Southern Peach Bread Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort bake that captures summer in every bite, Southern Peach Bread is about to become your new favorite treat. This golden, moist loaf is bursting with juicy peaches and a gentle sweetness that’s pure sunshine, whether you slice it for breakfast or serve it as dessert. It’s quick to make, rewarding straight from the oven, and impossible not to share—in fact, there’s a good chance you’ll end up making an extra loaf just for yourself!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Southern Peach Bread lies in its humble but flavorful lineup of kitchen staples. Each ingredient brings its own special charm, whether it’s the bright freshness of peaches or the rich moisture from sour cream—this is a recipe that’s easy but never boring.

• Peaches (1 cup, peeled and diced): The juicy star of the show; ripe summer peaches bring bursts of flavor and tenderness to every bite.
• Vegetable Oil (½ cup): Keeps the loaf incredibly moist and gives it that soft, luscious crumb.
• Sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the bread just enough, highlighting the natural flavors of the peaches.
• Eggs (2): Binds everything together while helping the bread rise and achieve a fluffy texture.
• Sour Cream (½ cup): Adds a subtle tang and extra richness, making the bread irresistibly soft.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and depth, marrying the flavors so beautifully.
• Flour (1½ cups): Forms the backbone of the bread, holding all that deliciousness together.
• Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Gives your bread just the right lift and a touch of chewiness.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors—never skip it, even in sweet bakes!

How to Make Southern Peach Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat

Kick things off by preheating your oven to 350 degrees and giving your loaf pans a thorough coating with nonstick spray. This simple step sets you up for an easy release later, so nothing gets left behind when you turn out those gorgeous loaves. You can make three mini or one large loaf—the choice depends on whether you’d rather share, or keep a bigger slice for yourself!

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, bring together the diced peaches, vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Stir gently but thoroughly. The peaches will begin to blend with the creamy base, releasing some of their juices and prepping the batter for a perfectly moist result.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle the flour, baking soda, and salt directly over the wet mixture. Stir until everything is just combined—take care not to overmix at this point. It’s completely fine if the batter is a little lumpy. Overmixing can make your bread tough, so err on the side of gentle folding.

Step 4: Fill Your Loaf Pans

Evenly divide the batter among your prepared pans. A spatula helps to coax every last bit into the corners, especially when juicy peach chunks threaten to stay behind. Smooth the tops just a little for even baking but don’t stress about perfection—this rustic loaf loves to look homemade.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide those pans into your oven and bake for 25-30 minutes (if using mini loaf pans) or 50-55 minutes for a large loaf. The kitchen will fill with the sweet, buttery scent of peaches, which doubles as a pretty fantastic timer. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, with a few moist crumbs attached.

Step 6: Cool, Slice, and Enjoy!

Once baked, let the Southern Peach Bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully remove it and set on a wire rack. This short wait helps the loaf set up for easier slicing, and the anticipation just makes the first bite all the more rewarding!

How to Serve Southern Peach Bread

Garnishes

The beauty of Southern Peach Bread is that it’s delicious as-is, but a little garnish never hurts. Try a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness. A dollop of freshly whipped cream can turn a simple slice into a show-stopping dessert.

Side Dishes

Pair your peach bread with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat, or serve alongside a bowl of juicy berries for a vibrant, summery brunch. It also works beautifully with a steaming mug of sweet tea or a hot cup of coffee.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re looking to impress, slice the bread and arrange on a platter with fresh peach slices and a scattering of mint leaves. For a little Southern flair, serve miniature slices on a tiered cake stand at a picnic or potluck—watch as they disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!”

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Southern Peach Bread keeps best when tightly wrapped in plastic or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, pop it into the fridge to maintain freshness and moisture for another day or two.

Freezing

This bread freezes exceptionally well. Wrap individual slices or whole loaves in a double layer of plastic wrap, followed by foil, then stash in the freezer for up to three months. When a craving hits, you’ll have a taste of summer at the ready.

Reheating

To enjoy the “just-baked” aroma again, simply warm a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or reheat in a toaster oven until softly heated through. Serve warm for a truly cozy treat that brings out the flavor of the peaches even more.

FAQs

Can I use canned or frozen peaches?

Absolutely! If fresh peaches aren’t in season, canned (well-drained) or frozen (thawed and patted dry) peaches work perfectly in Southern Peach Bread, so you can make this treat year-round.

Should I peel the peaches before adding them to the bread?

Peeled peaches create the softest texture, but if you’re short on time, leaving the skins on works too—they’ll add a little color and subtle chewiness.

What type of loaf pan works best?

You can use three mini loaf pans or one large loaf pan for Southern Peach Bread. Mini loaves make adorable little gifts, while a large loaf is perfect for sharing at a family breakfast table.

Can I reduce the sugar for a less-sweet bread?

Yes! You can safely cut back on sugar by a few tablespoons if you prefer your bread a touch less sweet, especially if your peaches are super ripe and flavorful.

Why does my bread sometimes sink in the middle?

Usually, bread sinks due to underbaking or overmixing the batter. Make sure to check for doneness with a toothpick and mix only until the ingredients are just combined for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

It’s truly amazing how a few simple ingredients can transform into a loaf as bright and delightful as Southern Peach Bread. If you’re ready to fill your kitchen with the unforgettable aroma of peaches and share a little slice of Southern joy, go ahead—grab those peaches and bake up some happiness today!

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