Southern Peach Bread

The aroma of sweet, ripe peaches mingling with warm cinnamon and vanilla fills your kitchen as this Southern Peach Bread bakes to golden perfection. This tender, moist quick bread captures the essence of summer in the South, where peach season is celebrated with enthusiasm and delicious baked goods. More than just a bread, this Southern Peach Bread is a beloved tradition that transforms juicy peaches into a comforting treat perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert. You’ll learn how to create this delightful loaf that balances sweetness with the natural tang of fresh peaches for an irresistible homemade bread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Southern Peach Bread stands out as a true celebration of summer’s bounty. The contrast between the soft, tender crumb and the pockets of juicy peach pieces creates a textural experience that’s utterly satisfying. Unlike store-bought quick breads that can be overly sweet and artificial-tasting, this homemade version lets the natural flavor of fresh peaches shine through.

What makes this peach bread recipe special is its versatility. It’s elegant enough for a brunch gathering yet humble enough for a casual afternoon snack with coffee. The recipe comes together with simple pantry ingredients, requiring no special equipment beyond a mixing bowl and loaf pan.

The gentle spice notes from cinnamon and nutmeg complement the peaches without overwhelming them, while a touch of vanilla rounds out the flavor profile. Each slice delivers that perfect balance of fruity sweetness and comforting warmth that makes Southern Peach Bread a cherished favorite in homes across the South.

Ingredients

For this delicious Southern Peach Bread, you’ll need:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup (80ml) buttermilk
• 2 cups (about 3-4 medium) fresh peaches, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup (60g) chopped pecans (optional)

Fresh peaches are the star of this bread, with their natural sweetness and juicy texture. When selecting peaches, look for fruits that yield slightly to gentle pressure and have a fragrant aroma. The buttermilk adds tenderness to the crumb, while the combination of white and brown sugars creates depth of flavor in this classic Southern Peach Bread.

Pro Tips

Peach Preparation: For the perfect Southern Peach Bread, properly preparing your peaches is crucial. To easily peel peaches, score an X on the bottom, blanch in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to an ice bath. The skins will slip right off. For the best texture in your bread, dice the peaches into small, uniform pieces (about 1/4-inch cubes) to ensure even distribution throughout the batter.

Don’t Overmix: The key to tender Southern Peach Bread is gentle handling of the batter once the flour is added. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated—a few small lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make your bread tough rather than tender.

Moisture Management: Fresh peaches release juice as they bake, which contributes wonderful flavor but can make the bread too wet. After dicing your peaches, place them on paper towels and gently pat dry to remove excess moisture. For extra insurance against a soggy center, toss the diced peaches with 1 tablespoon of the measured flour before adding them to the batter. This helps absorb extra moisture during baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare your oven and pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper with overhanging edges for easy removal of your Southern Peach Bread after baking.

Step 2: Combine the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well blended. This ensures your spices are evenly distributed throughout the bread.

Step 3: Cream the butter and sugars. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This incorporates air into the batter, helping your Southern Peach Bread rise properly.

Step 4: Add the wet ingredients. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture may look slightly curdled at this point, but don’t worry—that’s normal!

Step 5: Combine wet and dry ingredients. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk (beginning and ending with the dry ingredients). Mix gently after each addition, just until combined.

Step 6: Fold in the peaches and nuts. Gently fold the diced peaches and chopped pecans (if using) into the batter with a rubber spatula. Be careful not to overmix—just a few strokes until evenly distributed.

Step 7: Bake to perfection. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: Cool and serve. Allow your Southern Peach Bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This resting period allows the flavors to develop and the texture to set properly.

Variations

Peach Streusel Bread: Transform your Southern Peach Bread into a coffee cake-like treat by adding a crumbly topping. Mix 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1/3 cup flour, 1/4 cup cold butter, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon until crumbly, then sprinkle over the batter before baking. This adds a delightful textural contrast and extra sweetness that pairs beautifully with the juicy peaches.

Gluten-Free Peach Bread: Make this southern classic accessible to everyone by substituting the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free baking blend (look for one that contains xanthan gum). Add 1/4 teaspoon of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it already. The result is a tender Southern Peach Bread that everyone can enjoy, with little difference in taste or texture from the original.

Peach-Berry Fusion: Create a colorful variation by adding 1 cup of fresh blueberries or blackberries along with the peaches. These berries complement the sweet peach flavor while adding beautiful color contrast to each slice of your Southern Peach Bread, making it even more visually appealing for summer gatherings.

Storage and Serving

Your freshly baked Southern Peach Bread will stay moist and delicious at room temperature for up to 3 days when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week, though the texture is best within the first few days after baking.

For make-ahead convenience, this bread freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap the completely cooled loaf in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or for a few hours at room temperature before serving.

Serve slices of Southern Peach Bread lightly toasted with a spread of cream cheese or butter for a delightful breakfast. For a decadent dessert, warm a slice slightly and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. This bread also pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or tea for an afternoon treat, allowing the peachy flavors to shine.

FAQs

Can I use canned or frozen peaches instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned or frozen peaches for Southern Peach Bread when fresh aren’t available. For canned peaches, drain thoroughly and pat dry. For frozen peaches, thaw completely, drain excess liquid, and pat dry before dicing. The texture may be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Why did my peach bread turn out soggy in the middle?
Excess moisture from the peaches is usually the culprit. Make sure to pat your diced peaches dry before adding them to the batter. You can also toss them with a tablespoon of flour to help absorb excess moisture during baking. Additionally, check that your oven temperature is accurate, as an oven that runs cool may not properly bake the center of the bread.

Can I make this recipe as muffins instead of a loaf?
Absolutely! Southern Peach Bread batter works beautifully as muffins. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups about 2/3 full and reduce the baking time to approximately 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Do I need to peel the peaches?
While not strictly necessary, peeling the peaches is recommended for the best texture in Southern Peach Bread. The peach skin can become chewy during baking and may detract from the soft, tender crumb of the bread.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar by up to 1/4 cup without significantly affecting the texture. The bread will be less sweet, which some people prefer, allowing the natural sweetness of the peaches to shine through more prominently in your Southern Peach Bread.

Conclusion

This Southern Peach Bread is comfort food at its finest — a sweet celebration of summer’s most beloved fruit transformed into a tender, aromatic loaf that brings people together. It’s the kind of dish that creates lasting memories, whether enjoyed at a family breakfast, packed for a picnic, or shared with neighbors on a warm evening. The simple pleasure of biting into a slice of this peachy bread, still slightly warm from the oven, connects us to southern traditions and the joy of seasonal baking. Make this recipe your own family tradition, and watch as it becomes a requested favorite year after year when peach season arrives.

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