This Easy Southern Peach Bread is a warm, fruity treat that brings the taste of summer to your kitchen. Made with fresh peaches, it’s sweet and oh-so-soft!
What could be better than a slice of this peachy goodness with a cup of tea? I can never resist sneaking a bite while it’s still warm! 🍑
Making this bread is a breeze! Just mix, bake, and enjoy. I love the way my kitchen smells when it’s in the oven—pure peachy bliss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Peaches: The star of this recipe! Fresh, ripe peaches give the bread great flavor and moisture. If you can’t find fresh ones, you could use canned peaches (drained) or frozen peaches (thawed) as a substitute.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds a nice tang and helps the bread rise. If you don’t have any, mix regular milk with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to mimic buttermilk.
Butter: Unsalted butter is typically used for balancing the sweetness. You can substitute with coconut oil or a plant-based butter if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
Spices: The cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth. You can skip the nutmeg or replace it with allspice if you prefer. Vanilla is also a must for flavoring!
How do I get the Perfect Mix for My Bread?
Getting the right mix is crucial to a tender loaf! Here are important tips:
- Start by creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy; this helps create air pockets.
- Add eggs one at a time; mixing thoroughly after each addition ensures even incorporation.
- When you’re mixing in the dry ingredients and buttermilk, do it alternately. This keeps the batter from getting tough, which is important for fluffy bread.
- Fold in the peaches gently to avoid breaking them up too much!
Keep an eye on your mixing! Just mix until everything is incorporated; over-mixing can lead to dense bread.
Easy Southern Peach Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Basic Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 1/2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced
Optional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar, for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 60-70 minutes to bake, plus an additional 15 minutes for cooling. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 30 minutes of time to get this delicious peach bread ready!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping Your Oven and Pan:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent the bread from sticking.
2. Mixing Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk them together, so they’re evenly mixed and ready to go.
3. Creaming Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, add the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes!
4. Adding Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, add in the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
5. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Alternately add the dry ingredient mix and buttermilk to the butter mixture—starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until everything is combined; don’t over-mix!
6. Folding in the Peaches:
Gently fold in the diced fresh peaches, and if you’re using them, the nuts. Be careful not to mash the peaches; you want little chunks in your bread!
7. Pouring the Batter:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. If you like a crunchy topping, sprinkle the turbinado sugar on top.
8. Baking the Bread:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
9. Cooling:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Patience is key, but it’s worth it!
10. Serving:
When ready to enjoy, slice the bread and serve it plain or with a pat of butter. It’s a delightful Southern treat that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert. Enjoy!
Happy baking!🍑
FAQ for Easy Southern Peach Bread
Can I Use Frozen Peaches in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture in the batter. Pat them dry with a paper towel and then fold them gently into the batter.
How Do I Store Leftover Peach Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying!
Can I Substitute the Eggs in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use 1/4 cup of applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) for each egg. Just keep in mind that this may slightly change the texture of the bread.
Is It Possible to Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures 1:1 for regular flour. Just make sure the blend contains a binder like xanthan gum to help with structure!
