Experience the warmth and sweetness of the South with our delightful Southern Peach Bread recipe. Bursting with juicy peaches and fragrant spices, this tender loaf captures the essence of summertime in every bite. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or as a satisfying snack, this homemade bread is sure to evoke feelings of nostalgia and comfort. Join us as we embark on a journey to recreate the flavors of the South and discover why Southern Peach Bread is a cherished favorite among families and friends alike.
Ingredients:
- Butter, softened, for greasing pan
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of allspice
- Pinch of ground cloves
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups peaches, peeled and chopped
Instructions:
Preparing Southern Peach Bread:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with softened butter and dust with granulated sugar, tapping out any excess.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking powder, light brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. Mix until well combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly. Stir in the vegetable oil and milk until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Peaches: Gently fold in the chopped peaches until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the Southern Peach Bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Fresh vs. Frozen Peaches: While fresh peaches are ideal when in season, you can also use frozen peaches when fresh ones are not available. Simply thaw and drain the frozen peaches before adding them to the batter.
- Nuts and Raisins: For added texture and flavor, consider adding chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) or raisins to the batter before baking.
- Glaze or Frosting: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle the cooled bread with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, or top it with a cream cheese frosting.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto Option: To make a keto-friendly version of Southern Peach Bread, substitute almond flour for the all-purpose flour, and use a low-carb sweetener such as erythritol or stevia in place of the brown sugar. You can also replace the milk with unsweetened almond milk for a lower carb count.
- Low-Carb Variation: Reduce the amount of flour used in the recipe and replace it with almond flour or coconut flour for a lower-carb alternative. You can also omit the sugar entirely or use a small amount of a low-carb sweetener.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh ones? A: While fresh peaches are preferred for their flavor and texture, you can use canned peaches as a convenient alternative. Just be sure to drain them well before chopping and adding them to the batter.
Q: Can I freeze Southern Peach Bread? A: Yes, Southern Peach Bread freezes well. Once cooled completely, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Q: Can I make this recipe without eggs? A: While eggs provide structure and richness to the bread, you can experiment with egg substitutes such as mashed banana, unsweetened applesauce, or a commercial egg replacer.
With its irresistible combination of juicy peaches, warm spices, and moist, tender crumb, Southern Peach Bread is a true Southern delight that embodies the essence of homemade comfort. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee in the morning or shared with loved ones during a leisurely afternoon, this beloved recipe is sure to evoke feelings of warmth and contentment with every slice. So why wait? Embrace the flavors of the South and treat yourself to a taste of Southern hospitality with our delightful Southern Peach Bread recipe.
