This Moist Southern Peach Bread is like a warm hug in a slice! Packed with fresh peaches, it’s sweet, soft, and super tasty. Just imagine the smell of peaches baking!
Making this bread is a breeze! I love slicing it up and enjoying it with a cup of coffee. It’s perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. Trust me, you’ll want seconds! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh peaches make this bread special, but if they’re out of season, canned or frozen peaches work too! Just drain any excess liquid if using canned.
Butter: Unsalted butter ensures you control the salt. For a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute. They work just as well!
Sour Cream or Yogurt: This ingredient keeps the bread moist. Greek yogurt is a great option if you want a tangy flavor. You can also use applesauce for a healthier twist!
Nuts: I love adding pecans for some crunch, but feel free to skip them if you prefer a nut-free loaf. You could also use almonds or walnuts if that’s your preference!
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture for My Peach Bread?
The key to a moist and flavorful peach bread lies in the mixing technique. Here’s how to achieve that perfect texture:
- When creaming the butter and sugar, do it until it’s light and fluffy. This will incorporate air and help your bread rise.
- Mix in your eggs one at a time while scraping the bowl to ensure everything combines well.
- When adding the dry ingredients and sour cream/yogurt, mix gently. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, so stir until just combined.
- Be careful not to squish the peaches too much when folding them into the batter. This way, you’ll have lovely pieces of fruit throughout!
Moist Southern Peach Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (about 2 medium peaches)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 55-65 minutes to bake. After baking, you’ll want to let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. So, in total, you can expect about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to enjoying a slice of your peach bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×5 inch loaf pan and grease it with butter or cooking spray, then sprinkle a bit of flour to coat it. This will help your bread come out of the pan easily.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This combination will give your bread a wonderful flavor and texture. Set this bowl aside for now.
3. Creaming Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. It’s all about getting some air in there!
4. Adding Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture. Make sure to mix well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until everything is combined smoothly.
5. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to add the dry ingredients! Gradually mix in half of the dry ingredients, followed by the sour cream. Repeat this step, adding the rest of the dry mix, and make sure to mix gently. Just combine until you don’t see any flour streaks, and don’t overmix!
6. Adding Peaches and Nuts:
Gently fold in the diced peaches and any nuts you want to include. Be careful not to mash the peaches too much; you want to keep some lovely chunks in there!
7. Pouring into the Pan:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly and smooth the top a bit.
8. Baking the Bread:
Place your loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake it for about 55-65 minutes. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your bread is ready!
9. Cooling:
After baking, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then carefully remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Enjoying Your Peach Bread:
Once your bread has cooled, slice it up and enjoy! It’s perfect on its own or with a bit of butter. This moist Southern Peach Bread is a delightful treat that you and your friends will love!
FAQ for Moist Southern Peach Bread
Can I Use Frozen Peaches for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen peaches work well, just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture before adding them to the batter. This will help prevent the bread from getting too soggy.
Can I Make This Bread Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make this bread a day ahead! Once it’s completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it at room temperature. Just reheat slices in the microwave for a few seconds before serving for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the bread. Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag; they can last up to 3 months in the freezer!
What Can I Substitute for Sour Cream?
If you don’t have sour cream, plain yogurt makes a great substitute. You can also use buttermilk or even applesauce for a slightly different flavor while keeping the bread moist.
