This moist Southern peach bread is a delightful treat packed with juicy peaches and warm spices. It’s perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack anytime!
Trust me, you’ll want to make this bread when peaches are in season! I love to enjoy a slice with a cup of coffee—it feels like a warm hug on a plate. 🍑☕️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the main structure for the bread. If you’re gluten-free, a gluten-free flour blend can work too. It will change the texture slightly, but it’ll still be tasty.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal here for better control over saltiness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could substitute half the butter with applesauce.
Sour Cream or Yogurt: This adds moisture and a slight tang. If you need a dairy-free option, go for a plant-based yogurt or even mashed banana for a unique twist!
Fresh Peaches: Fresh is best, but you can substitute with canned peaches if fresh isn’t available. Just be sure to drain them well. Frozen peaches work too; simply thaw and drain excess moisture.
Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch, but feel free to skip them if you prefer a nut-free loaf.
How Do You Ensure Your Peach Bread is Moist?
To keep your Southern peach bread nice and moist, there are a few key tips to follow:
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the bread tough.
- Use Ripe Peaches: The riper your peaches, the juicier and more flavorful they’ll be. Look for ones that smell sweet and feel slightly soft.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking at 55 minutes. Insert a toothpick, and when it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, you’re set!
- Cooling Time: Allow the bread to cool in the pan a bit before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps it set without drying out.
These small steps will help you achieve a wonderfully moist and delicious peach bread every time! 🍑
Moist Southern Peach Bread Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (about 2-3 medium peaches)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Time Needed:
This moist Southern peach bread requires about 15 minutes of prep time and 60-70 minutes of baking time. After that, allow for about 10 minutes of cooling in the pan before it can cool completely on a wire rack. In total, you’ll spend roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes (or so) to get from start to enjoying your delicious bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan so your bread won’t stick when it’s done baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This combination adds wonderful flavor and helps your bread rise nicely. Once mixed, set it aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or a whisk until it’s light and fluffy. This step is important for creating a nice texture in your bread.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Now, beat in the eggs one at a time to make sure they’re well incorporated. After that, stir in the vanilla extract—it will make everything smell amazing!
5. Combine with Sour Cream:
Add in the sour cream (or yogurt) and mix until everything is blended together smoothly. This is what keeps your bread moist!
6. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to your wet mixture. Stir gently just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your bread can become tough.
7. Fold in Peaches and Nuts:
Gently fold in the diced peaches and any nuts you’ve chosen to include. This adds a delicious fruity texture throughout your bread.
8. Pour and Spread Batter:
Carefully pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. It should look nice and full!
9. Bake to Perfection:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Cool Down:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before transferring the bread onto a wire rack. This helps it cool evenly.
11. Slice and Enjoy:
After the bread has cooled completely, slice it up and enjoy your moist Southern peach bread! It’s perfect on its own or with a little butter or cream cheese.
This bread stays moist for several days when stored in an airtight container. Plus, it freezes well for longer storage, so feel free to save some for later!
FAQ for Moist Southern Peach Bread
Can I Use Frozen Peaches in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! If using frozen peaches, make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess moisture. This will help keep your bread from becoming too soggy.
How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber. Also, consider reducing the sugar to 3/4 cup or using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, adjusting the liquid accordingly.
Can I Make This Bread Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can bake the bread a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature. If you prefer, you can also slice it and freeze individual pieces for a quick snack later.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover peach bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for about a week. You can also freeze slices; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
