This Moist Southern Peach Bread is a lovely treat packed with juicy peaches. It’s soft, sweet, and perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Honestly, who can resist that sweet peachy smell wafting from the oven? I always make extra to share, but I end up keeping most for myself! 😄
I love how simple this bread is to whip up. Just mix, pour, and bake! Plus, it’s great for using up ripe peaches. Enjoy a slice warm with a little butter for a cozy moment!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Peaches: Fresh peaches make this bread so moist and flavorful. If peaches aren’t in season, you can use canned or frozen peaches instead. Just make sure they’re well-drained!
Sour Cream: I love using sour cream for its tangy flavor and moisture. Greek yogurt is a great alternative if you’re looking for something a little healthier. You could even try buttermilk for a different taste!
Butter: Butter adds richness to this bread. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with vegetable oil or coconut oil, but it might slightly change the flavor and texture.
How Do You Ensure Moisture in Your Bread?
To keep your peach bread nice and moist, use these helpful tips:
- Don’t overmix the batter; mix just until the dry and wet ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bread.
- Using ripe, juicy peaches is key! They not only flavor the bread but also add moisture.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for a bit before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps retain some moisture.
If you follow these tips, you’ll have a delightful peach bread every time! Enjoy a slice warm or toasted with a pat of butter for a tasty treat!
Moist Southern Peach Bread Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup peeled, diced fresh peaches (about 2 medium peaches)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1/4 cup milk
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious peach bread recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then 60-70 minutes to bake in the oven. After baking, you’ll want to let it cool for a bit to reach the perfect slicing temperature. So, set aside about 1.5 hours to enjoy this delightful treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab a 9×5 inch loaf pan and grease it with butter or cooking spray, then dust it lightly with flour. This ensures your bread comes out easily after baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). This step helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices throughout the flour. Once mixed, set it aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is important because it incorporates air into the butter, giving your bread a nice texture.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time until well combined. Then add the vanilla extract and mix until everything is smooth and creamy.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients:
Stir in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and milk until the mixture is well combined. This gives the bread a wonderful moisture and flavor.
6. Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Mix just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. You want your bread to be light and fluffy!
7. Fold in the Peaches:
Gently fold in the diced fresh peaches, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
8. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even baking.
9. Bake:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it towards the end, as oven temperatures can vary.
10. Cool and Enjoy:
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your moist southern peach bread warm with a bit of butter, or at room temperature with your favorite drink!
Bon appétit! 🍑
FAQ about Moist Southern Peach Bread
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen peaches before using them in the recipe. This helps prevent extra moisture from making your bread soggy.
How Do I Store Leftover Peach Bread?
Store any leftover 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 refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying again!
Can I Substitute the Sour Cream?
Yes, you can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier option, or even buttermilk if you have it on hand. Each will yield a slightly different flavor and texture, but all are delicious!
What’s the Best Way to Serve This Bread?
This bread is delightful on its own, but you can serve it warm with a pat of butter, cream cheese, or even a drizzle of honey for added sweetness. It’s also great with tea or coffee!
