Description
This Southern Peach Bread is a sweet and moist quick bread bursting with fresh peaches and warm spices, perfect for a comforting breakfast or afternoon snack. Enhanced with buttery pecans and a cinnamon-brown sugar topping, it’s a classic Southern treat that is easy to prepare and bake to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
Fruit and Nuts
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (or 1 can of peaches, drained and chopped)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Topping
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Whisk well to distribute the spices and leavening agents evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, providing a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition to ensure full incorporation. Stir in the vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk. Mix just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the bread.
- Fold in Peaches and Pecans: Gently fold the diced fresh or canned peaches and chopped pecans (if using) into the batter with a spatula to maintain the fruit’s texture and nut crunch.
- Prepare Batter in Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.
- Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter’s surface to create a sweet, spiced crust.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in Pan: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes in the pan to set properly before removing.
- Remove from Pan and Cool Completely: Run a knife around the edge of the bread to loosen it, then invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess at the bottom.
- Serve: Once cooled, slice into thick pieces and serve warm or at room temperature to enjoy the full flavor and moist texture.
Notes
- Fresh peaches provide the best flavor and texture, but canned peaches can be used as a convenient alternative; be sure to drain well.
- If you prefer a nut-free version, omit the pecans without affecting the overall taste significantly.
- The bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- For an extra touch, serve slices with a spread of butter or cream cheese.
- Make sure to not overmix the batter to keep the bread tender and moist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
