This Southern Peach Bread is moist, sweet, and full of fresh peaches! It’s perfect for breakfast or a tasty snack any time of the day.
When I make this bread, my kitchen smells like a peachy dream! 🍑 I love serving it warm with a dab of butter. It makes even Mondays feel special!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for your bread. For a gluten-free option, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, which works well in most recipes.
Sugar: The mix of granulated and brown sugar gives a nice depth of sweetness and moisture. If you’re watching your sugar intake, try using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute suitable for baking.
Peaches: Fresh peaches are best for flavor. If they’re out of season, frozen peaches work too—just ensure they’re thawed and drained well before adding to the batter.
Sour cream or yogurt: This adds moisture and richness. If you need a non-dairy option, try unsweetened almond yogurt or coconut yogurt instead.
Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add a pleasant crunch. If you have nut allergies, you can skip them or use sunflower seeds for a bit of texture.
How Do I Ensure My Peach Bread Turns Out Moist and Delicious?
One key to getting a moist loaf is careful mixing. Here are some tips to keep your bread tender:
- Combine wet and dry ingredients just until mixed; overmixing can lead to a tough bread.
- Gently fold in the peaches and nuts to avoid breaking them down too much.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for a bit before transferring to a wire rack, which helps keep it moist and prevents sogginess.
Easy Southern Peach Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1 1/2 cups peeled, pitted, and chopped fresh peaches (about 2 medium peaches)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Southern Peach Bread takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare, plus 55 to 65 minutes for baking. Allow some additional time for cooling before slicing, so in total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for adding to your baking schedule!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper—this will keep your bread from sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This mixture is the base for your delicious bread. Get those ingredients well combined!
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat the eggs and then add the vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and sour cream (or yogurt). Mix everything together until it’s nice and smooth.
4. Combine the Mixtures:
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently stir them together until just combined; be sure not to overmix! It’s okay if you have a few lumps; this helps keep the bread tender.
5. Add the Peaches and Nuts:
Now it’s time to fold in those juicy chopped peaches and any nuts you might be using. Just gently mix them into the batter to ensure they’re evenly distributed.
6. Pour into the Pan:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. This will help the bread rise evenly while baking.
7. Bake the Bread:
Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
8. Cool Down:
When the bread is done, take it out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This cooling process helps the flavors settle and the bread firm up!
9. Enjoy!
Slice up the bread and serve it warm or at room temperature. It’s delightful with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even dessert!
This bread is wonderfully moist with a tender crumb and bursting with sweet peach flavor—a true taste of Southern comfort! Enjoy your baking!
FAQ for Easy Southern Peach Bread
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen peaches work great in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before chopping and adding them to the batter. This will help prevent the bread from becoming too watery.
Can I Substitute Greek Yogurt for Sour Cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute for sour cream! It will add a similar creaminess and tanginess to the bread, plus a protein boost. Just use the same amount—1 cup in total.
How Should I Store Leftover Peach Bread?
To store leftover peach bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap, then placed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Add Other Fruit to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or chopped apples. Just be mindful of the moisture content, as some fruits are juicier than peaches. Adjust the amount accordingly if you’re adding fruit with high water content!
