This Easy Southern Peach Bread is a warm, fruity delight! It’s packed with sweet peaches, making every bite a little slice of summer. Plus, it’s super simple to make!
I love how the kitchen fills with the smell of fresh peaches as it bakes. It’s perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. Just watch it disappear faster than you can say “more, please!” 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your bread. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use whole wheat flour, but remember it may alter the texture slightly, making it denser.
Fresh Peaches: While fresh peaches are best for flavor, you can easily use canned peaches if fresh ones aren’t available. Just make sure to drain them well before adding to the batter.
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mix regular milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. This gives you a quick substitute!
Butter: I recommend using unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness of your bread. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or a dairy-free butter can work well too.
How Do You Get the Perfect Texture for Your Peach Bread?
The texture of your peach bread is key to making it enjoyable. Here are some tips for achieving that perfect, moist crumb:
- Don’t overmix the batter! Stir until just combined to avoid a tough bread.
- Be sure to measure your flour correctly. Spoon it into the measuring cup without packing it down.
- Using room temperature ingredients like butter and eggs helps the batter blend better, contributing to its fluffy texture.
- Fold in the peaches gently to keep the air in the batter.
By following these tips, your Easy Southern Peach Bread will come out deliciously tender every time!
Easy Southern Peach Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and chopped (or canned peaches, drained)
- ¼ cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 teaspoon lemon juice)
- Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Southern Peach Bread will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 55 to 65 minutes to bake. After that, you’ll want to let it cool for a bit before slicing. So, set aside about 1 hour and 30 minutes for the whole process, and enjoy the delightful aroma as it bakes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan:
First thing’s first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, take a 9×5 inch loaf pan and grease it well with some butter or cooking spray, then dust it lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, take the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Whisk them together until they’re nicely combined, then set this bowl aside for now.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, beat them together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Now, beat in the eggs one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until everything is nicely blended.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Next, it’s time to mix in the dry ingredients alternately with the buttermilk. Start by adding about a third of the dry mixture, followed by half of the buttermilk, then another third of the dry mix, the rest of the buttermilk, and finally, the last of the dry ingredients. Mix just until it’s combined—don’t overdo it!
6. Fold in Peaches and Nuts:
Gently fold in the chopped peaches and, if you like, the nuts with a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to mash the peaches!
7. Bake the Bread:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Pop it into the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. You want a toothpick inserted into the center to come out clean.
8. Cool Your Bread:
Once it’s done baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Slice and Serve:
Once the bread has cooled, slice it up and enjoy! Pair it with a cup of coffee or serve it as a sweet treat throughout the day.
And there you have it—your warm, moist Southern Peach Bread ready to share or savor for yourself! Enjoy every delightful bite!
FAQ for Easy Southern Peach Bread
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess moisture before adding them to the batter. Using frozen peaches might slightly change the texture, but they will still taste delicious!
How Should I Store Leftover Peach Bread?
To store leftovers, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just remember to slice it first for easier thawing!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that it has xanthan gum in it or add 1/4 teaspoon per cup of flour used.
What Can I Substitute for Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of regular milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken before using it in the recipe.
