Introduction
Looking for a sweet, soft, and fruity treat that’s perfect for summer? Let me introduce you to Southern Peach Bread – a delicious quick bread that’s full of juicy peaches, warm spices, and a soft, moist texture. It’s the kind of comfort food that feels like a warm hug from grandma’s kitchen.
Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or serving it to guests, peach bread is always a crowd-pleaser. And the best part? It’s super easy to make with basic ingredients. If you’ve got some ripe peaches on hand, you’re already halfway there! Ready to bake something wonderful? Let’s get started.
Ingredients – Southern Peach Bread
Here are the simple ingredients you’ll need to make Southern Peach Bread:
For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup white sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional but tasty)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- ½ cup sour cream (for moisture)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups peeled and chopped fresh peaches (or canned/drained if fresh isn’t available)
Optional Topping:
- A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar
- A handful of chopped pecans or walnuts
Step-by-Step Process – Southern Peach Bread
Let’s walk through the steps together. Don’t worry – it’s super easy!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper so your bread doesn’t stick.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a big bowl, add the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and both sugars.
- Mix them together with a whisk or spoon until well combined.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, crack the eggs and beat them lightly.
- Add the oil, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Stir well until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture.
- Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently mix them together – don’t overmix!
- Then, fold in the chopped peaches. Make sure they’re spread out evenly in the batter.
Step 5: Pour into the Pan
- Pour the batter into your greased loaf pan.
- If you like, sprinkle the top with cinnamon sugar or chopped nuts for extra flavor and crunch.
Step 6: Bake
- Put the pan in the oven and bake for about 55–65 minutes.
- Start checking at 50 minutes. Stick a toothpick in the middle – if it comes out clean, it’s done!
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Take the bread out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes.
Then move it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy it warm with a little butter, or just as it is. It’s delicious either way!
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 35mg |
| Sodium | 210mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 24g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Vitamin C | 4% DV |
| Calcium | 2% DV |
| Iron | 6% DV |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to drain the canned peaches well and chop them into small pieces. Avoid using peaches that are too wet or syrupy, or your bread might become soggy.
Q2: Can I freeze peach bread?
Absolutely. Once the bread is fully cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. Just thaw it at room temperature when ready to eat.
Q3: What can I use instead of sour cream?
If you don’t have sour cream, you can use plain Greek yogurt or even buttermilk. These will keep the bread moist and give it that soft, tender texture.
Q4: How long does peach bread stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, it will stay fresh for about 2–3 days. If you refrigerate it, it can last up to 5 days.
Q5: Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes! Just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for best results.
Final Thoughts
Southern Peach Bread is one of those magical recipes that’s simple, sweet, and satisfying. Whether you’re baking it for your family, bringing it to a picnic, or just making it for yourself on a cozy afternoon, it always hits the spot.
The warm cinnamon spice and juicy peach pieces give every bite a comforting, homey flavor. It’s a great way to use up fresh summer peaches, but it tastes just as good year-round with canned or frozen ones.
So why not try it out this weekend? With easy ingredients and simple steps, even beginner bakers can pull off this tasty treat. Bake a loaf, share it with loved ones, or keep it all to yourself – we won’t judge!
