This Easy Southern Peach Bread is a lovely treat packed with juicy peaches and warm spices. It’s soft, sweet, and perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Honestly, I can’t resist a slice warm from the oven with a little butter. It makes the house smell amazing too! Who needs candles when you have peach bread? 😄
Making this bread is a breeze. Just mix the ingredients, fold in those fresh peaches, and bake! It’s so simple that it always turns out delicious—no fuss, just yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for better control over salt levels. If you need a substitute, use coconut oil or margarine, but the flavor might slightly change. Personally, I love the richness that butter brings!
Fresh Peaches: Use ripe, juicy peaches for the best flavor. If peaches aren’t in season, you can substitute them with canned peaches, just be sure to drain them well. Apples or berries also work nicely if you’re looking for variety!
Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds moisture and tang. If you don’t have it, mix 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, let it sit for 5 minutes, and you have a quick substitute!
Flour: All-purpose flour is ideal, but if you’re gluten-free, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. It’s a great alternative that often yields good results with minimal adjustments.
How Do You Avoid Overmixing?
Overmixing can make your bread tough, which is the last thing you want. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Mix the wet ingredients and dry ingredients separately before combining them.
- Once you add the diced peaches, gently fold them in using a spatula. Stop mixing as soon as there are no dry flour spots.
- Remember, it’s okay if there are a few lumps! This will keep the bread tender.
With these tips, you’re set to enjoy homemade peach bread that’s tender and flavorful! Happy baking!
Easy Southern Peach Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (about 1 large or 2 medium peaches)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 20 minutes to prepare the ingredients and mix everything together. Then, bake for 60-70 minutes. After that, let the bread cool for about 10 minutes in the pan, and then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. So, roughly 90 minutes total, but most of that is just waiting for it to bake!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. This will prevent your peach bread from sticking to the pan.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, take your softened butter and granulated sugar. With a hand mixer or a whisk, cream them together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This can take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the Eggs:
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time. Make sure to mix well after adding each egg. This helps to aerate the mixture and adds to the bread’s lovely texture.
4. Stir in Vanilla:
Add the vanilla extract to the mixture and give it a good stir until everything is well combined.
5. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg (if you’re using it). This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed.
6. Combine Mixtures:
Now, it’s time to bring the mixtures together! Alternately add the dry ingredients and the buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently just until everything is combined; don’t overdo it!
7. Fold in the Peaches:
Take your diced peaches and gently fold them into the batter. Make sure they’re distributed evenly but be careful not to overmix.
8. Pour and Bake:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool Down:
Once baked, remove it from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
When it’s cool, slice the bread and serve it warm or at room temperature. It’s absolutely delightful with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. Enjoy your delicious Southern Peach Bread!
FAQ for Easy Southern Peach Bread
Can I Substitute the Fresh Peaches with Frozen Ones?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture before adding them to the batter to prevent the bread from becoming too wet. Pat them dry with a paper towel for the best results!
Can I Make This Bread Without Buttermilk?
Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can substitute it by mixing 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to sour, and you’ll have a perfect buttermilk alternative!
How Should I Store Leftover Peach Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it for longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze the bread for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before wrapping it tightly for freezing!
Can I Make This Bread Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter and pour it into the loaf pan, then cover it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to bake, just allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven.
