This Southern Peach Bread is a lovely way to enjoy fresh peaches! It’s soft, sweet, and packed with fruity goodness that makes each bite a treat. 😍
Whenever I make this bread, my whole house smells like summer. I love to slice it up and enjoy it warm with a little butter. Perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for the bread. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour. Just be sure that it contains xanthan gum for the best texture!
Fresh Peaches: Nothing beats fresh peaches in this recipe, but if you can’t find them, try using canned peaches. Make sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture. Frozen peaches can also work; just thaw and drain them first.
Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended for better control over salt levels. You can use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter if you need a dairy-free version.
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, and let it sit for about 5 minutes. It works just as well in providing moisture and acidity.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare Fresh Peaches for This Recipe?
Preparing peaches for this bread is simple, but here are some helpful tips to ensure they taste great!
- Start by peeling the peaches. A quick way is to blanch them in boiling water for about 30 seconds; the skin should slip right off!
- Once peeled, dice the peaches into small pieces. Aim for uniform pieces to bake evenly.
- Don’t forget to gently fold the peaches into your batter last! This reduces the chance of them breaking down too much, so you still get those nice chunks in your bread.
With these tips, you’re set for a successful baking day! Enjoy your Southern Peach Bread! 🍑🍞
Moist Southern Peach Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
Fruit:
- 4 cups peeled, diced fresh peaches (about 4-5 medium peaches)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful bread requires about 20 minutes of preparation time and then around 55-65 minutes for baking. After baking, allow it to cool for about 10 minutes, so total time is roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes before you can enjoy it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pans:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab two 8×4-inch loaf pans and grease them with butter or cooking spray. Then sprinkle a little flour into each pan, shaking to cover the bottom and sides. This ensures your bread won’t stick!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This Step helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and spices throughout the flour. Set this bowl aside for now.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter together with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes, and it really helps to create a nice texture for your bread.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Now, add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This is crucial! Then stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely flavor.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now it’s time to bring everything together. Alternately add the dry ingredient mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Be careful not to overmix; just mix until you don’t see any dry flour. This will keep your bread light and fluffy!
6. Fold in the Peaches:
With a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold in the diced peaches. You want them evenly distributed but try not to mash them up too much. We love those fruity chunks! 🍑
7. Divide and Bake:
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans. Place them in your preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. To check if they’re done, stick a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean!
8. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before gently removing them from the pans. Let them cool completely on wire racks before slicing. And there you have it—a delicious loaf of moist Southern Peach Bread!
Enjoy each slice warm or at room temperature, maybe with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. Happy baking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before dicing and adding them to the batter. This will prevent your bread from becoming too moist.
How Do I Store Leftover Peach Bread?
Store any leftover peach bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I Substitute the Buttermilk?
Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes, and it will work perfectly in this recipe.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
If you want to make this bread dairy-free, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative and replace the buttermilk with almond milk or soy milk mixed with a bit of vinegar to create a similar tanginess. Enjoy your dairy-free deliciousness!
