This moist Southern Peach Bread is a treat you won’t want to miss. It’s packed with juicy peaches and has a lovely sweet flavor that makes every slice a joy!
Just picture the smell of fresh peaches baking in your kitchen—it’s pure happiness! I love having it for breakfast or as a sweet snack with a cup of coffee.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh peaches add a vibrant flavor and moisture to the bread. If peaches aren’t in season, you can use canned peaches (drained) or even frozen ones. Just make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before mixing them in.
Flour: All-purpose flour is ideal for this recipe, but if you’re looking for a healthier option, feel free to use whole wheat flour. Just keep in mind that it might give your bread a slightly denser texture.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk gives a nice tang and keeps the bread moist. You can easily make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1/3 cup of milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.
Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add a great crunch. If you’re nut-free, simply leave them out, or try chocolate chips for a sweet twist!
How Do You Get the Perfect Texture for Your Peach Bread?
Achieving a moist texture relies on a few simple techniques. First, be gentle when mixing the batter! Overmixing will lead to a dense bread.
- Start by creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy. This adds air, helping your bread rise.
- Alternate adding the flour and buttermilk patiently. This ensures smooth blending without overworking the batter.
- When folding in the peaches, be light-handed, so you don’t break them down too much.
Remember, a toothpick should come out clean, but a few moist crumbs are fine. This means your bread will be soft and delicious!
How to Make 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
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 teaspoon vinegar)
Filling:
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (about 2 medium peaches)
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious bread takes about 20 minutes of preparation time, plus around 55 to 65 minutes of baking time. After that, there’s a 15-minute cooling time before you can slice into it. Overall, you’ll be enjoying your Southern Peach Bread in about 1.5 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that it’s nice and hot when your peach bread goes in to bake, giving it the perfect rise!
2. Prepare the Loaf Pan:
Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This is super important to help your bread come out easily once it’s finished baking!
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set this mixture aside for later. This step helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
4. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar. Use a hand mixer to beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy—this can take about 3-5 minutes.
5. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time. After that, add the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined and looks smooth.
6. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to bring the mixtures together! Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture. Start and end with the flour mixture to create a balanced batter. Mix just until everything is incorporated—don’t overdo it!
7. Fold in Peaches and Nuts:
Gently fold in the diced peaches and chopped nuts (if using) with a spatula. Be careful not to crush the peaches as you mix them in!
8. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top with a spatula for an even bake.
9. Bake:
Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. Check with a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
10. Cool and Enjoy:
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once it’s cool, slice it up and enjoy with a pat of butter or simply on its own!
FAQ for Moist Southern Peach Bread
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid from the frozen peaches before adding them to the batter. This will help maintain the right texture in your bread.
How Should I Store Leftover Peach Bread?
To store leftovers, wrap the peach bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will keep well at room temperature for 2-3 days, or you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor!
Can I Add Other Ingredients or Spices?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative. You can add spices like nutmeg or cloves for extra flavor, or even try incorporating chocolate chips or dried fruit for a twist!
What Can I Substitute for Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a regular milk measurement (1/3 cup). Let it sit for 5 minutes before using it in the recipe. Alternatively, plain yogurt can also work in a pinch!
