This Southern Peach Bread is a sweet treat that combines fresh peaches with a touch of cinnamon. It’s soft, moist, and just the right amount of sweet, making it perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Every bite feels like a warm hug. I love slicing it up warm and slathering a bit of butter on it—absolute bliss! Plus, it’s a great way to use up those ripe peaches sitting on the counter.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour is your go-to here. If you need a gluten-free option, try a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for great results.
Peaches: Fresh peaches are key for that juicy flavor. If they’re out of season, canned or frozen peaches are great substitutes—just drain or thaw them first.
Sour Cream/Yogurt: Both work wonderfully for moisture. If you want a dairy-free option, try unsweetened coconut yogurt or a plant-based sour cream.
Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch! If you have nut allergies, feel free to leave them out or substitute with pumpkin seeds for a similar texture.
How Do I Get My Bread to Rise and Stay Moist?
Getting a perfect rise and moisture in your peach bread is all about technique during mixing. Here are some tips:
- Make sure not to overmix once you add the flour. Gently fold everything just until combined.
- Beat the butter and sugar well at the start to incorporate air; this helps your bread rise.
- Check your oven temperature with a thermometer. An oven that’s too hot can dry out your bread.
Lastly, allowing it to cool in the pan for a bit helps keep moisture in, making it fluffy and soft.
Southern Peach Bread with Sweet Cinnamon Twist
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (about 2 large peaches)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and 60-70 minutes of baking time. After baking, give it 15 minutes to cool in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. So, plan for roughly 1.5 to 2 hours from start to finish, including cooling time. It’s worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan (or line it with parchment paper) to prevent the bread from sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg (if you’re using it). This helps ensure everything is evenly distributed. Set this bowl aside for later.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes, and it’s important for creating a nice texture in the bread.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat the eggs in one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for that delicious flavor.
5. Combine with Sour Cream:
Add the sour cream (or yogurt) to the bowl and mix until just combined. This keeps your bread moist and tender.
6. Fold Dry Ingredients In:
Take the bowl with your dry ingredients and gradually fold it into the wet mixture. Mix gently—overmixing can make the bread tough. Just stop when there are no more dry streaks.
7. Add Peaches and Nuts:
Carefully fold in those delicious diced peaches and chopped nuts (if you decide to use them). These will add great texture and flavor!
8. Pour into the Pan:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula to make it nice and even.
9. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of your batter for a yummy finishing touch.
10. Bake the Bread:
Place the loaf pan in your preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—the bread is done when it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
11. Cool the Bread:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Serve:
Slice the bread once it’s cool, and enjoy it warm or at room temperature. It’s delightful on its own, or you can spread a little butter or honey for extra indulgence!
Enjoy your Southern Peach Bread with its sweet cinnamon twist, a perfect blend of flavors that’s sure to please!
FAQ for Southern Peach Bread with Sweet Cinnamon Twist
Can I Use Frozen Peaches in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen peaches fully and drain any excess liquid before dicing. This will help prevent your batter from becoming too watery.
How Do I Store Leftover Peach Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Can I Substitute the Butter with Oil?
Yes, you can use vegetable oil instead of butter! Use about 1/3 cup of oil to replace the 1/2 cup of butter, but keep in mind it may change the flavor slightly and make the texture a bit denser.
How Can I Make This Recipe More Cinnamon-Forward?
If you’re a cinnamon lover, feel free to add an extra 1/2 teaspoon to the batter. You can also mix extra cinnamon into the batter or increase the topping amount for a stronger cinnamon flavor!
