Southern Peach Bread : A Sweet Slice of Bread

There’s something beautifully nostalgic about the scent of fresh peaches baking in the oven — warm, sweet, and full of summertime joy. That’s exactly the feeling you’ll get with this Southern Peach Bread recipe, a moist and tender quick bread bursting with juicy peaches and subtle spices. Whether served for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or a dessert with a dollop of whipped cream, this bread is summer comfort in every bite.

This recipe is inspired by my childhood visits to Georgia during peach season. My grandmother always had a fresh peach treat on the table, and her peach bread was legendary — full of chunks of ripe peaches and kissed with cinnamon. I’ve modernized it slightly for convenience, but it still delivers all the homey flavors of the South.

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🍞 What is Southern Peach Bread?

Southern Peach Bread is a quick bread — meaning no yeast, no rise time, and simple prep — made with fresh summer peaches, a rich buttermilk-based batter, and warm spices. It’s baked in a loaf pan and slices beautifully, making it ideal for brunch tables, bake sales, or freezer-friendly meal prep.

Unlike muffins or cakes, quick breads like this have a rustic charm: slightly crisp on the outside, soft and dense on the inside, and perfectly suited for generous slatherings of butter or honey.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe makes 8 generous servings and uses a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan.

Wet Ingredients:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp lemon juice)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt

Add-ins:

• 1 ½ cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (about 2 medium peaches)
• Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch

⏱️ Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 50–60 minutes
• Cooling Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes
• Servings: 8 slices

🥣 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla until smooth.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

4. Assemble the Batter

Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined — do not overmix. Gently fold in the diced peaches (and nuts, if using).

5. Bake

Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Cool and Slice

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before removing and cooling completely on a wire rack. Slice and enjoy!

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🔢 Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~290
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Sugar: 22g
• Protein: 4g

Note: Based on 8 servings, values are approximate.

🌟 Peach Bread Baking Tips

• Use ripe but firm peaches for best texture — overly soft ones may make the bread too wet.
• Don’t skip the buttermilk — it adds tanginess and tenderness. Substitute with milk + lemon juice if needed.
• Fold, don’t stir — to avoid activating the gluten and making the bread tough.
• Customize with nuts or spices — nutmeg, cardamom, or a pinch of ginger can complement the cinnamon beautifully.

🧊 How to Store and Freeze

• Room Temperature: Store tightly wrapped for 2–3 days.
• Fridge: Lasts up to 1 week.
• Freezer: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or toast lightly before serving.

🍽️ When to Serve Southern Peach Bread

• Weekend brunch with iced tea
• Picnic desserts
• Sweet snack for school or work
• A lovely gift wrapped in parchment and tied with twine

🌍 Inspired by Southern American Flavors

Southern American cuisine celebrates the best of what’s local and in-season, and nothing says summer like fresh peaches. This peach bread is a rustic, no-fuss tribute to Southern baking — where fruit and flavor shine with every bite.

🔗 Related Recipes to Try Next

• Peach Cobbler Muffins
• Southern Buttermilk Biscuits
• Fresh Peach Upside Down Cake
• Blueberry Lemon Quick Bread

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use canned or frozen peaches?

Yes! Just be sure to drain canned peaches well and thaw and pat dry frozen peaches before using to avoid excess moisture.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a similar texture.

Why did my bread sink in the middle?

This could be from overmixing, underbaking, or adding too much fruit. Ensure the center is fully baked before removing from the oven.

Can I make muffins instead?

Definitely! Divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake at 350°F for about 20–25 minutes.

💬 Final Thoughts

This Southern Peach Bread is everything you want in a summer bake — sweet, simple, full of fruit, and made with love. Whether you’re enjoying it with morning coffee or serving it up for Sunday brunch, it’s sure to become a seasonal favorite in your kitchen.

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