture! If allergies are a concern or you prefer a nut-free bread, simply leave them out or substitute with pumpkin seeds.
Why is Proper Mixing Important?
Mixing correctly is crucial for the texture of your Southern Peach Bread. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf. Here’s how to do it right:
- Combine wet ingredients and sugar well before adding dry ones.
- When adding flour and buttermilk, mix just until you no longer see dry flour. It’s okay for the batter to be slightly lumpy.
- Gently fold in the peaches and nuts to keep them from breaking down.
Following these tips will help you achieve the light and fluffy bread you’re aiming for! Enjoy baking! 🍑
How to Make Southern Peach Bread with Fresh Fruit
Ingredients List:
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
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
Fresh Fruit:
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and diced
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Southern Peach Bread will take about 20 minutes to prepare, followed by 60-70 minutes of baking time. Don’t forget to let it cool for at least 15 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a rack. In total, you’ll need about 1 hour and 45 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan to help the bread release easily after baking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This step helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices. Set it aside for now.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. You can use a hand mixer for this, or just a sturdy spoon and a little elbow grease if you prefer!
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract to give it a wonderful flavor.
5. Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now it’s time to combine! Gradually add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting with the flour and ending with the flour. Stir gently just until everything is combined; it’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy! Be careful not to overmix.
6. Fold in the Peaches and Nuts:
Gently fold in the diced fresh peaches and nuts (if you’re using them) to ensure they’re evenly dispersed throughout the batter.
7. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Bake the Bread:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bread; it should come out clean when the bread is fully baked.
9. Cool Down:
Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important because it helps prevent the bottom from becoming soggy.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your Southern Peach Bread has cooled, slice it up and serve it as is, or spread a little butter on top for extra deliciousness. Enjoy every bite!
FAQs for Southern Peach Bread with Fresh Fruit
Can I Use Different Fruits?
Absolutely! While peaches are a classic choice, you can easily substitute them with other fruits like ripe pears, plums, or even blueberries for a delightful twist. Just make sure the fruit is diced into small pieces for even distribution in the bread.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To keep your Southern Peach Bread fresh, store it 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 it for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s wrapped securely to avoid freezer burn!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to check the packaging for any additional ingredients that may be required, like xanthan gum for proper texture.
Why Didn’t My Bread Rise?
If your bread didn’t rise as expected, it could be due to expired baking powder or baking soda. Always check the freshness of these leavening agents before baking. Additionally, be careful not to overmix your batter as this can lead to dense bread!
