I absolutely love sharing this Southern Peach Bread Recipe because it s like a warm hug in bread form – sweet, fruity, and packed with that homey Southern charm. Whenever peaches are in season, this recipe becomes my go-to to make the most of their juicy goodness, and I know you ll find it irresistible too. The balance of soft crumb, sweet peaches, and just a hint of cinnamon makes it perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even as a comforting dessert.
When I first tried this Southern Peach Bread Recipe, I was blown away by how easy it was to throw together without compromising on flavor. It s a fantastic way to enjoy fresh peaches beyond just eating them plain, and the best part? It s forgiving, so even if you re not a seasoned baker, you ll have great results. Trust me, once you try this, your family will be asking for it again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples alongside fresh peaches for a naturally sweet bread.
- Moist & Tender: The vegetable oil and fresh peaches keep the bread incredibly moist and soft.
- Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a casual dessert everyone loves.
- Easy to Customize: You can add nuts, spices, or glaze to make it your own special treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Southern Peach Bread Recipe plays a role to bring out that perfect blend of flavor and texture. Picking ripe peaches is key because their natural sweetness and juiciness make the bread stand out, while the spices add a warm, cozy note.
- Fresh Peaches: Look for ripe, juicy peaches for the best natural sweetness and moisture.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and gives the bread a soft crumb you’re going to love.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the peaches.
- Brown Sugar: Brings depth and a touch of caramel flavor that pairs so well with peaches.
- Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise and keeps it light.
- Baking Soda: Works with the acids to give a nice lift and tenderness.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and a comforting layer of spice.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances sweetness and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add moisture.
- Milk: Keeps the bread tender and moist.
- Vegetable Oil: Ensures the bread stays soft and doesn t dry out.
- Salt: Balances all the sweetness and brings all the flavors forward.
Variations
I love how flexible this Southern Peach Bread Recipe is, so don t hesitate to experiment. Sometimes I add nuts for extra crunch or drizzle a glaze on top for a little extra sweetness that s perfect for special occasions.
- Nutty Twist: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts gives a lovely crunch contrast to the soft bread – my family always asks for this version!
- Glazed Finish: A simple drizzle of powdered sugar glaze brightens the loaf and makes it look bakery-fresh.
- Drier Peaches Substitute: When peaches are out of season, drained canned peaches work fine, just avoid extra moisture to keep bread from getting soggy.
- Spice it Up: If you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of nutmeg or ginger can complement the cinnamon and peach flavors beautifully.
How to Make Southern Peach Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Peaches
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your loaf pan well – I like using a bit of non-stick spray and lining the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal. Then, dice those fresh peaches into small, bite-sized pieces. You’ll want to set them aside while you mix the rest of your ingredients; juicy peaches work best when folded gently at the end to avoid turning your batter runny.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Mixing these evenly ahead of time ensures your bread rises beautifully and all those spicy, sweet notes come through uniformly in every bite.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat your eggs, then add the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk these together until smooth – this is your creamy, flavorful base that helps keep the bread moist. I discovered this trick of mixing wet ingredients separately really helps avoid overmixing once combined with dry ingredients.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour your wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry and gently stir until just combined – don t overmix here or your bread could turn out tough. Fold in the diced peaches carefully to distribute them evenly without breaking them down too much. This step really makes the difference between a dense bread and a light, tender loaf packed with juicy peach bites.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and pop it into the oven. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. I like to start checking around 50 minutes just to be safe. Once out, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before moving it to a wire rack to cool completely – this helps it set up without getting soggy.
Pro Tips for Making Southern Peach Bread Recipe
- Use Ripe Peaches: The juicier and riper, the better – they provide natural sweetness and moisture that can t be beaten.
- Gentle Folding: Fold peaches in last to avoid crushing them, which keeps the texture pleasant and batter from thinning out.
- Don t Overmix: Stir until just combined to keep the bread tender instead of tough and dense.
- Check Early: Oven temperatures vary, so start checking toothpick doneness at 50 minutes to avoid overbaking.
How to Serve Southern Peach Bread Recipe
Garnishes
I personally love a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top for a pretty finish that adds a delicate sweetness without overwhelming those lovely peaches. Sometimes I ll pair it with a smear of softened butter or even a dollop of whipped cream for dessert. Fresh peach slices on the side are always a nice touch if you want to double down on the peach flavor.
Side Dishes
For a complete Southern-inspired breakfast or brunch, serve your peach bread alongside crispy bacon or sausage and a cup of strong coffee. It’s also fantastic with creamy vanilla yogurt or a simple fruit salad for a light afternoon pick-me-up.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I’ve turned this Southern Peach Bread into mini loaf gift favors by baking in small pans and wrapping them in parchment with a tied ribbon. You can also slice and layer it with cream cheese frosting for a petite peach bread cake that s sure to wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually keep leftover peach bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature, where it stays fresh and moist for about 2-3 days. If you want to stretch it further, refrigerate but bring back to room temp before serving to enjoy that tender texture.
Freezing
Freezing Southern Peach Bread works wonderfully when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When I freeze slices individually, it s so easy to thaw just what I need in the fridge overnight without wasting any.
Reheating
I reheat slices gently in the toaster oven or microwave for about 20 seconds to revive that just-baked softness and warmth. Adding a little butter before reheating makes it taste like it just came out of the oven – trust me, it’s a game changer!
FAQs
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Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh in this Southern Peach Bread Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute canned peaches if fresh aren’t available. Just be sure to drain them very well and pat dry so you don t add extra moisture that could make the bread soggy. The flavor won t be quite as fresh, but it still turns out tasty.
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How do I know when the Southern Peach Bread is done baking?
The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Start checking around the 50-minute mark so you don’t overbake, which can dry out the bread.
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Can I add nuts to this Southern Peach Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts are a wonderful addition that add texture and a rich nutty flavor. I like folding them in with the peaches just before baking.
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How should I store leftover Southern Peach Bread?
Store leftover bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze tightly wrapped slices and thaw as needed.
Final Thoughts
This Southern Peach Bread Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it s simple, comforting, and brings a little bit of sunshine to any table. Baking this bread always feels like a small celebration of peach season, and I m excited for you to try it out and make it your own. Whether you eat it fresh from the oven or savor it with your morning coffee, I m confident you ll fall in love just like I have – so go ahead, give it a try and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Southern Peach Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Quick Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Southern Peach Bread recipe offers a moist, tender quick bread bursting with the juicy sweetness of fresh peaches and the warm aroma of cinnamon. Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert, it combines simple pantry staples with fresh fruit for a nostalgic Southern treat that’s easy to prepare and irresistible to eat.
Ingredients
Fruit
- 2 cups fresh ripe peaches, diced
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Prepare Peaches: Dice the fresh ripe peaches into small pieces to incorporate evenly throughout the bread.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and spices.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients, stirring gently and only until the batter is just combined; overmixing can make the bread tough.
- Fold in Peaches: Carefully fold the diced peaches into the batter, distributing them evenly without breaking them down.
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use ripe peaches for maximum natural sweetness and moisture in the bread.
- If fresh peaches are not in season, canned peaches can be substituted but be sure to drain them well to avoid extra moisture.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a crunchy texture if desired.
- For added sweetness and a pretty finish, drizzle the cooled bread with a simple powdered sugar glaze.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8 of loaf)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
