Southern Peach Bread Recipe

If you’ve spent a lazy summer afternoon in the South, you know that nothing says comfort quite like a thick slice of Southern Peach Bread. Bursting with juicy sweet peaches and swirled with cozy spices, this easy quick bread is pure sunshine in loaf form—perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a little pick-me-up any time of day.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Southern Peach Bread is that it starts with everyday ingredients, each playing a key role in the loaf’s heavenly flavor, soft crumb, and that irresistible golden crust. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Butter, softened (for greasing): Adds an extra layer of richness and helps create that signature buttery crust.
• Granulated sugar (for dusting): Sprinkled in the loaf pan, it caramelizes as the bread bakes, giving extra crunch and sweetness on the edges.
• Flour: The sturdy foundation for your bread, providing structure and a tender crumb.
• Salt: Just enough to balance the sweet peaches and bring out all the flavors.
• Baking powder: The leavening agent that ensures a good rise and light texture.
• Light brown sugar: Adds more depth and moisture than white sugar, making the bread taste almost caramel-like.
• Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves: This classic Southern spice blend brings warmth and a cozy aroma that pairs beautifully with juicy peaches.
• Eggs: Help bind the batter together for a soft, sliceable loaf.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the crumb moist and delicate without overpowering the fruity flavor.
• Milk: Adds tender richness for a plush bite every time.
• Peaches, peeled and chopped: The star of the show! Fresh peaches make all the difference—taste bright, sweet, and add gorgeous pops of color.

Variations

Don’t be afraid to make this Southern Peach Bread your own! It’s super flexible—whether you’re adjusting for what’s in your pantry, dietary preferences, or just craving an extra twist, these simple swaps keep things exciting.

• Add Crunch with Nuts: Fold chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for a toasty bite and extra Southern flair.
• Go Dairy-Free: Substitute your favorite non-dairy milk (like almond or oat) and a neutral oil to make this loaf totally dairy-free.
• Try Other Fruits: Swap part of the peaches for fresh nectarines or blueberries for a colorful, fruity spin.
• Make it a Muffin: Scoop the batter into muffin tins for perfectly portable, peachy treats—just reduce your bake time!

How to Make Southern Peach Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F. Generously grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with softened butter, making sure to get into the corners. Sprinkle in a tablespoon of granulated sugar, turning the pan so it sticks to all the buttery sides. This creates a sweet, crackly crust that’s totally irresistible.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In your largest mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. This makes sure all those fragrant spices are evenly distributed—so every slice is bursting with flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, vegetable oil, and milk until smooth. This mixture gives the bread its soft, moist texture and helps everything come together smoothly.

Step 4: Make the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined—don’t over-mix! Over-stirring can make the bread tough instead of tender. A few loose streaks of flour are perfectly fine here.

Step 5: Fold in the Peaches

Now for the main event: add the chopped peaches. Carefully fold them in so you don’t squash the fruit—this way, you’ll have juicy peach pockets throughout your loaf.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and your kitchen will smell heavenly by the time it’s done!

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully loosen the sides and turn it out onto a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing—trust me, it’s worth the wait (and helps the bread hold together beautifully).

How to Serve Southern Peach Bread

Garnishes

Dress up your Southern Peach Bread with a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or a swirl of vanilla glaze. For breakfast, a pat of creamy butter melting into a warm slice is pure heaven!

Side Dishes

For a morning treat, pair a slice with strong coffee or sweet tea, plus crisp bacon or scrambled eggs for a Southern-inspired brunch. As dessert, try serving the bread alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a real showstopper.

Creative Ways to Present

Southern Peach Bread is just as lovely cut into thick slabs for your next picnic or sliced thin for afternoon tea. You can even toast slices briefly and serve with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of toasted nuts for an elevated, crave-worthy snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your bread is completely cool, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Southern Peach Bread will stay fresh and moist at room temperature for up to 3 days—if it lasts that long!

Freezing

If you want to savor the taste of summer later on, just slice the cooled loaf, wrap each piece in parchment, and seal in a freezer bag. Frozen slices of peach bread will keep beautifully for up to 3 months—just thaw on the counter or warm gently before enjoying.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked taste, pop a slice in the toaster or microwave for a few seconds. If you’re feeling extra, add a pat of butter for a bakery-fresh experience every time.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a sweet slice of Southern hospitality, this Southern Peach Bread will absolutely win your heart. There’s magic in the way simple peaches and spice come together—so bake a loaf soon and share a little warmth (and a lot of flavor) with the people you love.

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