Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite way to bake with fresh peaches! Southern peach bread is like a warm hug on a plate, filled with the sweet, juicy goodness of ripe peaches. The moment you slice into it, the aroma just sweeps through your kitchen, making you feel all cozy and happy. It’s not just for breakfast, either—this delightful bread can easily bridge the gap between a sweet morning start and a decadent dessert. Honestly, it’s so versatile! I love to enjoy a slice with my coffee in the morning or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream after dinner. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked on this delicious combination of flavors and textures! You’re going to want to make it again and again.
Ingredients for Southern Peach Bread
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped fresh peaches (make sure they’re ripe for the best flavor!)
How to Prepare Southern Peach Bread
Prepping the Oven and Ingredients
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures your bread bakes evenly and beautifully. While that’s warming up, gather all your ingredients. Having everything ready to go makes the process so much smoother, and trust me, you’ll appreciate not having to scramble for things when you’re in the zone!
Mixing the Batter
Alright, now let’s dive into the fun part! In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this will take about 2-3 minutes. I find that using an electric mixer makes this part a breeze! Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure everything’s combined perfectly. Then, stir in that lovely vanilla extract, which will add a wonderful aroma to your batter. It’s all about building layers of flavor here, so don’t rush this step! Once that’s done, you’ve created a luscious base for your peach bread.
Adding Dry Ingredients and Peaches
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This is key to ensuring your bread rises evenly. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix! Now, here comes the exciting part: fold in those chopped fresh peaches. Use a spatula and fold them in gently to keep that lovely airiness in your batter. You want every bite to be bursting with peach goodness!
Baking the Bread
Now it’s time to pour that beautiful batter into a greased loaf pan, making sure it’s evenly spread out. Pop it in the oven and let it bake for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. It’s a good idea to check it a few minutes early, just in case your oven runs a bit hot. The aroma will be heavenly, and you’ll be counting down the minutes until you can dig in!
Tips for Success with Southern Peach Bread
To make sure your southern peach bread turns out absolutely perfect, start with the ripest peaches you can find—this really elevates the flavor! If you want to mix things up a bit, consider adding some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. You can also sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg to give it a warm, cozy vibe. And don’t forget, if you have leftovers (which is rare!), this bread freezes beautifully, so you can enjoy a slice anytime you need a little peachy pick-me-up. Trust me, these small adjustments can make a big difference!
Nutritional Information for Southern Peach Bread
Each slice of this delightful southern peach bread packs about 180 calories, making it a sweet treat you can enjoy guilt-free! With 7 grams of fat and 2 grams of protein, it’s a nice balance for breakfast or dessert. You’ll also find 28 grams of carbohydrates and 10 grams of sugar in every slice. Just remember, these values are estimates, so feel free to adjust based on your ingredients!
FAQ About Southern Peach Bread
How should I store leftover southern peach bread?
To keep your bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, pop it in the freezer, where it can last for up to 2 months!
Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?
While fresh peaches offer the best flavor and texture, canned peaches can work in a pinch. Just make sure to drain them well to avoid adding excess moisture to your batter.
How do I know when the bread is done?
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your bread is ready to come out of the oven!
Can I add other fruits or nuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other fruits like blueberries or chopped apples, and nuts like pecans or almonds for added crunch and flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Southern Peach Bread
- Moist and tender texture that melts in your mouth
- Infused with fresh peaches for a burst of natural sweetness
- Easy to prepare, making it perfect for bakers of all levels
- Versatile enough to enjoy for breakfast, dessert, or a snack
- Can be customized with nuts or spices for an extra flavor kick
- Freezes beautifully, so you can savor it anytime!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your southern peach bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it later, freeze it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, just thaw it overnight in the fridge. For a warm slice, pop it in the microwave for a few seconds—just enough to bring back that delightful softness without drying it out!
Print
Southern Peach Bread: 7 Reasons to Savor Every Slice
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Southern peach bread is a moist, sweet bread infused with fresh peaches, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped fresh peaches
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in chopped peaches.
- Pour batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before slicing.
Notes
- Use ripe peaches for the best flavor.
- This bread freezes well.
- Consider adding nuts or spices for variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: southern peach bread, peach bread, fruit bread