Enjoy this sweet and moist Southern peach bread, made with ripe peaches and warm spices. It’s perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack!
Every time I bake it, my kitchen smells amazing! I love enjoying a slice with my morning coffee. Trust me, you’ll want seconds—it’s that tasty! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour is essential for structure. If you want a gluten-free option, you can try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Peaches: Fresh peaches give the best flavor. If they’re out of season, canned peaches (drained) or even diced apples can work well as substitutes!
Sour Cream: This adds moisture and richness. Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute that lends a similar tang and creaminess.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for better control of saltiness. You can use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
How Do You Ensure Your Bread Is Moist and Fluffy?
To achieve that perfect moist texture, mixing method and ingredient balance is key. Follow these tips:
- Don’t overmix the batter! Mix just until combined to avoid a dense loaf.
- Room temperature butter helps to incorporate air, making a fluffier bread.
- Use ripe peaches for the best flavor; they’re naturally sweeter and juicier.
Also, remember to cool the bread briefly in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps retain moisture and keeps it from getting soggy on the bottom!
Easy Southern Peach Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh peaches, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 60-70 minutes to bake. After baking, allow an additional 10 minutes for cooling in the pan and another 30 minutes wire rack cooling, making your total time about 1 hour and 55 minutes before slicing into that delicious bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This will help prevent the bread from sticking!
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves (if using). This step helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices throughout the flour.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This typically takes about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time to ensure they are well incorporated into the mixture. After adding the eggs, stir in the vanilla extract for a lovely flavor boost.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Alternate adding the dry mix and sour cream (or yogurt), starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined—be careful not to overmix, or your bread may turn out tough!
6. Fold in the Peaches:
Gently fold in the diced peaches with a spatula. Be delicate here; you want to preserve the lovely pieces of fruit throughout the bread.
7. Pour and Smooth:
Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. This will help it bake evenly and look nice!
8. Bake:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bread—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready!
9. Cooling Time:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. After this, carefully transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooled, slice the bread and enjoy it plain or spread with a little butter. This moist, fragrant Southern peach bread is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack!
FAQ for Easy Southern Peach Bread
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen peaches to avoid excess moisture in the batter. Pat them dry with paper towels before folding them in.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover peach bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months—just slice it first for easy thawing!
Can I Substitute the Sour Cream?
Absolutely! You can use plain yogurt, Greek yogurt, or even buttermilk as a substitute for sour cream. These alternatives will maintain the moisture and tanginess in the bread.
How Can I Make This Bread Healthier?
To make it healthier, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour, reducing the sugar by about 1/4 cup, or adding some chopped nuts for extra fiber and healthy fats. You can also replace half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce!
