This Moist Southern Peach Bread is a sweet treat filled with juicy peaches and a hint of cinnamon. It’s perfect for breakfast or as a yummy snack!
Honestly, every slice feels like a warm hug from the South. I love enjoying it with a cup of coffee in the morning. So good, you might just hide it from the family! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base of our bread, providing structure. If you want to make it healthier, consider using whole wheat flour, but remember it may make the bread denser.
Peaches: Fresh peaches really shine here. You can use canned peaches, but be sure to drain them well. If you’re out of peaches, try using diced nectarines or even apples for a different twist.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds moisture and richness. If you don’t have it, a quick substitute is 1 cup of milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
Nuts: While pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch, feel free to skip them or replace them with chocolate chips or dried fruits like cranberries for variety!
How Do You Get the Perfect Texture for Peach Bread?
To achieve that moist texture in your peach bread, it’s important to mix the ingredients just enough. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, so use the “mix until just combined” approach.
- When creaming butter and sugar, beat until fluffy, but stop before it becomes too airy.
- For the flour mixture, alternate adding it with buttermilk. This helps keep the batter smooth without overworking it.
- Gently fold in those fresh peaches – you want them distributed without crushing them.
Letting the bread cool in the pan for a bit helps solidify its shape before moving it, reducing the chance of crumbling. And remember, it’s even better the next day as the flavors meld!
Moist Southern Peach Bread Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
Mix-Ins:
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (about 2 large peaches)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious peach bread will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 60-70 minutes to bake. Make sure to let it cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Total time: roughly 1.5 hours.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing and flouring a 9×5-inch loaf pan helps ensure your bread comes out easily. Take a moment to do this step well!
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This mix sets the stage for a well-balanced flavor in your bread.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together using a mixer on medium speed. Beat until it’s light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes. It’s all about creating that perfect texture!
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
One at a time, beat in the eggs until fully incorporated, then stir in the vanilla extract. This adds a wonderful flavor base to your batter.
5. Mix in Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk:
Now, add your dry ingredient mix to the bowl, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and finish with the dry mix to keep things nice and even. Mix just until it’s combined—no need to overdo it!
6. Fold in Peaches and Nuts:
Carefully fold in the diced peaches and optional nuts. This step is where all that fruity goodness gets mixed in, adding moisture and flavor to every slice.
7. Pour and Spread the Batter:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. This helps it bake evenly throughout.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Place the loaf in the preheated oven. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly during this time!
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and enjoy your moist and flavorful Southern Peach Bread! It’s perfect for breakfast or a delightful snack.
Enjoy your delicious creation! 🌟
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Peaches for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before adding them to the batter. This helps maintain the bread’s texture and prevents it from becoming soggy.
How Do I Store Leftover Peach Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I Substitute the Buttermilk?
Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, simply mix 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for about 5 minutes. This will create a similar acidity needed for the recipe.
Is It Possible to Make This Vegan?
Yes! To make a vegan version, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg), use a plant-based butter or oil, and swap buttermilk with a non-dairy milk blended with vinegar. Enjoy your delicious vegan peach bread!
