This moist Southern Peach Bread is a sweet treat perfect for breakfast or a snack. Packed with juicy peaches, it’s incredibly soft and aromatic—truly a taste of summer in every slice!
Honestly, this bread is hard to resist! I love to enjoy a warm slice with a cup of tea, and the smell while baking? Pure happiness! You’ll be going back for seconds, I promise. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base of your bread. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Fresh peaches: They’re the star of this recipe! If peaches aren’t in season or available, you can use canned peaches (drained) or other fruit like diced apples or pears for a twist.
Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Both add moisture and tang. If dairy-free, try using coconut yogurt or a non-dairy sour cream alternative.
Butter: While unsalted butter is ideal for controlling the salt level, you can substitute it with vegetable oil or coconut oil. It will change the flavor slightly, but still yummy!
How Do I Ensure My Bread Stays Moist?
Keeping this bread moist is all about the right balance of ingredients and the baking time. Here are some tips:
- Don’t overmix the batter, especially after adding the flour. Mix until just combined to keep it tender.
- Make sure the peaches are well-mixed but don’t break them down. Their juices help keep the bread moist.
- Check your bread towards the end of baking. If it starts to brown too much, cover it loosely with foil to avoid drying out.
Following these tips ensures every slice is soft and delicious!
How to Make Moist Southern Peach Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 3/4 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
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 1/2 cups fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and diced (about 2 large peaches)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 60-70 minutes of baking time. After baking, you’ll need 10 minutes to cool the bread in the pan, and then let it cool completely on a wire rack. It’s a simple recipe that delivers amazing flavor once it’s cooled!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prepare it for the batter. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This blend of dry ingredients will give your bread that lovely flavor and texture. Set this mixture aside for later!
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to getting that perfect texture in your bread!
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for a hint of sweetness and aromatic flavor.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, add half of the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and mix on low speed until just combined. Then, mix in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) for extra moisture. Finally, add the remaining dry ingredients and stir gently—just until everything is combined!
6. Fold in Peaches and Nuts:
Gently fold in the diced peaches and any nuts you choose to add (if using). Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough. We want it tender and fluffy!
7. Pour and Smooth the Batter:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to make it nice and even.
8. Bake the Bread:
Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil.
9. Cool the Bread:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps it keep its texture and flavor!
10. Slice and Serve:
When the bread is fully cooled, slice it up and serve it plain or with a little butter or cream cheese spread. Enjoy your delicious, moist Southern peach bread!
Wrap any leftovers tightly and store at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge to keep it fresh! Happy baking! 🍑
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the batter. This will help prevent the bread from becoming too soggy.
How Do I Store Leftover Peach Bread?
Store any leftover peach bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It’s best kept at room temperature for up to 3 days, or you can refrigerate it for up to a week for longer freshness.
Can I Substitute Greek Yogurt for Sour Cream?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream and will add a nice creaminess to your bread. Use it in the same amount specified in the recipe for the best results.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make gluten-free peach bread, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum for proper binding and texture!
