This Easy Southern Peach Bread is a sweet, moist treat packed with juicy peach pieces. It’s perfect for breakfast or a tasty snack!
I love to enjoy it warm, maybe with a bit of butter melting on top. Trust me, you’ll want to share it—but you might just keep it all to yourself! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your loaf. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend can be used. I find that keeping it simple with regular flour gives the best rise and texture.
Fresh Peaches: Fresh, seasonal peaches are best for flavor. If peaches aren’t available, try using canned peaches (drained) or even substituting apples or pears for a different twist. It’ll change the flavor but still be tasty!
Greek Yogurt/Sour Cream: Using Greek yogurt adds moisture and a nice tang. If you’re dairy-free, you can use unsweetened almond or coconut yogurt. I sometimes use applesauce for a different taste and extra moisture!
Vegetable Oil: While vegetable oil works well, you can substitute it with melted coconut oil for a hint of coconut flavor. Olive oil is also a great choice, but opt for a light olive oil to keep the flavor subtle.
How Do I Ensure My Peach Bread Turns Out Moist?
To keep your peach bread moist, pay special attention to the mixing and baking processes. Here are some tips:
- Don’t overmix the batter! Mixing just until combined helps maintain a light texture.
- Add diced peaches in the folding step, gently incorporating them to avoid breaking them down.
- Check for doneness early. Ovens can vary, and if you cook too long, the bread could dry out.
- Using yogurt or sour cream adds moisture. If you don’t have either, consider adding a splash of milk or a bit more oil to give it a softer texture.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for a bit to retain moisture before transferring to a rack.
With these tips in mind, you’ll have a deliciously moist peach bread the whole family will enjoy!
Easy Southern Peach Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh peaches, peeled and diced (about 1 large peach)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (for moisture)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 50-60 minutes to bake. After baking, let it cool for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Total time: about 1 hour and 25 minutes, including cooling!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This helps the bread come out easily when it’s done baking!
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This will ensure your leavening agents are evenly distributed in the flour, which is key to a well-risen bread.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Mix this well until it’s nicely blended. It may be a bit thick; that’s okay!
4. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. This will add wonderful flavor to your bread!
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gently mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if a few lumps remain!
6. Add Peaches and Yogurt:
Fold in the Greek yogurt (or sour cream) and diced peaches very gently. This step is all about making sure those juicy peach pieces are evenly distributed throughout the batter without breaking them up too much.
7. Pour Into Loaf Pan:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Make sure it’s evenly spread out for even baking.
8. Bake the Bread:
Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean—with just a few crumbs sticking to it.
9. Cool the Bread:
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps preserve moisture so your bread stays nice and fluffy!
10. Slice and Serve:
Once cooled, slice the bread and serve! It’s delicious on its own, or you can enjoy it with a pat of butter or a light spread of cream cheese. Enjoy this sweet, peachy treat!
Enjoy this moist, warmly spiced Southern treat filled with the sweet flavor of fresh peaches!
FAQ for Easy Southern Peach Bread
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before dicing. Frozen peaches may be a bit softer, so you might want to reduce the mixing time to avoid making the batter too mushy.
How Should I Store Leftover Peach Bread?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months! Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Can I Make This Recipe Egg-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, left to sit until thickened). This will help maintain moisture while keeping it egg-free!
What Can I Serve with Peach Bread?
This peach bread is fantastic on its own, but for a treat, try serving it with a spread of cream cheese, a dollop of whipped cream, or even some homemade peach preserves. It also pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee!
