When you’re craving a slice of Southern comfort, few things delight quite like Southern Peach Bread: A Delicious Recipe for a Sweet Southern Treat. Imagine slices of golden, moist bread studded with juicy peaches and a tantalizing aroma that fills your kitchen even before you cut the first warm piece. This family favorite blends the breezy sweetness of fresh peaches with the richness of sour cream for a loaf that’s perfect as breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack with tea. Every soft, fruit-kissed bite is a taste of Southern summer—even if you’re many miles from a peach orchard!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient is handpicked for a reason: the peaches bring vibrant sweetness, the sour cream ensures a rich crumb, and everything else plays its part to balance taste, texture, and color. Here’s what you’ll need (plus a few handy tips!):
- Fresh peaches (1 cup, peeled and diced): Use ripe, juicy peaches for their naturally sweet flavor and subtle tang—they’re the soul of this bread.
- Vegetable oil (½ cup): Keeps the crumb moist and tender all the way through, making every slice satisfyingly soft.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overwhelming the fresh peach flavor.
- Large eggs (2): Provide structure and richness, helping the bread rise perfectly and hold together.
- Sour cream (½ cup): The secret to an extra-moist, velvety loaf with a lovely depth of flavor.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the natural flavor of peaches, adding a comforting, aromatic note.
- All-purpose flour (1½ cups): The essential base that gives your bread just the right body and crumb.
- Baking soda (1 tsp): Guarantees a gentle, even rise, resulting in a soft and airy texture.
- Salt (½ tsp): Brightens the flavors and ensures your bread isn’t too sweet—just perfectly balanced.
How to Make Southern Peach Bread: A Delicious Recipe for a Sweet Southern Treat
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Set the mood right from the start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your favorite loaf pan and grease it well—either with a little oil or nonstick spray. This step ensures your beautifully baked bread releases easily after baking, keeping every slice picture-perfect.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients with Peaches
In a large mixing bowl, combine your peeled and diced peaches with the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is just blended. The aroma at this stage is irresistible, and you’ll see bursts of peach color peeking through the creamy batter.
Step 3: Gently Combine the Dry Ingredients
Add the flour, baking soda, and salt directly to your wet ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or spoon—just until everything is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of flour are fine. This step keeps the bread irresistibly tender!
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top just a bit. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, and your kitchen smells like pure Southern sunshine.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Once baked, let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes. This helps set the bread’s structure. Then, gently turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely—if you can wait that long! Slice thick or thin and get ready to fall in love.
How to Serve Southern Peach Bread: A Delicious Recipe for a Sweet Southern Treat
Garnishes
Dress up your slices with a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a drizzle of honey. For an extra splash of color and freshness, top with a few diced peaches or a sprig of mint. These simple garnishes add flair and highlight the natural sweetness of the bread.
Side Dishes
Pair your Southern Peach Bread: A Delicious Recipe for a Sweet Southern Treat with a bowl of vanilla yogurt, fresh fruit salad, or a steaming mug of coffee or sweet tea. At brunch, serve alongside crisp bacon or scrambled eggs for a laid-back Southern feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn ordinary servings into showstoppers by toasting a slice and topping it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. Mini loaves make charming gifts—just wrap in parchment and tie with twine. Or, try cutting into cubes for a sweet addition to fruit parfaits.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your bread is fully cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. It’ll stay moist and flavorful at room temperature for up to three days—perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts or snacks.
Freezing
Southern Peach Bread: A Delicious Recipe for a Sweet Southern Treat also freezes beautifully! Slice the loaf and wrap individual pieces, or the whole loaf, tightly in foil and freeze for up to three months. Simply thaw at room temperature for a taste of summer anytime.
Reheating
For a just-baked experience, pop a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm in a low oven wrapped in foil. The aroma and softness come right back, making leftover peach bread taste freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use canned or frozen peaches instead of fresh?
Yes! If fresh peaches aren’t in season, canned (well-drained) or thawed frozen peaches work beautifully. Just make sure they’re diced and not overly juicy to keep the texture of the bread perfect.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The best way to check is to insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bread is ready. The top will also be golden and slightly springy to the touch.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour and be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free. The bread will still turn out wonderfully moist.
What makes this Southern Peach Bread extra moist?
The addition of sour cream is the secret ingredient—it adds richness and helps lock in moisture, so your bread stays tender for days while accentuating the peach flavor.
Can I add other flavors or mix-ins?
Definitely! Try folding in a handful of chopped pecans, walnuts, or even white chocolate chips for a delightful twist. Spices like cinnamon or cardamom also pair beautifully with peaches.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about baking up a loaf of Southern Peach Bread: A Delicious Recipe for a Sweet Southern Treat—it brings the warmth of Southern hospitality right to your kitchen. I hope this recipe becomes one of your favorites too and that you’ll share the joy (and a slice or two) with those you love!
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Southern Peach Bread: A Delicious Recipe for a Sweet Southern Treat Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of the South with this scrumptious Southern Peach Bread. Bursting with juicy peaches and a hint of vanilla, this moist and tender loaf is a perfect treat for any time of day.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh peaches (peeled and diced)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine peaches, oil, sugar, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla; stir until well mixed.
- Add dry ingredients: Add flour, baking soda, and salt, stirring gently until just combined—do not overmix.
- Bake: Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 50–55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Use ripe, juicy peaches for the best flavor.
- Sour cream adds moisture to the bread.
- Enjoy this bread for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
