Buttermilk Peach Bread Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Buttermilk Peach Bread Recipe because it’s that perfect mix of tender, moist crumb and juicy peach bursts that feels like a warm hug in bread form. The tangy buttermilk combined with sweet peaches creates a unique flavor that’s both comforting and slightly refreshing, making it one of my go-to treats when peaches are in season or even when I have some frozen on hand. You’ll find that this bread works wonderfully for breakfast, afternoon tea, or even as a simple dessert.

When I first tried this recipe, I struggled to get the texture just right—sometimes too dense, sometimes too crumbly. But once I nailed the balance between wet and dry ingredients and tossed the peaches with a touch of lemon to prevent browning, this became a family favorite. This Buttermilk Peach Bread Recipe is easy to make, forgiving, and full of flavor, so I’m confident you’ll love it as much as I do.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Buttermilk Peach Bread Recipe plays a special role. The peaches bring juicy sweetness, the buttermilk adds moisture and tang, and the mix of sugars contributes both depth and a golden crust. Let me walk you through why these choices make the bread so inviting.

• Chopped peaches: Fresh is best in summer, but frozen peaches work well too—just thaw and drain to avoid excess moisture.
• Lemon juice: A little citrus zing that helps keep the peaches from browning and adds a subtle brightness.
• Large egg: Acts as a binder and adds richness to the bread’s crumb.
• Buttermilk: Cultured buttermilk gives that tangy flavor and keeps the bread incredibly moist.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread tender and soft without making it greasy.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a nice crust when sprinkled on top.
• Brown sugar: Provides deeper caramel notes and adds extra moisture.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a classic warm aroma.
• Almond extract: Just a hint elevates the peaches and adds complexity—you’ll find it’s a game-changer.
• Baking powder: The leavening agent that makes your bread rise beautifully.
• Coarse salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out all the flavors.
• All-purpose flour: The base that holds it all together with a tender but sturdy crumb.

Variations

One of the best parts of this Buttermilk Peach Bread Recipe is how easily you can tweak it to make it your own. Over time, I’ve tried a few fun swaps and additions that created fantastic new versions you might want to try.

• Gluten-Free Version: I replaced the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and added a teaspoon of xanthan gum; the bread still turned out incredibly moist and fluffy.
• Nutty Twist: Adding chopped toasted pecans or walnuts gives a lovely crunch and complements the peach flavor beautifully.
• Spiced Up: I like sprinkling in some cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm, cozy vibe perfect for fall.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substituting flax eggs and using plant-based buttermilk alternatives worked surprisingly well without sacrificing flavor.

How to Make Buttermilk Peach Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Peaches

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper – I always leave the ends hanging over the sides like little handles. This trick makes lifting out the bread a breeze, plus it helps you slice it neatly. Toss your chopped peaches with lemon juice to keep them looking fresh and bright inside the bread.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk the egg, cultured buttermilk, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This forms the flavorful, moist base of your bread. Make sure your egg is at room temperature for a smoother blend.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients and Flour

Next, whisk in the baking powder and coarse salt, then gradually stir in the all-purpose flour. Blend the batter just until smooth—don’t overmix or the bread could turn out tough. Finally, gently fold in the peaches so they’re evenly distributed without breaking them down too much.

Step 4: Bake and Watch Carefully

Pour your batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. I like to press a few extra chopped peaches on top for an eye-catching finish, then sprinkle a bit more granulated sugar for that lovely caramelized crust. Pop it in the oven for about 60 to 65 minutes. Resist the temptation to open the oven door early—this can cause your bread to fall. If you notice the top browning too fast toward the end, loosely cover it with foil to protect the crust.

Step 5: Cool Before Slicing

Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for around 10 minutes. Use the parchment handles to lift it onto a wire rack to cool completely. If you can’t wait and want to dig in warm, slice carefully with a sharp serrated knife to avoid tearing this soft bread.

How to Serve Buttermilk Peach Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I love serving slices of this peach bread with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a gentle spread of honey butter. Fresh peach slices or a dollop of whipped cream on the side make it extra special when you’re entertaining. Sometimes, a sprinkle of toasted almonds on top before baking adds a lovely texture contrast that everyone asks about.

Side Dishes

Pair this bread with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or afternoon snack. It also shines alongside creamy yogurt or a simple fruit salad if you want a more balanced plate. My family especially enjoys it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream when served warm as a comforting dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch or special occasion, I’ve arranged thick slices on a beautiful wooden board with fresh peaches and small bowls of whipped cream and honey for guests to customize their servings. Another fun idea is to cut the bread into cubes and serve it as part of a fruit and bread pudding or trifle. Presentation really shines when you add a few edible flowers or mint leaves for a fresh pop of color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually wrap leftover Buttermilk Peach Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it moist. It stays fresh on the countertop for about 2-3 days, but I find it disappearing so fast, it rarely lasts that long! Refrigeration can dry it out slightly, so I only do that if it’s very warm inside.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully. I slice it first, then wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. This way, you can thaw a slice or two at a time whenever the craving hits. When you’ve got ripe peaches but can’t bake right away, freezing is a great way to extend their life.

Reheating

I gently warm slices in the toaster oven or microwave for about 20 seconds to bring back the soft, fresh-baked feel. If you’re using a microwave, wrapping the slice in a damp paper towel helps keep it moist and prevents it from drying out. A light spread of butter right after heating makes it feel like it just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Buttermilk Peach Bread Recipe has truly earned a spot in my baking rotation because it’s both simple and wonderfully satisfying. I love how the peaches bring a juicy freshness to a loaf that’s tender and rich from the buttermilk. Whether you slice it warm or store it for later, it never fails to bring smiles around my table. If you’re looking to try a comforting, fruit-filled bread that turns out great even if you’re not a baking pro, give this recipe a shot—I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I do.

Print