This easy cinnamon peach bread brings together sweet peaches and cozy spices, perfect for those fall vibes. It’s soft, moist, and smells heavenly while baking!
Baking this bread is a breeze! I love slicing into it warm and spreading a little butter—yum! Plus, it makes my kitchen smell like a fall festival. 🍂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is your go-to for the perfect bread texture. If you’re gluten-free, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well here.
Peaches: Fresh peaches add so much flavor! If they’re out of season, canned or frozen (thawed) peaches can be a great substitute.
Cinnamon: An essential for that warm fall flavor! You can adjust the amount based on your preference or use pumpkin pie spice for a twist.
Sour cream or yogurt: This keeps the bread moist. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, you could use unsweetened applesauce.
Nuts: I love adding walnuts for crunch. If you prefer a nut-free option, just leave them out!
How Do I Ensure My Bread is Light and Fluffy?
To achieve that airy, delightful texture, it’s important to properly cream your butter and sugar. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Start with softened butter—it should be slightly squishy, not melted.
- Beat the butter and sugar together until the mixture is pale and fluffy, usually about 3-5 minutes. This incorporates air, which helps the bread rise.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients together gently. Overmixing can lead to a dense bread.
Easy Cinnamon Peach Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 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
- 1 1/2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (or use canned peaches, drained)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), optional
- Cinnamon sugar for topping: 1 tablespoon sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon, optional
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare. The baking time is around 55-65 minutes, and after that, let it cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a rack. So, roughly, you’ll need about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish, but most of that is hands-off time while the bread bakes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Loaf Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and grease and flour it well to prevent sticking.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg (if you’re using it). Whisk them together until they’re well mixed, and then set the bowl aside.
3. Creaming the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes!
4. Adding Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract until everything is well blended.
5. Combining Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the flour mixture alternately with the sour cream to the butter mixture. Start with a bit of flour, then add some sour cream, and keep alternating. Remember to begin and end with the flour! Mix gently until everything is just combined—no overmixing!
6. Folding in Peaches and Nuts:
Now, gently fold in the diced peaches and optional nuts into the batter. Take your time with this step to keep the batter light and airy.
7. Filling the Loaf Pan:
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. If you want to add a sweet crunch on top, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the surface.
8. Baking:
Place your pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. It might get a lovely golden brown color, too!
9. Cooling and Serving:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once it’s cool, slice it up, and enjoy your warm, comforting fall cinnamon peach bread!
Happy baking! Enjoy every bite of the deliciousness!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Peaches in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen peaches, be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before dicing. This will prevent the batter from becoming too watery.
How Can I Store Leftover Cinnamon 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, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour; however, the bread may turn out denser. If you want a lighter texture, try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.
How Do I Know When the Bread is Done Baking?
The best way to check if your bread is baked through is to insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, it’s ready! If there’s wet batter on the toothpick, it needs more time in the oven.
