This Moist Southern Peach Bread is a sweet treat packed with juicy peaches and warm spices. It’s perfect for breakfast or a snack—a simple way to enjoy summer flavors all year round!
Honestly, the smell of this bread baking is enough to make anyone happy. I love slicing it warm and spreading a little butter on top. Trust me, it’s a hug in bread form! 🥰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Peaches: The star of the show! Fresh, ripe peaches bring a natural sweetness. If peaches aren’t in season, you can use canned peaches (in juice, drained) or even other fruits like apricots or apples.
All-purpose Flour: This is what gives the bread structure. For a gluten-free option, you can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, though the texture may vary slightly.
Sour Cream or Yogurt: Adds moisture and richness. If you want a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or even applesauce for a healthier twist. I’ve had delightful results with both!
Nuts (Optional): Pecans or walnuts can be a great addition for crunch. If you prefer a nut-free version, just leave them out. You can also use chocolate chips for a sweet twist!
What’s the Best Way to Ensure My Peach Bread is Moist?
To achieve that lovely moist texture, follow these tips:
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding the flour mixture. Stir gently to maintain the bread’s tenderness.
- Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, which helps create a light and fluffy batter.
- Using sour cream or yogurt is key. They add moisture and fat, making the bread tender.
- Lastly, be mindful of the baking time. Overbaking can dry it out. Check with a toothpick at 55 minutes, and remember it continues to cook a bit after removing from the oven.
With these tips, your Moist Southern Peach Bread will be a delicious hit! Enjoy your baking adventure!
Moist Southern Peach Bread Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 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 sour cream or plain yogurt
Fruity Goodness:
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (about 2-3 medium peaches)
Optional Crunch:
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (for some crunch)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 55-65 minutes to bake. Plus, a 10-minute cool down in the pan. In total, you’ll need about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Perfect for a lovely afternoon treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your 9×5-inch loaf pan and either grease and flour it or line it with parchment paper. This ensures your bread will come out easily once it’s baked.
2. Whisk the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This mix will add wonderful flavor to your bread. Set it aside while you work on the wet ingredients.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this. It’s important to incorporate air for a lighter bread!
4. Mix in Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully mixed in before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream (or yogurt) until everything is combined smoothly.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, mixing gently just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough bread!
6. Add Peaches and Nuts:
Now it’s time for the fruity goodness! Gently fold in your diced peaches and nuts if you’re using them. This step will make your bread deliciously fruity!
7. Pour into the Pan:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Make sure it’s evenly spread out so it bakes uniformly.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. Keep an eye on it and check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean when the bread is ready!
9. Cool Down:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps your bread to maintain its moisture.
10. Slice and Serve:
When it’s cooled, slice the bread and enjoy it plain or with a bit of butter. It’s a lovely companion for coffee or tea!
This delicious bread will stay moist for several days when stored in an airtight container, and you can also freeze slices for those moments when you crave a little taste of summer. Enjoy your baking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Canned Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If fresh peaches aren’t available, you can use canned peaches. Just be sure to drain them well and pat them dry to remove excess moisture to avoid making the bread soggy.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Some great options include almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Be aware that the texture may be slightly different!
How Should I Store Leftover Peach Bread?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze it. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer!
Can I Add Other Fruits or Flavors?
Definitely! This recipe is versatile. You can add other fruits like blueberries or strawberries or even mix in some chocolate chips for a sweet surprise. Just be mindful of the moisture content when adding extra ingredients.
