This Moist Southern Peach Bread is a tasty treat filled with sweet peaches and warm spices. It’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack, making your home smell amazing while it bakes!
Whenever I make this, I can’t resist having a slice right out of the oven. It’s just that good! Plus, it’s super easy to whip up—just mix, pour, and bake. How simple is that?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your bread. If you want a healthier option, consider using whole wheat flour, but start by substituting half to avoid a dense texture.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Both provide moisture and richness. If you’re looking for a lighter choice, you can replace them with unsweetened applesauce or buttermilk.
Peaches: Fresh peaches are best for flavor, but if they’re out of season, canned peaches work well too. Make sure to drain them to avoid extra moisture. You can use diced pears or apples as another alternative.
Nuts: I love adding pecans for a nice crunch, but if you’re nut-free, feel free to skip them. Sunflower seeds can also be a great substitute.
What’s the Best Way to Incorporate Wet and Dry Ingredients Without Overmixing?
Mixing can make or break your bread’s texture. The key is patience when adding the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by adding one-third of your dry ingredients to the wet mixture and gently fold using a spatula or wooden spoon.
- Then, add half of your sour cream or yogurt and continue folding until incorporated.
- Repeat this process with the remaining dry ingredients and liquid, ending with the flour mixture. Stop mixing as soon as you don’t see dry flour—this prevents the bread from becoming tough!
Taking your time with this step makes a big difference, ensuring your bread stays light and moist. Happy baking!
How to Make Moist Southern Peach Bread
Ingredients You Will Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 1/2 cups fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and diced (or canned peaches, drained and chopped)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Southern Peach Bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 55 to 65 minutes to bake. You’ll spend a short while mixing the ingredients together, and then you’ll let the oven do the magic. Perfect for a cozy morning or afternoon snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or make it easier by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This step ensures your leavening and spices are evenly distributed throughout the bread. Set this bowl aside for now.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, take your softened butter and granulated sugar. Mix them together using a hand mixer or a whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes and creates a lovely texture for your bread.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Add in the vanilla extract, and stir until everything is combined nicely.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now it’s time to mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients! Add about a third of the flour mixture, then a half of the sour cream or yogurt. Continue alternating: add another third of the dry mix, then the rest of the sour cream, and finish with the remaining flour mixture. Mix until just combined — you don’t want to overmix, or your bread could turn out tough!
6. Fold in Peaches and Nuts:
Gently fold in your diced peaches and, if you’re using them, the chopped nuts. This adds that fruity punch and a delightful crunch to your bread!
7. Pour and Bake:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean when the bread is ready.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the bread out of the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This is the hardest part—waiting to slice it! When you’re ready, serve it plain or with a bit of butter spread. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Peaches?
Absolutely! You can substitute peaches with other fruits like diced pears, apples, or even berries. Just make sure the moisture content is similar to maintain the bread’s texture.
How Do I Know When the Bread Is Done Baking?
The best way to check for doneness is to insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, your Southern Peach Bread is ready. If there’s wet batter on the toothpick, bake for a few more minutes, checking frequently.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the batter up to a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before pouring it into the pan and baking.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover peach bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm it up in the microwave.