This Moist Southern Peach Bread is a sweet treat packed with juicy peaches and warm spices. It’s perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack!
Trust me, this bread will make your kitchen smell amazing! I love to enjoy a slice warm with a little butter—pure happiness in every bite! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of the bread, giving it structure. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Fresh Peaches: The star of the dish! You can use canned peaches if fresh ones aren’t available, but make sure to drain them well. For added flavor, you could use nectarines or plums as substitutes.
Buttermilk: It adds moisture and a nice tang. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1/2 cup of milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice, letting it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.
Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts are optional. If you have nut allergies, you can simply skip them or replace them with rolled oats for some texture.
How Do You Cream Butter and Sugar Properly?
Creaming butter and sugar is a key technique to achieve a light and fluffy texture in your bread. Here’s how to do it right:
- Ensure your butter is softened (room temperature) for easier mixing.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar using a hand mixer, or a stand mixer if you have one. Start on low speed and gradually increase.
- Mix for about 3-5 minutes until it’s pale in color and fluffy. This incorporates air into the mix, which helps the bread rise nicely.
Enjoy making this delightful peach bread! It’s sure to be a hit. 🍑
Moist Southern Peach Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
Mix-ins:
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and chopped (about 2-3 medium peaches)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes to prep and roughly 60-70 minutes to bake. Plus, don’t forget to set aside some time for cooling. Overall, you’re looking at around 1.5 to 2 hours from start to finish for a delicious loaf of peach bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray before dusting it with flour. This will help the bread come out easily once it’s baked.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and spices throughout the flour. Set this bowl aside for later.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy—this should take about 3-5 minutes. It’s crucial for getting that soft texture!
4. Mix in Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract, ensuring everything is blended smoothly.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Alternately add the flour mixture and the buttermilk to the butter mixture. Start with a bit of flour, then some buttermilk, and repeat, finishing with the flour. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix! This helps keep the bread light and fluffy.
6. Add Peaches and Nuts:
Gently fold in the chopped fresh peaches and nuts (if you’re using them). Do this carefully so you don’t smash the peaches too much! You want those lovely pieces throughout the bread.
7. Bake the Bread:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. Place it in the oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing at this point!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve plain or with a touch of butter. Enjoy your moist Southern peach bread—it’s sure to bring joy to your taste buds!
FAQ for Moist Southern Peach Bread
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches if fresh ones aren’t available! Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture before chopping and adding them to the batter. This helps prevent the bread from becoming too wet.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make this peach bread dairy-free, substitute the buttermilk with a plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Also, use a dairy-free butter alternative in place of regular butter.
How Should I Store Leftover Peach Bread?
Store any leftover peach bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I Add Other Fruits or Nuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other fruits like blueberries or raspberries, or even swap out the peaches for bananas. As for nuts, chopped almonds or hazelnuts would also work wonderfully. Just remember to adjust quantities according to your taste!
