This Easy Southern Peach Bread is a sweet treat you won’t want to miss! It’s moist, filled with juicy peaches, and has just the right amount of cinnamon to make your taste buds dance.
I love to enjoy a slice with my morning coffee, and honestly, the smell while it bakes is worth it alone! Plus, it’s perfect for sharing—if you can resist eating it all yourself! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Peaches: Juicy, ripe peaches make this bread special. If peaches aren’t in season, feel free to use canned peaches, just drain well. You can also experiment with other fruits like apricots or blueberries for a twist!
Butter: I use unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, you can try using coconut oil or applesauce (though results may vary slightly with texture).
Granulated Sugar: This recipe calls for white sugar, but you can substitute with brown sugar for a richer flavor. You can also reduce the amount if you prefer less sweetness, or use honey or maple syrup in smaller amounts.
Buttermilk: It gives the bread moisture and richness. If you don’t have buttermilk, just mix regular milk with a little vinegar or lemon juice. You can also use plain yogurt thinned with a bit of milk.
How Do I Make Sure My Peach Bread is Quick and Easy?
To ensure that your Easy Southern Peach Bread comes out perfectly without much hassle, follow these basic tips:
- Start with room temperature butter and eggs. This helps them mix more evenly into the batter.
- When combining wet and dry ingredients, do it gently. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, it’s ready!
- Let it cool but not too long in the pan—this keeps the bread from getting soggy.
These small steps can make a big difference in the outcome of your peach bread, helping you achieve that delightful texture and flavor!
Easy Southern Peach Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 cup chopped fresh peaches (about 2 medium peaches)
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1/2 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 50-60 minutes to bake, so you’ll be enjoying your delicious peach bread in about 1 hour and 15 minutes total. Don’t forget to let it cool for a bit after baking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan to keep the bread from sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. This helps to combine everything evenly and ensures a light texture. Set this bowl aside for later.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, take your softened butter and granulated sugar, and cream them together using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This step helps incorporate air, making the bread tender.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract until everything is combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Alternate adding the dry mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting with the dry ingredients and ending with them. Mix just until combined—you don’t want to overwork the batter.
6. Fold in the Peaches:
Gently fold in the chopped fresh peaches using a spatula. This step adds delicious peach flavor and moisture, making your bread delightful!
7. Bake the Bread:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top for a great finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. When you’re ready to serve, slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature, maybe even with a bit of butter or cream cheese spread over the top!
Enjoy a moist, tender bread bursting with sweet peach flavor and a hint of cinnamon!
FAQ for Easy Southern Peach Bread
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess water before chopping. This will prevent extra moisture from affecting the bread’s texture.
What if I Don’t Have Buttermilk?
No worries! You can easily substitute buttermilk by adding 1/2 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using. Alternatively, plain yogurt can also be thinned with a little milk to achieve a similar result.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To keep your peach bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw slices in the fridge or at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Add Nuts or Other Fruits to the Recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch. Just fold them in with the peaches. You could also mix in other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a fun twist. Just be cautious to not overpower the peach flavor!
