Introduction
Hey there, bakers! Ready to transform simple ingredients into a slice of Southern sunshine? This peach bread recipe is bursting with juicy peaches and warm spice, making it the perfect comforting treat for any occasion. It’s easier than you think, and the results? Absolutely dreamy! Get ready to wow your family and friends with this unbelievably delicious bread.
Why This Works
This recipe works because it’s the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. The juicy peaches provide a burst of fresh flavor, while the warm spices add a comforting depth. The bread itself is wonderfully moist and tender, thanks to a clever combination of ingredients. It’s simple enough for beginner bakers but impressive enough for a special breakfast or afternoon tea.
Key Ingredients
- 🍑 3 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced
- 🧈 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 🍯 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 🥚 3 large eggs
- 🥛 1 cup buttermilk
- 🍋 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 🍊 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 🥄 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 🥄 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 🥄 ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 🥄 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 🥄 ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 🧂 ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2️⃣ In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is easiest with an electric mixer, but you can do it by hand if you’re feeling strong!
3️⃣ Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest.
4️⃣ In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
5️⃣ Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
6️⃣ Gently fold in the diced peaches.
7️⃣ Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8️⃣ Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Handy Tips
- For extra juicy peaches, use a little less flour – about 1/2 a cup less.
- If your peaches aren’t very sweet, add an extra ¼ cup of sugar. Taste as you go!
- Don’t overmix the batter, or your bread will be tough.
Heat Control
Baking at 350°F (175°C) ensures that the bread bakes evenly and the peaches soften without becoming mushy. If you bake at a lower temperature, it will take longer and may result in a drier loaf. A higher temperature could cause the outside to burn before the inside is cooked through.
Crunch Factor
While this bread isn’t particularly crunchy, the slightly crisp edges offer a nice contrast to the soft, moist interior. The texture is soft and fluffy, making it perfect for dipping in coffee or enjoying alongside a warm beverage.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For a shortcut, use canned peaches (drained). Just make sure they’re good quality!
- Add a ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
- A drizzle of peach glaze after cooling will elevate the taste and look of the bread.
Storage Tips
Store leftover peach bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. It also freezes well – wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This bread makes a wonderful gift! Wrap it in cellophane and tie it with a ribbon, or place it in a pretty loaf tin lined with parchment paper. Add a small card with the recipe, and you’ve got a thoughtful and delicious present.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Lemon-Poppy Seed: Add ½ cup of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the batter.
🌟 Spiced Peach: Increase the cinnamon and nutmeg to 1 ½ teaspoons each and add ½ teaspoon of allspice.
🌟 Cranberry Peach: Fold in ½ cup of dried cranberries along with the peaches.
🌟 Streusel Topping: Make a simple streusel topping by combining ½ cup flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, and ¼ cup butter, then crumble it over the top of the batter before baking.
Troubleshooting
- Dry bread: Next time, use a little less flour or add a tablespoon or two of milk to the batter.
- Burnt bread: Reduce the oven temperature by 25°F (14°C) next time and check for doneness earlier.
- Soggy bread: Make sure your peaches are well drained if using canned peaches.
FAQ
Q: Can I use frozen peaches? A: Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before adding them to the batter.
Q: Can I make this bread in a different sized pan? A: Yes, you can use a different loaf pan, but the baking time may need to be adjusted. Keep an eye on it and check for doneness with a toothpick.
Q: How do I know when the bread is done? A: The bread is done when a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should also be golden brown.
Q: Can I make this bread ahead of time? A: Yes, it’s best to bake it before serving for optimal freshness, but the baked bread can be made ahead and stored per the storage tips.
Q: What kind of butter is best? A: Use unsalted butter so you can control the sweetness level.
Conclusion
There you have it – a deliciously moist and fruity Southern Peach Bread that’s sure to become a family favorite! We hope you enjoy baking and sharing this recipe with your loved ones. Don’t forget to snap a picture of your creation and share it with us – we’d love to see it! Happy baking!