Southern Peach Bread Recipe

Southern Peach Bread is the kind of cozy, sun-kissed treat that feels like a warm hug from grandma on a lazy summer afternoon. Bursting with juicy peaches and made with a handful of everyday ingredients, this bread offers a perfect balance of sweetness, softness, and a beautiful golden crumb. Whether you snack on it with a cup of morning coffee or serve it as a sweet side to a weekend brunch, Southern Peach Bread just might become the recipe you return to all season long.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Southern Peach Bread is simple yet indispensable, each bringing something special to the loaf. From the juicy peaches that provide bursts of fruity flavor, to the tangy sour cream that keeps every bite moist, these staples come together to create magic in your kitchen.

• Peaches (1 cup, peeled and diced): Use ripe, fresh peaches for the brightest flavor and a gorgeous fruit-studded look; frozen or canned work in a pinch.
• Vegetable oil (½ cup): This keeps the bread ultra-tender and moist, plus it blends effortlessly.
• Sugar (½ cup): Just enough sweetness to highlight those peaches and develop a golden, caramelized crust.
• Eggs (2): They bind the batter together and add richness.
• Sour cream (½ cup): This secret weapon makes your loaf extra soft with a bit of tang that brightens the flavor.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and rounds out the fruitiness of the peaches.
• Flour (1½ cups): The foundation of your bread, giving just the right structure without being heavy.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Ensures a lovely rise and light crumb, no dense loaves here!
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances every flavor note in the bread.

How to Make Southern Peach Bread

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pans

Start by setting your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s properly preheated by the time your batter is ready. Give three mini loaf pans or one large loaf pan a generous spray with nonstick cooking spray; this helps your Southern Peach Bread turn out with perfect, intact edges that pop right out of the pan.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients and Peaches

In a medium bowl, combine your diced peaches, vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together just until the eggs and oil are smoothly incorporated—the mixture will look luscious and a bit chunky from the peaches!

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle the flour, baking soda, and salt over your wet mixture. Gently fold everything together, mixing until just combined. You want a slightly thick batter speckled with peach goodness; avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.

Step 4: Fill the Pans

Carefully pour or spoon your batter evenly into the prepared pans. Give each a gentle tap on the counter to smooth the tops and remove any hidden air bubbles—this step helps ensure your loaves bake up evenly.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop your mini loaf pans into the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or bake a single large loaf for 50 to 55 minutes. You’ll know your Southern Peach Bread is done when the tops are golden brown, the kitchen smells like a little slice of summer, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Allow the bread to cool slightly in the pan, then carefully remove and transfer to a wire rack. Give it a few minutes to set before slicing—this prevents steam from making the crumb gummy. Enjoy warm, at room temperature, or even chilled!

How to Serve Southern Peach Bread

Garnishes

Dress up your slices with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of honey, or a little whipped cream for a decadent finish. A handful of fresh peach slices on top also doubles down on that beautiful fruit flavor and really makes your Southern Peach Bread shine.

Side Dishes

Pair Southern Peach Bread with a bowl of Greek yogurt and berries for a balanced breakfast, or set it alongside scrambled eggs and crisp bacon if you’re feeling classic brunch vibes. It also works as a sweet surprise on the side of a summer salad or even tucked into a picnic basket.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut thick slices and grill them lightly for a warmed, caramelized twist, or cube the bread to use in a trifle layered with whipped cream and berries. If you’re feeling fancy, try turning slices into French toast—your Southern Peach Bread becomes a whole new treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your cooled Southern Peach Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container on the counter for up to two days. For longer freshness, move it to the fridge where it keeps beautifully (and some say it tastes even better the next day).

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the bread (or individual slices) in plastic wrap, then tuck into a zip-top freezer bag. It’ll stay fresh for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in a toaster, oven, or microwave for that fresh-baked charm. If reheating a whole loaf, cover with foil and bake at 300 degrees for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use canned or frozen peaches instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Southern Peach Bread turns out delicious with well-drained canned or thawed frozen peaches. Just blot off any extra moisture before dicing and adding to your batter.

Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?

Yes, this batter makes wonderful muffins. Just divide into a greased or lined muffin tin and bake at the same temperature; start checking for doneness around 18-22 minutes.

What’s the best way to tell if my bread is baked through?

Insert a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The top will look golden and feel springy to the touch.

Can I add nuts or spices to the bread?

Definitely! A handful of chopped pecans or walnuts adds a nice crunch, and a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg enhances the peachy flavors beautifully. Just fold these extras in with your dry ingredients.

How do I prevent the bread from sticking to the pan?

Make sure to spray your pans well with nonstick spray, or line with parchment. Let the bread cool for about 10 minutes before loosening the edges with a butter knife and turning out.

Final Thoughts

Whether you bake it for a family breakfast or share it at a picnic, Southern Peach Bread is one of those recipes that always brings smiles. It’s simple, satisfying, and brimming with flavor. Give it a try—the first warm slice is always the sweetest!

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