This Easy Southern Peach Bread is a warm, sweet treat that brings a taste of summer to your kitchen! Filled with juicy peaches, it’s moist and simply delightful.
I love baking this bread because it fills my home with a yummy smell. Plus, it’s perfect with a cup of coffee or as a snack—what’s better than that? 🍑☕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your bread. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, check out almond or oat flour. Just remember, it might change the texture a little!
Baking Soda: This helps the bread rise. If you’re out, you can use baking powder instead. Just remember to reduce it to 3 teaspoons of baking powder for every teaspoon of baking soda.
Peaches: Fresh peaches are fantastic, but if they’re out of season, go for canned peaches. Just make sure they’re well-drained to avoid extra moisture.
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. This works great!
How Do I Cream Butter and Sugar Properly?
Creaming butter and sugar is key to getting that light texture in Southern Peach Bread. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with softened butter at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture is pale and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all the sugar into the butter.
This step introduces air into the batter, making your bread soft and tender!
Easy Southern Peach Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup peaches, peeled and diced (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/4 cup buttermilk or milk
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts), optional
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Southern Peach Bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 60 to 70 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to let it cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. All in all, you’ll have a warm, tempting loaf of peach bread ready in about 1.5 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, take a 9×5-inch loaf pan and grease it with some butter or cooking spray, then dust it with a little flour to prevent sticking. This will help your bread come out nice and clean!
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if you chose to add it. This step ensures that all your dry ingredients are evenly distributed, setting the stage for a perfect bread.
3. Creaming Butter and Sugar:
In a larger bowl, take your softened butter and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. The fluffy texture will help make your bread soft and delicious!
4. Adding in the Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is incorporated before adding the next. After that, stir in the vanilla extract for a lovely hint of flavor.
5. Combining Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Alternate adding the dry mixture and the buttermilk to the butter mixture—start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until everything is combined; don’t overmix, or your bread might turn out dense!
6. Folding in the Peaches and Nuts:
Gently fold in the diced peaches and nuts if you’re using them. This is where all that peachy goodness comes into play, making your bread moist and flavorful.
7. Baking the Bread:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean—no sticky batter, just delicious bread!
8. Cooling Down:
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps maintain its texture and prevents it from getting soggy.
9. Ready to Serve:
Finally, slice up your beautiful Southern Peach Bread. It’s wonderful on its own or with a smear of butter. Enjoy every bite of this sweet, fruity loaf!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen peaches, make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid. Pat them dry with a paper towel to avoid making the batter too watery.
How Do I Store Leftover Peach Bread?
To keep your peach bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for about a week or freeze it for up to 3 months—just wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in foil for the freezer!
Can I Substitute the Butter with Oil?
Yes, you can substitute butter with an equal amount of vegetable oil or melted coconut oil. This could make your bread a tad more moist, but it will still be delicious!
What Can I Use Instead of Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1/4 cup of milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, and it’s good to go!
