If there’s one treat that can instantly bring the warmth and sweetness of a Southern kitchen to your table, it’s this classic Southern Peach Bread Recipe. Imagine tender, moist bread bursting with fresh peaches, accented by cozy spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and topped with a crispy, caramelized cinnamon-brown sugar crust. This bread isn’t just a dessert or snack — it’s a comforting bite of Southern hospitality that fills your home with an irresistible aroma. Whether you’re baking it for breakfast, dessert, or a gift, this Southern Peach Bread Recipe is pure joy in every slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step to nailing this Southern Peach Bread Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role: the flour and leavening agents create the soft structure, the peaches add juicy sweetness and moisture, the spices bring those classic Southern flavors alive, and the brown sugar topping offers a delightful crunch.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides a tender crumb and the perfect foundation for the bread.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bread rise beautifully and stay light.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to give extra lift.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warm, fragrant spice throughout the bread.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A subtle, nutty note that complements the peaches perfectly.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and moisture to each bite.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread without overpowering the natural peach flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together while lending structure and tenderness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth and a hint of sweet aroma.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk: Keeps the bread moist and tender, balancing the batter’s texture.
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (or 1 can of peaches, drained and chopped): The star ingredient with juicy sweetness and a soft bite.
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, a Southern classic.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (for topping): Creates a caramelized, crisp layer on top.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for topping): Intensifies the sweetness with a spicy sparkle.
How to Make Southern Peach Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives everything a head start so your bread bakes evenly. Then grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray to help your bread slide out smoothly when it’s ready.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This step evenly distributes the spices and leavening agents, so every bite has that perfect balance of flavor and rise.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using an electric mixer or trusty wooden spoon, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale—this usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This fluffiness is key to a tender bread that melts in your mouth.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
One at a time, add your eggs to the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter. Then stir in the vanilla extract, which lends a soft, sweet fragrance that elevates the entire bread.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet
Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk in two or three additions. Mix gently just until everything is combined to avoid overworking the batter—this keeps your bread tender and light.
Step 6: Fold in Peaches and Pecans
Carefully fold in the fresh (or canned) peaches and optional chopped pecans using a spatula. This gentle folding ensures the peaches stay intact and juicy, while the nuts add texture without overwhelming the bread.
Step 7: Prepare for Baking
Pour your luscious batter into the greased loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula, creating an even surface for that beautiful topping.
Step 8: Add the Sweet Topping
Mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon for the topping in a small bowl, then sprinkle it evenly over the batter. This mix creates the irresistible caramelized crust that’s signature to this Southern Peach Bread Recipe.
Step 9: Bake Until Golden
Bake in your preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The smell that fills your kitchen at this point is pure Southern bliss.
Step 10: Cool Your Bread
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes before loosening the edges with a knife and inverting it onto a wire rack. Cooling completely here avoids sogginess and helps the bread set perfectly.
Step 11: Slice and Enjoy
Once cooled, slice your Southern Peach Bread into thick, generous pieces and enjoy warm or at room temperature. Each mouthful captures the sweet, spicy, comforting essence of a true Southern kitchen.
How to Serve Southern Peach Bread Recipe
Garnishes
It’s lovely to add a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of peach juice or milk for an extra touch of sweetness and shimmer. You can also sprinkle a few extra chopped pecans on top for crunch and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This Southern Peach Bread is versatile enough to be enjoyed alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for breakfast, or paired with creamy whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a charming dessert. A dollop of mascarpone or cream cheese spread also complements the peachy softness wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch gathering, cut the bread into smaller cubes to serve alongside a peach yogurt dip. Or, turn it into decadent French toast the next day by dipping thick slices in an egg mixture and pan-frying until golden. The spicy peach flavors shine through in every presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover Southern Peach Bread Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the bread soft and fresh, ready to brighten your snack time.
Freezing
For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in an airtight bag or container for up to three months. Wrap individual slices with parchment paper if you want to grab one or two without thawing the whole loaf.
Reheating
To bring your Southern Peach Bread back to life, warm slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds, or lightly toast them for a crisp edge and soft interior. A little butter melted on top right after reheating is pure heaven.
FAQs
Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh ones?
Absolutely! Just make sure to drain them well and chop them before folding into the batter. Canned peaches will still provide the sweet, juicy flavor essential to this Southern Peach Bread Recipe.
Is it necessary to use buttermilk?
Buttermilk adds moisture and a subtle tang that enhances the bread’s flavor and texture. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can substitute with milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar, letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just be sure it includes xanthan gum for structure. The bread may be slightly different in texture but still delicious!
What if I don’t like pecans?
No problem! The pecans are optional and can be left out or swapped with other nuts like walnuts or even toasted coconut flakes to add your own twist to the Southern Peach Bread Recipe.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (not batter), your bread is perfectly baked. The top should be golden brown and slightly crisp.
Final Thoughts
Baking this Southern Peach Bread Recipe is like inviting a little Southern sunshine right into your kitchen. It’s a comforting, flavorful loaf that brings people together with its sweet peaches and warm spices. Whether it becomes your go-to weekend bake or a special treat for guests, I encourage you to try making this bread soon—it’s the kind of recipe that creates smiles with every bite!
Print
Southern Peach Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (10-12 slices)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Southern Peach Bread is a delightful sweet treat that combines juicy peaches with warm spices and a tender crumb. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack, this classic Southern recipe delivers rich flavors and moist texture in every slice. Featuring a cinnamon brown sugar topping and optional pecans for added crunch, this loaf is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients
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
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (or 1 can of peaches, drained and chopped)
Optional Ingredients
- 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 ensure easy removal of the bread after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until thoroughly combined to create a well-balanced spice and leavening base.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy, helping to incorporate air for a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse flavor throughout the bread.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which could toughen the bread.
- Fold in Peaches and Pecans: Using a spatula, gently fold in the diced peaches and chopped pecans (if using) to distribute them evenly without crushing the fruit.
- Transfer Batter to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even baking and a neat appearance.
- Add Topping: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter to create a sweet, spiced crust on the bread.
- Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool in Pan: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes to set and make removal easier.
- Remove from Pan and Cool Completely: Run a knife around the edges of the bread to loosen it. Invert the loaf onto a wire rack to cool completely, which prevents sogginess on the bottom.
- Slice and Serve: Once cooled, slice the bread into thick pieces. Serve warm or at room temperature for a tasty Southern treat.
Notes
- Fresh peaches provide the best flavor, but canned peaches work well as a convenient substitute.
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans.
- Ensure peaches are well-drained if using canned to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
- Baking time may vary depending on your oven; start checking at 55 minutes to prevent overbaking.
- This bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Leftover bread can be sliced and toasted for a delicious breakfast option.
