SOUTHERN PEACH BREAD

Thank you so much for stopping by — because this Southern Peach Bread recipe is truly something special. It’s soft, sweet, moist, and brimming with juicy, ripe peaches in every bite. This is the kind of bread that feels like a warm hug from the inside out — perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even a sweet snack with your afternoon coffee.

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What Is Southern Peach Bread?

Southern Peach Bread is a rich, tender quick bread (think banana bread, but with peaches instead!) made with fresh or canned peaches, warm spices, and often a hint of vanilla. It’s baked to golden perfection, often topped with a simple glaze or crunchy sugar for an irresistible finish.

It’s incredibly easy to make — no mixer needed — and one of those nostalgic recipes that makes the whole kitchen smell like summer and sweet memories.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super moist and flavorful thanks to juicy peaches

• No yeast required — quick bread = quick gratification

• Freezer-friendly and make-ahead approved

• Perfect for gifting, brunches, or cozy weekend mornings

• Simple pantry ingredients, no fuss

What It Tastes Like

Each bite is soft, buttery, and lightly sweet with the flavor of ripe peaches throughout. Hints of cinnamon and vanilla warm things up, and if you add a glaze? Oh yes — it takes it straight into dessert territory. It’s the kind of bread that begs to be enjoyed with a steaming mug of coffee or cold glass of sweet tea.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Versatile – Enjoy plain, glazed, or toasted with butter

• Customizable – Add nuts, spices, or a streusel topping

• Made with real fruit – Fresh, canned, or frozen peaches all work

• Freezer-friendly – Great for batch baking and storing

Ingredients for Southern Peach Bread

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 1½ teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled

• 2 large eggs

• ¾ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)

• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1½ cups chopped peaches (fresh, frozen, or well-drained canned)

Optional Add-ins:

• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for sprinkling on top before baking)

• Simple glaze (powdered sugar + milk + vanilla)

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls

• Whisk and spatula

• 9×5-inch loaf pan

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Parchment paper (optional, for easy removal)

Ingredient Substitutions & Add-Ons

• Dairy-free? Use plant-based butter and dairy-free yogurt.

• Gluten-free? Sub a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

• Low sugar? Reduce sugar by ¼ cup or use coconut sugar for a deeper flavor.

• Add a crunch: Top with chopped nuts, rolled oats, or a cinnamon streusel before baking.

How to Make Southern Peach Bread

Prep and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment for easy removal.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk melted butter, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla until smooth.

Combine and Fold

Pour wet ingredients into dry. Gently mix until just combined (don’t overmix!). Fold in chopped peaches and any optional add-ins.

Pour and Bake

Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top and sprinkle with brown sugar or nuts if desired.
Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Glaze

Let bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Cool completely before slicing or glazing.

What to Serve With Southern Peach Bread

• ☕️ For Breakfast or Brunch

  • Hot coffee or cold brew – The subtle sweetness of the bread pairs perfectly with a bold cup of coffee.

  • Chai latte or spiced tea – Cinnamon and cardamom in the tea complement the warm spices in the bread.

  • Scrambled eggs or a veggie frittata – A savory egg dish balances the sweetness for a satisfying brunch plate.

  • Fresh fruit salad – Add some brightness and color to your table with berries, melon, or citrus.

  🍑 For a Southern-Style Brunch Spread

  • Pimento cheese and crackers

  • Buttermilk biscuits with jam

  • Fried or baked chicken strips – A little savory-sweet combo never hurt anyone!

  • Sweet tea or peach iced tea – Stay on theme and sip something refreshing alongside.

  🍨 For Dessert

  • A scoop of vanilla ice cream – Especially if you’re serving the bread warm. It’s like peach cobbler in a slice!

  • Whipped cream or crème fraîche – Light, tangy toppings balance the bread’s richness.

  • A drizzle of honey or bourbon glaze – Turn it into an elegant plated dessert with just a touch of sauce.

  🧀 For a Snack or Light Bite

  • Toasted with a pat of butter – Simple, classic, and SO good.

  • Topped with cream cheese or mascarpone – Add a slightly tangy, creamy contrast.

  • With a handful of pecans or walnuts – Great for texture and that Southern flavor pairing.

  🥂 If You’re Entertaining

  • Serve mini slices on a dessert board with nuts, cheeses, and fruit.

  • Pair with sparkling wine, sweet Riesling, or even bourbon-spiked sweet tea for a grown-up twist.

Tips for the Best Peach Bread

• 🍑 Use Ripe, Juicy Peaches

  • Fresh peaches give the best texture and flavor. Look for peaches that are ripe but not mushy.

  • If using frozen or canned peaches, make sure to drain and pat them dry thoroughly to avoid excess moisture that can make the bread soggy.

  🔪 Chop Peaches Small

  • Dice peaches into ½-inch or smaller pieces so they distribute evenly throughout the bread. This helps prevent sinking and ensures every bite is loaded with fruit.

  🧈 Melted Butter for Richness

  • Using melted butter adds moisture and a tender crumb. Let it cool slightly before mixing with eggs to prevent curdling.

  🥣 Don’t Overmix the Batter

  • After adding the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough or dense loaf instead of a soft, tender one.

  🌡️ Check Doneness Early

  • Every oven is different! Start checking at 55 minutes with a toothpick inserted into the center — it should come out with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).

  • If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil during the last 10–15 minutes of baking.

  ⏳ Cool Completely Before Slicing

  • As tempting as it is to dive right in, let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the structure set and makes cleaner slices.

  🍞 Add a Crunch or Glaze

  • For extra flair, top the batter with coarse sugar, cinnamon sugar, or chopped pecans before baking.

  • Or drizzle with a simple glaze (powdered sugar + milk + vanilla) after it cools for a bakery-style finish.

Storage Instructions

• 🧊 At Room Temperature

  • Storage time: Up to 3 days

  • Let the bread cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it from drying out.

  • Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

  ❄️ In the Refrigerator

  • Storage time: Up to 5 days

  • Wrap the bread well or place it in an airtight container.

  • Tip: Let slices come to room temperature or gently warm them in the microwave or toaster oven for that fresh-baked feel.

  🧁 In the Freezer

  • Storage time: Up to 2 months

  • Wrap the cooled loaf (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil, or place in a freezer-safe zip-top bag.

  • To thaw: Leave wrapped at room temperature for a few hours, or thaw slices individually as needed.

  • To reheat: Warm in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or toast lightly for a crisp edge.

General Info About Southern Peach Bread

In the South, peach season is practically a holiday. From cobblers to jams to sweet breads like this, peaches are the crown jewel of summer baking. Southern Peach Bread celebrates everything we love about them — their juicy sweetness, soft texture, and ability to transform a simple loaf into something truly memorable.

It’s inspired by classic quick bread recipes passed down through generations — the kind of recipe you scribble in the margins of a church cookbook or learn from your grandmother over a steaming cup of coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned or frozen peaches?

Yes! Just be sure to drain them well (if canned) or thaw and pat dry (if frozen) to avoid excess moisture.

Can I make it into muffins?

Absolutely — divide the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just bake in two pans. Great for gifting or freezing one for later.

Can I add a glaze?

Yes! Mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons milk and a splash of vanilla. Drizzle over cooled bread.

Conclusion

This Southern Peach Bread is everything I love about baking in the summertime — simple, cozy, and absolutely packed with flavor. Whether you enjoy it warm out of the oven or sliced the next day with coffee, it brings the sweet charm of the South to every bite.

And if you’ve got more peaches to use up, don’t miss my Bourbon Peach Upside Down Cake or Peach Cobbler Muffins — because one peach recipe is never enough!

Show Me Your Slice!

Did you bake this bread? I’d love to see it!
📸 Tag your photos on Pinterest and leave a review — it seriously makes my day to see your kitchen creations.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice – Based on 10 Slices)

• Calories: 280

• Fat: 12g

• Carbs: 38g

• Sugar: 18g

• Protein: 4g

• Fiber: 1g

SOUTHERN PEACH BREAD

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• Author: iyma hernandes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 10 slices 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

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Description

This Southern Peach Bread is soft, sweet, and full of juicy peaches in every bite. With warm cinnamon, vanilla, and a buttery crumb, it’s the perfect cozy treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 2 large eggs
• ¾ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1½ cups chopped peaches (fresh, frozen, or well-drained canned)
• Optional Add-ins:
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (for topping)
• Simple glaze (powdered sugar + milk + vanilla)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. In another bowl, whisk melted butter, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry and mix gently until just combined. Fold in chopped peaches and optional add-ins.
5. Pour batter into loaf pan, smooth top, and sprinkle with brown sugar or nuts if desired.
6. Bake 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing or glazing.

Notes

Chop peaches small for even distribution. If using canned or frozen, blot dry. Don’t overmix the batter — this keeps the texture soft and tender.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 190mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: peach bread, quick bread, southern baking, summer loaf, fruit bread