This moist Southern Peach Bread is like a warm hug from the South. Sweet peaches and a dash of cinnamon make each bite feel like summer.
Whenever I bake this, my kitchen smells amazing! I love spreading a little butter on a warm slice. Trust me, it’s hard to stop at one! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh peaches are the star here! You can use frozen peaches if fresh ones aren’t in season; just thaw and drain them first. I usually prefer ripe peaches for their sweetness and juicy texture.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the salt level. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute for a similar outcome.
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1/4 cup of regular milk with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes to curdle—it’s an easy substitution!
Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly, but you can also use whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste and extra fiber—just adjust the liquid slightly if needed.
How Do I Make Sure My Peach Bread is Moist?
Keeping your peach bread moist is essential! Here are a few tips:
- Don’t overmix the batter. Mixing just until combined keeps the bread light.
- Use ripe peaches since they add moisture and flavor. Cut them into small pieces for even distribution.
- Adding buttermilk or a substitute introduces extra moisture. It enhances the texture of the bread.
Another tip? Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing. This helps set its structure and keeps it from crumbling! Enjoying a slice with a pat of butter makes for a cozy treat!
How to Make Moist Southern Peach Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup fresh peaches, peeled and diced (about 2 medium peaches)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup buttermilk (or regular milk if unavailable)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 15-20 minutes of prep time, plus around 50-60 minutes of baking time. Don’t forget about a bit of cooling time before slicing! So, overall, you are looking at about 1.5 hours until you can enjoy your delicious peach bread.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your bread bakes evenly. While it’s heating up, grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This will help your bread come out easily once it’s baked.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s nice and fluffy. This step is important! It adds air into the mixture, which helps keep the bread light and moist.
3. Add the Eggs:
Next, crack in the eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each addition. This helps incorporate everything smoothly without any lumps. Then, fold in the diced fresh peaches gently with a spatula. The peaches will make the bread extra moist and flavorful!
4. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients separately helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the batter.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to combine everything! Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the flour mixture (dry ingredients). Don’t overmix here—just stir until everything is combined and there are no dry patches!
6. Pour and Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top for an even bake. Pop it into the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. You want to bake it until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean—that means it’s ready!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let your peach bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice it up and enjoy it plain or spread with a bit of butter for an extra treat!
This bread is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. Enjoy your delightful baking journey!
FAQ for Moist Southern Peach Bread
Can I Use Frozen Peaches for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen peaches, just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid to avoid making the batter too soggy. Dice them and you’re good to go!
How Should 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, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying!
Can I Substitute the Buttermilk with Regular Milk?
Yes, if you don’t have buttermilk, regular milk works just fine! You can also make a simple buttermilk substitute by mixing 1/4 cup of regular milk with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for a few minutes before adding it to the batter.
What Can I Add for Extra Flavor?
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or even a bit of grated lemon or orange zest for a citrusy twist. Spices like nutmeg or ginger can also add a delicious depth to your peach bread!
