This Moist Southern Peach Bread is a sweet treat that captures the flavors of summer! With fresh peaches and a soft, fluffy texture, it’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
It’s so easy to make that you might find yourself baking it often! I love to enjoy a warm slice with a bit of butter on top—yum! Just make sure to share, or you might end up eating the whole loaf yourself! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of your bread. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Keep in mind, the texture might vary a bit!
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are perfect for this recipe. However, if they’re out of season, feel free to use frozen peaches. Just thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture.
Sour cream: It adds moisture and richness. If you don’t have sour cream, plain yogurt works well. I often use Greek yogurt for a slight tang boost!
Mix-ins: Pecans or walnuts can enhance texture and flavor. If you’re not a fan of nuts, you can leave them out, or even substitute with chocolate chips for a fun twist!
How Do You Keep the Bread Moist and Fluffy?
To ensure your peach bread is moist and fluffy, use these tips:
- Don’t overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to keep the bread tender.
- Using room temperature ingredients helps everything blend better, creating a smoother batter.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—when it comes out clean, it’s ready to cool.
- Let the bread cool in the pan briefly before moving it to a rack, which allows it to set properly.
These techniques will help you achieve a delicious, moist loaf every time! Enjoy your baking!
Moist Southern Peach Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream (or plain yogurt)
Fruit and Optional Add-ins:
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (about 2 medium peaches)
- Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Peach Bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 55 to 65 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 fully. In total, plan for around 1 hour and 30 minutes before it’s ready to slice and enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make sure they are well combined, then set this bowl aside for later.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Beat them with an electric mixer until they become light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until it’s nicely blended.
5. Incorporate the Sour Cream:
Mix in the sour cream (or yogurt) gently until just combined. This will add moisture to your bread!
6. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture. Fold the two together gently using a spatula or wooden spoon, being careful not to overmix—this keeps your bread tender.
7. Add Peaches and Nuts:
Now it’s time to fold in the diced peaches and optional nuts if you’re using them. Think of this step as adding a bit of summer sweetness!
8. Pour the Batter:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Spread it out evenly and smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Bake:
Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top gets too brown, you can cover it with a piece of foil midway through baking.
10. Cool:
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.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice your bread and serve it plain or spread with a bit of butter. It’s a delightful Southern treat that you’ll want to share with friends and family!
Enjoy your moist, flavorful Southern Peach Bread!
FAQ for Moist Southern Peach Bread
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the frozen peaches and drain any excess moisture before adding them to the batter. This will help maintain the bread’s texture and prevent it from becoming 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 fresh longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just be sure to wrap it well to prevent it from drying out!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still turn out delicious!
How Do I Know When the Bread is Done Baking?
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready! If there’s wet batter on the toothpick, it needs more time in the oven.
