This Moist Southern Peach Bread is a sweet treat that’s full of juicy peaches and warm spices. It’s like a hug in a loaf—perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Whenever I make this bread, my house smells amazing. I love enjoying a slice warm with a little butter. It’s easy to bake, and it brings smiles every time! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness to the bread. You can substitute with brown sugar for a richer taste, or use coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index.
Butter: Unsalted butter is used here for control over salt content. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or a plant-based butter works well too.
Peaches: Fresh peaches give the best flavor, but you can use canned peaches if that’s all you have—just make sure to drain them well. Frozen peaches can also work; just thaw and drain excess moisture.
Buttermilk: This adds moisture and tenderness. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can create a substitute by mixing milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.
How Do I Ensure My Peach Bread is Super Moist?
To achieve a moist texture, focus on a few key steps. First, cream the butter and sugar well to incorporate air, which keeps the bread light. Avoid overmixing after adding the flour, as this can make the bread dense. Lastly, check your peaches—moist, ripe ones will help keep the bread juicy.
- Do not skip the buttermilk—it’s essential for moisture!
- Let the bread cool slightly in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to prevent it from getting soggy.
- Store any leftovers tightly wrapped to maintain its moisture.
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 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (or canned peaches, drained)
- 1/4 cup buttermilk or milk
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious peach bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 55-65 minutes to bake. After baking, it needs to cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack. You’ll be enjoying this warm, moist bread in just under 1.5 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or you can line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking. This will make sure your bread comes out nicely!
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, add your softened butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process adds air, making your bread soft and airy!
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract to add some lovely flavor to your bread.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves if you’re using them. This ensures that all your dry ingredients are evenly mixed and ready to combine with the wet ingredients.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until everything is combined. Don’t overmix—this keeps your bread from getting tough.
6. Fold in the Peaches and Nuts:
Gently fold in the diced peaches and chopped nuts if you’re using them. This will distribute the juicy peaches throughout the batter for delicious bites!
7. Pour and Smooth the Batter:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top evenly; this helps it bake nicely.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bread should be golden brown and firm to the touch.
9. Cool Before Slicing:
When done, take the bread out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This makes it easier to remove without falling apart. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Slice and Enjoy:
Once cooled, slice the bread and serve. Enjoy your moist Southern peach bread plain, or with a pat of butter or your favorite spread. It’s a delightful treat any time of the day!
FAQ for Moist Southern Peach Bread
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen peaches! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using them in the recipe. This will help prevent your bread from becoming too watery.
How Do I Store Leftover Peach Bread?
To keep your peach bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, you can freeze it by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then placing it in a freezer bag. It should keep well for up to 3 months!
Can I Add Other Fruits or Nuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment by adding other fruits like blueberries or strawberries. Just keep in mind that additional wet fruit might change the texture slightly. As for nuts, you can swap pecans or walnuts for almonds or leave them out altogether if you prefer. The choice is yours!
What Should I Serve with Peach Bread?
This peach bread is delicious on its own, but you can enhance your experience by serving it with a dollop of whipped cream, a smear of butter, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. Enjoy! 🍑
