This Classic Southern Peach Bread is a warm, fruity treat that’s perfect for any time of the day. With fresh peaches and a hint of cinnamon, it’s truly delightful!
Honestly, just smelling it bake makes my day better! I love having a slice with my morning coffee or as a sweet afternoon snack. You’ll want to keep this recipe close! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour is best for this classic bread. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can try a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just ensure it includes a binding agent like xanthan gum.
Peaches: Fresh peaches give the best flavor and texture. If they’re out of season, you can use frozen peaches, just thaw and drain the excess liquid before adding.
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, mixing regular milk with a bit of lemon juice or vinegar (about 1/2 teaspoon) works perfectly for a similar tangy flavor.
Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch. However, if you or someone you’re serving has nut allergies, you can easily skip them or use sunflower seeds as a substitute.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure My Peach Bread is Moist?
To keep the bread nice and moist, there are a few tips to remember. First, avoid over-mixing the batter—just combine until you don’t see dry flour.
- Use ripe, juicy peaches as they add moisture.
- Don’t over-bake. Start checking the bread at 55 minutes; if a toothpick comes out clean, it’s done.
- Letting the bread cool in the pan for a bit helps keep it soft.
Classic Southern Peach Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice)
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 55-65 minutes to bake, plus a little time for cooling. So, overall, you’ll be looking at around 1 hour and 20 minutes before you can enjoy your delicious peach bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, take a 9×5-inch loaf pan and grease it with butter or oil. Lightly dust it with flour to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This ensures that all the leavening agents are evenly distributed.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to cream the softened butter with the sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This takes about 3 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, alternately add the dry ingredient mixture and buttermilk to the creamed butter mixture. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. Mix until everything is just combined—don’t overdo it!
6. Fold in Peaches (and Nuts):
Gently fold in the diced peaches and nuts if you’re using them. This will give your bread a lovely fruity texture.
7. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Bake:
Pop your loaf pan into the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
9. Cool Down:
Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help it hold its shape.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
When ready to serve, slice the bread and enjoy it plain or spread with a little butter for extra deliciousness. Enjoy your Classic Southern Peach Bread!
FAQ for Classic Southern Peach Bread
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen peaches and drain any excess moisture before adding them to the batter. This helps prevent the bread from becoming too wet.
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 want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to a week. You can also freeze slices for up to 3 months!
Can I Substitute the Buttermilk?
Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can use regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using to mimic the acidity of buttermilk.
Can I Add Other Fruits to This Recipe?
Definitely! You can experiment with other fruits like blueberries or strawberries. Just keep in mind that the moisture content may vary, so adjust the amount accordingly to maintain the bread’s texture.
