This Easy Southern Peach Bread is a delightful treat with sweet peaches baked right in. It’s moist, easy to make, and perfect for breakfast or snack time!
I love how my kitchen smells like a peach orchard while it bakes. It’s so simple that I sometimes make two loaves—one for me and one to share (if I want to). 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal for this recipe since it allows you to control the salt content. If you’re out of butter, you can use coconut oil or even applesauce for a lighter option.
Granulated Sugar: This gives sweetness and moisture. You can substitute with brown sugar for a deeper flavor or use a sugar alternative like coconut sugar for a healthier twist.
Peaches: Fresh peaches are best for this recipe, but you can use canned peaches in syrup or frozen peaches if that’s what you have. Just make sure to drain or thaw them first to avoid extra moisture.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds a nice tang and moisture to the bread. If you don’t have it, mix regular milk with a little lemon juice or vinegar—let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle.
How Do You Cream Butter and Sugar Effectively?
Creaming butter and sugar is a key step in baking because it helps incorporate air, giving your bread a light texture. Here’s how to do it well:
- Start with softened butter for easy mixing.
- Use an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is mixed well.
Patience is key; take your time with this step for the best results!
Easy Southern Peach Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Bread Base:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice)
Peach Layer:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (about 2 medium peaches)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious peach bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 50-60 minutes to bake, plus a little time to cool. In total, you should have this tasty treat ready to enjoy in about 1 hour and 15 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Oven and Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. This will help your bread come out easily later.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This helps give your bread a nice texture!
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract to add some warmth to the flavor.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This helps ensure the rising agents are evenly distributed.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients in two parts, alternating with the buttermilk. Start with a third of the flour mix, then half the buttermilk, followed by the next third of flour, and so on, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
6. Fold in the Peaches:
Gently fold in the diced peaches so they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. This is going to make your bread taste like summer!
7. Prepare for Baking:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. You want to make it nice and even for even baking.
8. Bake Your Bread:
Put the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready!
9. Cool and Slice:
Once done, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove it from the pan and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This will help keep it from getting soggy.
Enjoy your moist and flavorful Southern Peach Bread fresh out of the oven or toasted with a bit of butter! Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you crave a sweet treat! 🍑
FAQ for Easy Southern Peach Bread
Can I Use Canned or Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes! You can use canned peaches, just make sure to drain them well. Frozen peaches work as well, but thaw them first and pat them dry to avoid extra moisture in the batter.
How Should I Store Leftover Peach Bread?
Store any leftover peach bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also wrap it tightly and refrigerate it for up to a week. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread for up to 3 months.
Can I Substitute the Buttermilk?
Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by combining 1/2 cup of regular milk with 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken before adding to the mixture.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make this peach bread dairy-free, substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil, and use a non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk) in place of buttermilk. It will still be delicious!
