This Easy Southern Peach Bread is perfect for summer baking! Made with fresh, juicy peaches, it’s moist, sweet, and filled with yummy flavors. It’s like a warm hug from grandma!
Baking this bread is a breeze! Just combine the ingredients, fold in those delightful peach chunks, and pop it in the oven. I love enjoying a slice with coffee for breakfast—so delightful!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Peaches: Juicy peaches are the star of this bread! If you can’t find fresh ones, use canned peaches packed in juice or syrup, just be sure to drain them well.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives the best flavor, but if you’re out, you can use margarine or coconut oil. The texture may vary a bit, but it will still taste good!
Buttermilk: This adds moisture and a slight tang. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make your own by mixing milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes until it curdles.
Nuts: I love adding chopped pecans for a little crunch, but walnuts or even chocolate chips work well too! You can leave them out if you prefer a nut-free option.
How Do I Fold Peaches into the Batter Without Overmixing?
Folding in the peaches gently is key to keeping your bread light and fluffy. Here’s how:
- Before adding the peaches, make sure your batter is mixed until just combined.
- Add the diced peaches in the center of the batter.
- Use a spatula to lift the batter over the peaches, gradually incorporating them without stirring too hard.
- Fold until you can’t see any dry flour, but stop as soon as everything is mixed. This keeps the bread from becoming dense.
By being gentle, you’ll keep the batter airy, and your peach bread will be wonderfully light and delicious!
Easy Southern Peach Bread with Fresh Peaches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and diced
- 1/4 cup buttermilk or milk
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful bread takes about 15 minutes of prep time and an additional 60-70 minutes to bake. You’ll want to let it cool for about 15 minutes before slicing, which means you can have it ready in about 1.5 hours. Perfect for afternoon snacks or a sweet breakfast treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that heats up, take a 9×5-inch loaf pan and grease it with butter or cooking spray, followed by a light dusting of flour. This helps prevent your bread from sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and optional nutmeg. This ensures the baking soda is evenly distributed, which helps your bread rise nicely!
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or a whisk to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which adds fluffiness to your bread.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract. The batter will look smooth and shiny at this stage, which is just what you want!
5. Combine Dry Ingredients and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the flour mixture alternately with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined—overmixing can lead to a dense bread, and we want it light and fluffy!
6. Add the Peaches and Nuts:
Gently fold in the diced fresh peaches and the nuts (if using). Be careful with this step; you want to combine them without overmixing the batter.
7. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and use a spatula to smooth the top. Make sure it’s evenly spread for even baking.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Place the loaf pan in your preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, your bread is ready!
9. Cool and Remove:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Slice and Enjoy:
Once cooled, slice your Southern peach bread and savor it fresh. It’s delicious on its own, or you can enjoy it toasted with a slather of butter. Delightful!
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture before dicing and adding them to your batter. This will help prevent your bread from becoming too soggy.
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 or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Can I Add Other Fruits or Flavors?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other fruits like blueberries or apples. You can also add a splash of almond extract or a handful of chocolate chips for a delicious twist!
What If My Bread Is Too Dense?
If your bread turns out dense, it could be due to overmixing the batter or too much flour. Be sure to measure your flour correctly—spoon it into the measuring cup without packing it down, and level it off with a knife for accuracy.
