This Moist Southern Peach Bread is a sweet treat that pairs perfectly with your morning coffee or as a snack. Filled with juicy peaches, it’s soft and oh-so-delicious!
I love how the smell of peaches baking fills the kitchen! Every bite tastes like summer, and trust me, it’s hard to resist having a second slice. 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of our bread, giving it structure. For a gluten-free option, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend!
Peaches: Fresh peaches make the bread juicy and flavorful. If they’re out of season, use canned peaches (drained) or even frozen ones. They’ll still taste great!
Sour Cream: It keeps the bread moist. Greek yogurt can be a perfect substitute and adds a nice tangy flavor.
Spices: The cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and depth. You can adjust the amounts or swap them for pumpkin pie spice for a yummy twist.
Nuts: I love adding pecans for crunch, but feel free to leave them out if you’re nut-free or use almonds instead!
How Do I Ensure the Bread is Moist?
Keeping your peach bread moist is all about mixing and baking! Here are some tips:
- Don’t overmix the batter! Just combine wet and dry ingredients until you see no flour—this keeps it tender.
- Test for doneness using a toothpick—it should come out clean but not dry. Ovens can vary, so start checking around the 60-minute mark.
- Let the bread cool in the pan first; this helps retain moisture. When you transfer it to a rack, let it cool completely for the best texture.
Trust me, these simple tips will make your peach bread perfectly moist and delicious! Enjoy baking!
How to Make Moist Southern Peach Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 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 plain yogurt
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (about 2-3 medium peaches)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare and around 60 to 70 minutes to bake. After baking, let the bread cool for about 10 minutes in the pan, then move it to a wire rack to cool completely. All in all, you can enjoy this sweet treat in just about 1.5 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep Your Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to make sure the bread doesn’t stick.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This mix will give our bread delicious flavor and rise. Set it aside for now.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, take softened butter and granulated sugar, and cream them together using a mixer until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each one. Then add the vanilla extract for a lovely aroma and flavor.
5. Incorporate the Sour Cream:
Mix in the sour cream (or yogurt) until everything is well combined. This adds moisture to our bread, making it tender and delicious.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry flour mix to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Remember, don’t overmix, or the bread could turn out dense!
7. Fold in Peaches and Nuts:
Now, gently fold in the diced fresh peaches and the optional nuts if you’re using them. This is where the wonderful peach flavor comes in!
8. Bake the Bread:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Place it in the oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it as it approaches the 60-minute mark!
9. Cooling Time:
Once it’s done baking, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Slice and Serve:
Once cool, slice your peach bread and serve it plain or add a bit of butter on top. Enjoy every moist and flavorful bite!
FAQ for Moist Southern Peach Bread
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, frozen peaches work great! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture before adding them to the batter. This will help maintain the bread’s texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Peach Bread?
Store any leftover peach bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it well in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 3 months!
Can I Substitute Yogurt for Sour Cream?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute for sour cream and will still keep your bread moist with a slightly tangy flavor. Use the same amount as specified in the recipe.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) instead of eggs, and replace sour cream with a dairy-free yogurt. Adjust baking time as needed!
