This Classic Southern Peach Bread is a warm hug in a loaf! It’s packed with juicy peaches and cozy spices that make your kitchen smell amazing.
What I love about this bread is that it’s perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. Just slice it up, toast it a bit, and slather on some butter—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Peaches: The star of this recipe! Fresh peaches give the best flavor and texture. If peaches are out of season, try using canned peaches (rinse and drain them) or even apples for a twist.
Spices: The combo of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves adds warmth. If you’re not a fan of cloves, you can leave it out or replace it with more cinnamon. Pumpkin pie spice also works great!
Buttermilk: It helps create a tender texture. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute using milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice—let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives control over saltiness, but you can use margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
How Do I Ensure My Bread is Moist and Fluffy?
Getting the right moisture in your peach bread is crucial. Here’s how:
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding the flour. Stir just until everything is combined.
- Adding diced peaches provides moisture, but if they are too wet, absorb some liquid with paper towels.
- Let the bread cool in the pan briefly before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps keep it from getting soggy.
Classic Southern Peach Bread with Warm Spices
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
Add-Ins:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh peaches, peeled, pitted, and diced
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and 60-70 minutes of baking time. You’ll also need a little time for the bread to cool before slicing, making it about 1.5 to 2 hours total before you can enjoy this delicious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to make it easy to remove the bread later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and ready for the batter.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy; this usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to add a delightful flavor to the batter.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet:
Now it’s time to mix! Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Remember not to overmix; just stir until everything is combined.
6. Fold in Peaches and Nuts:
Gently fold the diced peaches into the batter, and if you’re using them, add the chopped pecans or walnuts as well. This will give your bread a nice texture and flavor!
7. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Make sure it’s evenly distributed so it bakes evenly.
8. Bake the Bread:
Pop your loaf pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 60-70 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center of the bread; it should come out clean (a few moist crumbs are okay!).
9. Cool the Bread:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
When the bread is cool, slice it up and serve with butter or cream cheese for an extra treat. Enjoy every warm, spiced bite of your Classic Southern Peach Bread!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Canned or Frozen Peaches in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using canned peaches, be sure to drain and rinse them well to remove excess syrup. For frozen peaches, thaw and pat them dry before adding them to the batter to prevent extra moisture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover peach bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Can I Add Other Fruits or Nuts?
Yes! Feel free to mix in other fruits like apples or blueberries, or use different nuts such as almonds or hazelnuts. Just be mindful of the moisture content of any additional fruits you add!
What Can I Use Instead of Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a simple substitute by mixing 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly, then use it in the recipe.
