Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a slice of Southern Peach Bread! This delightful recipe brings together the rich, juicy flavors of ripe peaches with the comforting texture of homemade bread. Perfectly moist and bursting with flavor, Southern Peach Bread is a true testament to the culinary traditions of the South. Imagine enjoying a warm slice with a pat of butter, or perhaps paired with a cup of coffee or tea — it’s an ideal treat for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through an easy step-by-step recipe that captures the essence of Southern baking, leaving you with a delicious loaf full of homemade goodness. So, let’s dive into this baking adventure where you’ll create a mouthwatering peach-infused bread that your family and friends will love!
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (about 2–3 peaches)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
To create this scrumptious Southern Peach Bread, begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While your oven warms up, grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure your bread comes out easily once baked.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until they’re beautifully combined. This step is crucial as it forms the base of your dough, providing sweetness and moisture.
Next, take a separate bowl and whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. These dry ingredients work together to give your bread the perfect lift and flavor profile.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Gently stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix as this can lead to a dense bread. The mixture should be slightly lumpy but well-defined.
Now, fold in the star of the show: 2 cups of diced, fresh peaches. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. For an added crunch and flavor, you can also fold in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts at this stage. The nuts are completely optional but highly recommended for that extra texture!
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. Now it’s time to bake! Place your pan in the preheated oven and let it bake for 55 to 65 minutes. It’s important to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your bread is ready.
Once baked, remove your Southern Peach Bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 to 15 minutes. This will make it easier to handle. After it’s cooled slightly, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Your kitchen will smell divine!
Finally, slice and serve your Southern Peach Bread while it’s warm, or let it reach room temperature. Each bite is a delicious explosion of fresh peaches and comforting spices.
Variations
While the classic Southern Peach Bread recipe is incredibly satisfying, there are numerous variations to explore. Here are some ideas to customize your loaf:
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom to the batter for a unique twist that complements the peach flavor infinitely.
- Different Fruits: Instead of peaches, try substituting with other fruits like diced apples, pears, or even berries.
- Nutty Delight: If you prefer a different type of nut, consider using almonds or walnuts instead of pecans, or skip the nuts for a nut-free version.
- Cheesy Burst: Incorporate a cup of shredded cheddar cheese for a savory contrast to the sweetness of the peaches.
Feel free to experiment and make this bread suit your taste buds!
Cooking Notes
Before you start baking, here are some handy cooking notes to ensure your Southern Peach Bread turns out perfectly:
- Be Gentle: When mixing the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, try to stir just until incorporated. Overmixing can result in a tough loaf.
- Use Ripe Peaches: The key to a flavorful bread is using ripe, sweet peaches. They should be firm yet slightly soft to the touch. Canned or frozen peaches can be used as an alternative, but fresh is best.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool fully on a wire rack before slicing to prevent it from becoming gummy.
- Storage Tips: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Serving Suggestions
Serving Southern Peach Bread can be versatile! Here are a few pairing suggestions:
- For a delightful breakfast, serve warm slices with a dollop of cream cheese or butter.
- Pair with fresh fruit or a side of yogurt for a well-rounded brunch spread.
- Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup over each slice for an added sweetness.
Tips
- Always use room-temperature eggs to ensure better mixing and a fluffier texture.
- Muffin Version: For individual servings, use a muffin tin instead of a loaf pan. Adjust the baking time to around 20-25 minutes.
- Add a streusel topping made from brown sugar, flour, and butter before baking for added crunch.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55-65 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 25 minutes
Nutritional Information
Calories: 225 per slice
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 200mg
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen peaches for this recipe?
Yes, you can, but make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
2. How can I know when the bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, your bread is ready!
3. How should I store the leftover bread?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for up to a week.
4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
5. How can I enhance the flavor even more?
Try adding a teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla for an extra depth of flavor!
Conclusion
In conclusion, our Southern Peach Bread is more than just a delicious treat; it’s a celebration of the flavors of summer and the comforts of home. With its moist texture and delightful peachy goodness, it’s sure to become a beloved recipe in your household. Whether you serve it warm with butter or enjoy it as a part of your brunch spread, every bite is a taste of Southern hospitality. We would love to hear from you! If you try this recipe, please leave a comment below to share your thoughts or any personal twists you added. Happy baking and sharing this lovely peach bread with your friends and family!
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Southern Peach Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Description
This delightful recipe brings together the rich, juicy flavors of ripe peaches with the comforting texture of homemade bread.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (about 2–3 peaches)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the diced peaches and optional nuts until evenly combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 55 to 65 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-65 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 225 kcal
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Protein: 4 g