This Easy Southern Peach Bread is a warm and sweet treat that’s perfect for enjoying with coffee or as a snack. With juicy peaches and a soft, fluffy texture, it’s simply irresistible!
When I make this bread, my whole kitchen smells like a peach paradise! 🍑 Slice it up warm, add some butter, and you’re in for a real treat. It’s a great way to use up ripe peaches!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is your base for the bread. If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, you can use a gluten-free flour blend. I’ve tried it with almond flour, but the texture will be a bit different.
Peaches: Fresh peaches are best for this recipe because they add natural sweetness and moisture. You can substitute with canned peaches if fresh ones aren’t available. Just make sure to drain them well!
Buttermilk: Buttermilk gives a nice tanginess to the bread. If you don’t have any, you can mix regular milk with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes before adding it to your batter.
Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg enhance the flavor. If you prefer, you could use pumpkin pie spice for a different twist!
How Do You Get Even Mixing for Smooth Batter?
Getting a good mix is crucial for fluffy bread. Here’s how to make sure everything blends nicely:
- Start with softened butter to help incorporate air when creaming with sugars.
- Mix the dry ingredients well before adding them to the wet mix. This helps distribute the leaveners evenly.
- When adding dry ingredients, be gentle. Overmixing can make your bread tough. Just mix until you see no more flour!
By following these steps, you’ll achieve a tender and scrumptious peach bread every time!
Easy Southern Peach Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh peaches, peeled and finely chopped
- 1/4 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 teaspoon vinegar)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty peach bread will take about 15 minutes to prepare and about 55-65 minutes to bake. Plan for about 10 minutes of cooling time in the pan, and it’s ready to be served! So, altogether you’re looking at roughly 1.5 hours from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important to ensure your bread bakes evenly. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan so that the bread doesn’t stick when it’s done!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make sure everything is well combined, which helps your bread rise nicely when baking.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract for some extra flavor!
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Now, gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Alternate this with the buttermilk. Start with some dry ingredients, then a splash of buttermilk, mix gently, and repeat until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
6. Fold in the Peaches:
Gently fold in the chopped fresh peaches. This is where your bread gets its sweet and juicy texture! Try to distribute the peaches evenly through the batter.
7. Bake the Bread:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. Place it in the oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it; every oven is a little different!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. You can enjoy it warm or at room temperature, and it’s delicious on its own or with some butter or cream cheese.
This peach bread is perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert. Enjoy every bite of your homemade Southern peach bread!
FAQ About Easy Southern Peach Bread
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! You can use frozen peaches; just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in your batter. Chop them into small pieces before adding them to the mix.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make this bread dairy-free, simply substitute the unsalted butter with a dairy-free butter alternative and replace buttermilk with a dairy-free milk (like almond or coconut milk) mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Peach Bread?
Store any leftover peach bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I Add Nuts or Other Fruits to the Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to add chopped walnuts or pecans for a nice crunch. You could also mix in other fruits like blueberries or cherries, but keep in mind that this might alter the flavor profile a bit.
