Southern Peach Bread Recipe

There’s something simply magical about the aroma of Southern Peach Bread baking in the kitchen. This bread is the very essence of summer comfort, brimming with sweet, juicy peaches and kissed with rich vanilla and tangy sour cream for a tender crumb. Serve it warm out of the oven or enjoy it as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or light dessert—the delightful flavor and soft texture make it a recipe you’ll want to keep close at hand all year long.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each component in this recipe is carefully chosen to make every bite irresistible—simple ingredients come together to create something truly special. Here’s what goes into this luscious loaf and why each one matters.

• Peaches: Pick ripe, fragrant peaches for the best burst of summery flavor and a naturally moist crumb.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the Southern Peach Bread incredibly tender and moist throughout.
• Sugar: A touch of sweetness complements the juicy peaches without overwhelming them.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and provide structure, lightening the texture.
• Sour cream: Adds a wonderful richness and just a hint of tang that balances out the sweetness.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances flavors and brings out the peachy notes with its warm aroma.
• Flour: The base of the bread, delivering a sturdy and satisfying crumb.
• Baking soda: Gives the loaf its rise, making it beautifully soft and fluffy.
• Salt: Brightens all the flavors and provides depth.

How to Make Southern Peach Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Oven

Set your oven to 350 degrees and give your loaf pans a good spray with nonstick baking spray. You can choose to make three mini loaves (perfect for gifting or sharing) or use a single standard loaf pan if you’re baking for the family. This is the moment when anticipation starts building and your kitchen gets that comforting, pre-bake buzz.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the diced, juicy peaches with the vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Stir gently until everything is well blended—this melding of wet ingredients is where the sweet fragrance of peaches first meets the creamy tang of sour cream.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle in the flour, baking soda, and salt right into your bowl. Mix gently, just until the batter is combined. Overmixing is the enemy of tender bread, so stop stirring as soon as you don’t see streaks of flour. Your batter should look thick and spotted with golden peach bites.

Step 4: Pour and Bake

Spread the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Slide them into the preheated oven and let the transformation begin. Bake for 25–30 minutes for mini loaves or 50–55 minutes if you’ve opted for a large loaf. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is puffed and golden, and a toothpick comes out clean from the center.

Step 5: Cool, Slice, and Enjoy

Give your Southern Peach Bread a bit of time to cool in the pan—just enough so it won’t fall apart when you slice it, but still warm enough for that dreamy first bite. This is when peachy aroma fills the air, making it nearly impossible to wait!

How to Serve Southern Peach Bread

Garnishes

Dress up each slice with a dusting of powdered sugar, a spoonful of whipped cream, or even a little smear of sweet cream cheese. A scattering of fresh diced peaches or crushed pecans on top also gives a lovely crunch and beautiful finish.

Side Dishes

Pair your Southern Peach Bread with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an effortless dessert, or serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad and a mug of hot coffee for a truly Southern-inspired breakfast or brunch. The bread’s mildly sweet flavor plays nicely with everything from crisp bacon to tangy yogurt.

Creative Ways to Present

Show off this bread’s charm by slicing mini loaves into elegant tea-time fingers, or simply wrap up a loaf in parchment and ribbon as a thoughtful homemade gift. For something extra special, serve a thick slice slightly toasted with a drizzle of honey or caramel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your cooled Southern Peach Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. In the fridge, it stays moist for about a week, so you can enjoy a slice every morning without worry.

Freezing

If you’d like to keep your bread longer, Southern Peach Bread freezes beautifully. Wrap the whole loaf (or slices separated with parchment) in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for ultimate freshness.

Reheating

To bring back the just-baked magic, warm slices in the microwave for a brief 10–20 seconds, or toast them lightly in the oven. This refreshes the crumb and makes the peach aroma pop, especially if you enjoy bread with a slather of butter.

FAQs

Can I use canned or frozen peaches instead of fresh?

Absolutely! If using canned, drain thoroughly and pat dry. Frozen peaches should be thawed and drained as well. Fresh is best for texture, but either alternative works in a pinch for Southern Peach Bread.

Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?

Yes, plain Greek yogurt is a great swap for sour cream and will deliver a similar moistness and subtle tang, making it a fantastic alternative without changing the structure of the bread.

What’s the best way to tell if Southern Peach Bread is done?

Insert a toothpick or thin skewer into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready! The top should also feel set and a little springy to the touch.

Can I add nuts or other fruits?

Certainly! Chopped pecans or walnuts blend beautifully into the batter for extra crunch, and a handful of blueberries or raspberries can make for a fun twist on traditional Southern Peach Bread.

Is this recipe suitable for making muffins?

Yes—it adapts perfectly! Divide the batter between muffin tins lined with papers, filling about two-thirds full. Bake for 18–22 minutes, checking for doneness just as you would with the loaf.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve got peaches on hand and are craving a taste of Southern hospitality, this Southern Peach Bread is one recipe you’ll want to bake again and again. With its delicate crumb, pops of peach, and unforgettable aroma, it’s truly a treat meant to be shared—so why not surprise someone you love with a warm slice today?

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