Southern Peach Bread Recipe

If summer had a scent, it would be warm and sweet, just like a fresh loaf of Southern Peach Bread. Bursting with juicy peaches and cozy spices, this moist, golden bread is a slice of pure Southern comfort that’s easy enough for a weekday treat but special enough for a weekend brunch. Once you try it, you’ll want to bake it over and over again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

I absolutely love how this Southern Peach Bread keeps things simple—every ingredient shines, and together, they make a loaf that’s so much more than the sum of its parts. These are the building blocks that create the ultimate peach bread: soft, fragrant, buttery, and with that gorgeous golden hue.

• Butter, softened (for greasing): A classic trick for a flavorful, golden crust and easy release.
• Granulated sugar (for dusting): Sprinkling the pan with sugar adds a delicate crunch and a hint of caramelization to the edges.
• All-purpose flour: The main structure—sturdy enough to hold juicy peaches but soft for that tender crumb.
• Salt: Just a touch to amplify all the sweet flavors—don’t leave it out!
• Baking powder: The secret to a lofty, light loaf that bakes up high and proud every time.
• Light brown sugar: For deep, mellow sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor that pairs beautifully with peaches.
• Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, & cloves: These warming spices add cozy dimension and make every slice perfectly aromatic.
• Eggs: Essential for richness and the bread’s moist, cohesive texture.
• Vegetable oil: This keeps the crumb ultra-moist and fluffy, even days after baking.
• Milk: Adds gentle richness and helps all the ingredients bind together seamlessly.
• Peaches, peeled and chopped: The star of the show! Use ripe, juicy peaches for the very best flavor and pops of color throughout the loaf.

Variations

One of the joys of baking Southern Peach Bread is that it’s so endlessly customizable! Whether you’re working with what’s in season or catering to dietary preferences, these variations let you make this recipe your own every single time.

• Add a Streusel Topping: Sprinkle a simple cinnamon-sugar crumble over the batter before baking for a crunchy, bakery-style finish.
• Mix In Nuts: Fold chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for a little Southern charm and extra texture.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and enjoy a tender, wheat-free loaf (just check for cross-contamination if needed).
• Try Different Fruit: Swap half of the peaches for nectarines, apricots, or even sweet cherries for a fun twist.

How to Make Southern Peach Bread

Step 1: Prep the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F—this helps the bread rise perfectly from the get-go. Thoroughly butter your 9×5-inch loaf pan, then dust it with a tablespoon of granulated sugar. This little step creates a beautifully caramelized edge that just invites you to sneak that first end piece!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a large bowl and whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. This blends the spices and leavening evenly throughout the flour, ensuring every bite of your Southern Peach Bread is perfectly flavored from top to bottom.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, and milk until smooth and shiny. You want a homogenous mixture, so the bread will have a silky, even crumb—no dense patches here!

Step 4: Make the Batter

Pour the wet mixture into your dry ingredients and gently fold them together. The key is to mix just until you no longer see pockets of dry flour—overmixing will make the bread tough instead of tender.

Step 5: Fold in the Peaches & Bake

Gently fold in the chopped peaches, being careful not to break them up too much. Spoon the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing out the top. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a tester comes out clean and the loaf is golden and fragrant.

Step 6: Cool & Slice

Let your Southern Peach Bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes (so it sets up a bit), then run a knife around the edges and carefully transfer it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely for the cleanest slices—if you can wait that long!

How to Serve Southern Peach Bread

Garnishes

A dusting of powdered sugar makes this Southern Peach Bread look bakery-fancy with zero effort. For an extra treat, try drizzling on a vanilla glaze or a little honey—especially if you’re serving it for brunch or dessert. A sprig of fresh mint or a few peach slices on the side add a lovely, finishing touch.

Side Dishes

Pair your peach bread with a bowl of creamy Greek yogurt and fresh berries, or serve it with scrambled eggs and crisp bacon for a decadent Southern breakfast spread. It’s also fantastic with afternoon tea or a scoop of ice cream for a sweet Southern summertime dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn ordinary slices into dazzling treats by serving them as the base for a parfait with whipped cream and more peaches. You can also grill thick slices on a stovetop grill for caramelized edges, or cut the loaf into cubes for a whimsical, irresistible bread pudding.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap cooled Southern Peach Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This bread stays moist and delicious, and honestly, is even better the next day when the flavors meld.

Freezing

Southern Peach Bread freezes like a dream! Slice the loaf, separate pieces with parchment, and pop into a freezer-safe bag. It’ll keep up to three months—just thaw what you need for quick breakfasts or surprise guests.

Reheating

Gently warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a toaster oven for a few minutes to revive that just-baked flavor. For a real treat, toast a slice and add a dab of butter while it’s warm!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something homey, sunshiny, and downright irresistible, Southern Peach Bread is the answer. There’s nothing quite like the scent of peaches and spice baking away in your own kitchen—so go on, grab those peaches and bake a loaf your crew will talk about all summer long!

Print