Southern Peach Bread is a delicious way to enjoy the sweet, juicy flavor of fresh peaches in a soft, moist loaf. It’s a classic Southern treat that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. This recipe is easy to follow and uses simple ingredients, making it great for both beginners and experienced bakers. Whether you want a comforting homemade bread or a tasty gift for friends, this peach bread is sure to impress.
Peaches bring a bright, fresh sweetness to the bread, capturing the essence of summer all year long. In this post, I’ll share everything you need to make this flavorful bread, along with tips to store and serve it perfectly.
Why You’ll Love This Southern Peach Bread
You’ll love Southern Peach Bread for its natural sweetness, moist texture, and easy preparation. Unlike overly sweet desserts, this bread has a fresh peach flavor that’s perfectly balanced and satisfying. It uses common ingredients, so you likely have everything on hand already.
The recipe is versatile, too — add nuts or spices to make it your own. Plus, it freezes well, so you can enjoy it anytime. This bread also brings a touch of Southern warmth and comfort to your table, making every bite feel like a little celebration.
What You’ll Need
To make this delicious Southern Peach Bread, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that combine to create a moist, flavorful loaf. Fresh or frozen peaches work beautifully here — about two cups, peeled and diced. You’ll also need all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and warm spices like cinnamon to enhance the peach flavor.
The recipe calls for eggs and buttermilk (or a buttermilk substitute like milk with a splash of lemon juice) to keep the bread tender and soft. A little vegetable oil adds moisture, while vanilla extract brings a sweet aroma that complements the peaches perfectly. Optional additions like chopped nuts or a light glaze can add extra texture and sweetness.
Gathering these ingredients is easy, and most are likely already in your pantry or fridge. This simple list means no complicated shopping trips, just fresh ingredients coming together for a classic Southern treat.
How to Make Southern Peach Bread
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a standard loaf pan. In a large bowl, mix together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
In another bowl, whisk 2 large eggs, 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice), 1/3 cup vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture just until combined — don’t overmix, or the bread may become tough.
Gently fold in 2 cups peeled and diced peaches, and if you like, 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-65 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick — it should come out clean when inserted in the center.
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps the bread set properly and ensures perfect slices.
You Must Know
Before you start baking, there are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure your Southern Peach Bread turns out perfectly every time. First, the quality of your peaches matters. Fresh, ripe peaches will provide the best flavor and sweetness, but if fresh peaches aren’t in season, frozen peaches (thawed and drained well) are a great alternative. Avoid canned peaches packed in syrup as they can add too much moisture and sweetness, altering the texture.
Secondly, measuring your ingredients accurately is essential. Use a proper measuring cup for dry and wet ingredients, and be gentle when mixing. Overmixing the batter can lead to dense, tough bread. The goal is to combine everything just until the ingredients are incorporated.
Also, keep an eye on the baking time, especially if you’re using a different pan size or oven temperature. Ovens vary, so start checking your bread around 50 minutes with a toothpick or cake tester. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your bread is done. If it’s wet, give it a few more minutes but watch carefully to prevent overbaking.
Finally, letting the bread cool before slicing is crucial. Cutting too soon can cause the bread to crumble or become gummy. Patience here guarantees clean slices and a better eating experience.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Perfect Southern Peach Bread isn’t just about following a recipe—it’s about paying attention to the details during baking. Start by preheating your oven fully to ensure even cooking. A well-preheated oven helps the bread rise properly and develop a golden crust.
Using the right pan size—usually a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan—ensures the bread cooks evenly. If your pan is smaller or larger, baking time will change, so adjust accordingly. Consider lining the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
When mixing, fold in the peaches gently to keep the fruit pieces intact and avoid turning the batter too wet. The peaches release moisture during baking, which contributes to the bread’s moist crumb, so resist squeezing them or adding extra juice.
During baking, avoid opening the oven door frequently as this causes temperature fluctuations, affecting the rise and texture. If the top starts browning too fast, loosely tent the bread with foil.
Once baking is complete, remove the bread promptly and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Cooling on a rack helps air circulate, preventing sogginess on the bottom.
With these techniques, your Southern Peach Bread will have the ideal balance of moistness, flavor, and texture every time you bake.
Add Your Touch Southern Peach Bread
One of the best parts about Southern Peach Bread is how easy it is to personalize and make your own. You can add a variety of ingredients to customize the flavor and texture to suit your preferences or the occasion. For example, mixing in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts adds a delightful crunch that pairs wonderfully with the soft, fruity bread. If you like a bit of warmth, try stirring in a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the peach flavor with cozy spices.
For those who enjoy a sweeter finish, consider drizzling a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of lemon juice over the cooled loaf. This adds a tangy sweetness that brightens the bread even more. Alternatively, a light spread of honey or cream cheese can make each slice feel extra special.
If you want to experiment, try swapping in different fruits like blueberries or raspberries alongside the peaches for a mixed-fruit variation. You can also use whole wheat flour for a nuttier, heartier bread, though this will change the texture slightly.
No matter what additions you choose, just remember to keep the batter balanced so it still bakes evenly. Have fun making this Southern classic uniquely yours!
Storing & Reheating
Proper storage is key to keeping your Southern Peach Bread fresh and delicious for days after baking. Once the bread has completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep the bread moist and prevent it from drying out for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the bread. Wrap the cooled loaf (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or container. Frozen peach bread can last up to 3 months without losing quality. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
Reheating is simple and brings the bread back to life. Warm slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F for 10 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave slices for about 20-30 seconds, but this may make the bread a little softer.
Whether you’re storing for later or serving fresh, these tips will help maintain that perfect texture and flavor every time you enjoy your Southern Peach Bread.
Chef’s Helpful Tips for Southern Peach Bread
Baking Southern Peach Bread can be a joy when you follow a few expert tips to ensure your loaf turns out perfectly every time. First, always use ripe but firm peaches — they should be sweet and fragrant but not overly mushy. This ensures your bread gets peachy flavor without becoming soggy.
Your Next Favorite Meal Awaits
Don’t skip the step of draining any thawed frozen peaches well; excess moisture can throw off the batter consistency. When mixing your ingredients, remember to combine wet and dry components gently. Overmixing develops gluten, which makes the bread dense and tough instead of light and tender.
Another tip is to test your bread for doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. If batter sticks, give it more time but avoid overbaking to keep the bread moist.
For extra flavor, lightly toast any nuts before adding them to the batter. Toasting enhances their nuttiness and adds a wonderful crunch to the finished bread.
Finally, consider baking this bread in a glass or light-colored metal pan to avoid over-browning. Dark pans absorb more heat and can cause the crust to burn before the center cooks fully.
FAQ for Southern Peach Bread
Q: Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh or frozen?
A: It’s best to avoid canned peaches packed in syrup as they add extra moisture and sweetness that can affect the texture. Fresh or frozen (thawed and drained) peaches work much better.
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Q: Can I make this bread dairy-free?
A: Yes! Substitute buttermilk with almond milk or soy milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil for moisture.
Q: How do I prevent the bread from being dry?
A: Avoid overbaking and don’t overmix the batter. Also, ensure your peaches aren’t too watery and drain them well if frozen.
Q: Can I freeze the bread?
A: Absolutely! Wrap the cooled bread tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.
Q: Can I add other fruits or nuts?
A: Yes, feel free to add nuts like pecans or walnuts and fruits like blueberries or raspberries for variations.
Conclusion
Southern Peach Bread is a delightful and easy way to bring the fresh, juicy flavor of peaches into your kitchen any time of year. Its moist texture, balanced sweetness, and inviting aroma make it a perfect treat for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible for bakers of all levels.
Whether you stick to the classic version or add your own personal twist with nuts, spices, or a glaze, this bread promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it stores well and freezes beautifully, allowing you to enjoy those warm, summery peach flavors whenever you want.
Baking Southern Peach Bread is more than just making bread — it’s about embracing the warmth and charm of Southern cooking and sharing that comfort with your family and friends. So, grab some fresh peaches, preheat your oven, and enjoy a slice of Southern sunshine right from your own oven.
Happy baking!
The Best Southern Peach Bread Recipe for Breakfast or Snack
Description
A moist, tender Southern Peach Bread bursting with fresh peach flavor. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
In another bowl, beat eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
Fold wet ingredients into dry until just combined. Do not overmix.
Gently fold in peaches and nuts (if using).
Pour batter into pan and bake 55–65 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick.
Cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm peaches for best flavor.
Avoid canned peaches in syrup to prevent excess moisture.
Let bread cool fully before slicing for clean cuts.
Freeze wrapped bread for up to 3 months.