There’s nothing quite like the aroma of Southern Peach Bread wafting through your kitchen—warming every corner with the promise of something truly special. This loaf is the perfect celebration of juicy peaches and tender crumb, all wrapped up in pure Southern comfort. Whether you’re slicing it up for a laid-back breakfast, a sweet afternoon snack, or a dessert that feels a little like home, Southern Peach Bread always brings joy. It’s rich, moist, and beautifully spiced—each bite is a reminder of how magical simple, honest flavors can be.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Southern Peach Bread so beautiful is the way humble, everyday ingredients come together to create something extraordinary. Each element plays its own important role, lending flavor, softness, or a touch of Southern character that’s impossible to resist.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure for the loaf and gives it a tender crumb.
- Baking soda: Gives the bread its rise and light texture—don’t skip it!
- Baking powder: Helps boost the bread’s rise for a perfectly domed loaf.
- Salt: Accentuates the sweetness of the peaches and balances the flavors.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds a touch of warmth and classic Southern spice.
- Ground nutmeg: A subtle but beautiful background note that makes the peach flavor pop.
- Unsalted butter, softened: The secret to rich, moist bread—make sure it’s at room temperature for the best texture.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread and helps give it a lovely golden crust.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture for a soft, tender loaf.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the round, comforting flavors of the bread.
- Sour cream or plain yogurt: Keeps every slice extra moist and adds a bit of tang to highlight the peaches.
- Peeled and diced fresh peaches (or well-drained canned peaches): The star of the show—ripe, juicy pieces in every bite!
- Chopped pecans (optional): For a satisfying crunch and traditional Southern flair.
How to Make Southern Peach Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F, setting the stage for the cozy golden loaf to come. Grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and grease it well—it’s worth a thorough job to ensure that your Southern Peach Bread slides out perfectly later. A little prep here means no sticking and a beautiful, bakery-worthy presentation.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This quick step blends all the leaveners and spices into the flour, so you’ll get an even flavor and perfect rise throughout your bread.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. This is where the magic starts—the more air you whip in, the softer your Southern Peach Bread will be. Don’t rush things; give it a good mix for a couple of minutes.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
Now, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract and your choice of sour cream or plain yogurt. These wet ingredients come together to make the batter luscious and moist, ensuring every bite of your bread is dreamy.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined. At this point, go slow—overmixing can make the bread tough. You’re aiming for a thick, smooth batter that’s only just mixed through.
Step 6: Fold in Peaches and Pecans
This is where the Southern Peach Bread truly shines! Carefully fold the diced peaches into the batter, savoring the way the dough welcomes those sweet bits of fruit. If you’re using pecans, toss those in now, too, for extra crunch and Southern character.
Step 7: Fill the Pan and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. For a special touch, sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar over the surface. Slide it into the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the kitchen smells like a Georgia orchard!
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes—this helps it firm up and makes it easier to remove. Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely (if you can wait that long!). Southern Peach Bread tastes even better as the flavors settle, so savor every slice.
How to Serve Southern Peach Bread
Garnishes
Add an extra flourish with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of honey, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A few extra peach slices on top lend color and freshness. Serving Southern Peach Bread slightly warm with butter is also a heavenly experience—pure Southern charm in every bite!
Side Dishes
Pair your bread with a chilled glass of sweet tea for the ultimate Southern moment. It also goes beautifully with creamy vanilla yogurt or a fruit salad that echoes the peachy theme. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fluffy scrambled eggs or a handful of fresh berries.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the loaf thick and toasting it gently—spread with mascarpone or whipped cream cheese for a decadent treat. Cut your Southern Peach Bread into cubes for a delicious bread pudding or trifle, or use it as the base for peach shortcake at your next summer gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Southern Peach Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The flavors deepen and the texture gets even more luxurious after a day or two—this is one loaf that just gets better with time!
Freezing
For longer storage, Southern Peach Bread freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices (or the whole loaf) tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, or let slices come to room temperature on the counter before enjoying.
Reheating
If you like your bread warm, gently reheat slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, or toast them lightly in a toaster oven. The peaches become extra juicy and the aromas return in full force—it’ll smell like you just baked it!
FAQs
Can I use frozen peaches in Southern Peach Bread?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the batter. Pat them dry with paper towels and proceed as usual for wonderful results.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
Plain yogurt works just as well—Greek or regular varieties both deliver a moist crumb and slight tang. You can even use buttermilk for an extra layer of Southern flair, though the batter may be a bit thinner.
How do I keep the peaches from sinking to the bottom?
Toss diced peaches lightly in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps suspend them throughout for perfect, fruity bites in every slice of your Southern Peach Bread.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite measure-for-measure gluten-free baking flour. Just check that all other ingredients (like baking powder) are certified gluten-free for safety.
What size loaf pan should I use?
A standard 9×5-inch loaf pan is ideal. If you’re using a different size, watch the baking time as it may be slightly shorter or longer. The toothpick test is your best friend for perfect doneness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something irresistible about pulling a loaf of Southern Peach Bread from the oven—it just radiates warmth and welcomes everyone to the table. I hope you’ll be inspired to bake up this delicious treat and make it a new staple in your own kitchen. Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and let the sweet, sunny flavor of peaches brighten your day!
Print
Southern Peach Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices)
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of the South with this moist and flavorful Southern Peach Bread. Loaded with fresh peaches and warm spices, this easy-to-make bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups peeled and diced fresh peaches (or well-drained canned peaches)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and sour cream.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined. Gently fold in diced peaches and pecans if using.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50–60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the top before baking.
- This bread tastes even better the next day and freezes well.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
