Southern Peach Bread

$When making Southern Peach Bread, gather your ingredients first. Here’s what you need: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 cup ripe peaches, peeled and diced - 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional) - 1/4 cup buttermilk - 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping) Each ingredient plays a role. The flour gives structure, while baking soda and baking powder help it rise. The butter adds richness, and brown sugar gives it a deep, sweet flavor. Don’t skip the spices; they make the bread warm and cozy. Fresh peaches add sweetness and juiciness, while pecans add a nice crunch. For more details on the method, check the Full Recipe. - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Prepare the loaf pan by greasing it with butter and dusting it with flour. - In a bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. - In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. - Add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each one. Then, mix in the vanilla. - Slowly add the dry mix to the wet mix, stirring gently until just combined. - Fold in the diced peaches and optional pecans until evenly mixed. - Pour in the buttermilk and fold until no flour streaks remain. - Transfer the batter to the loaf pan, smoothing the top. - Sprinkle granulated sugar on top for a sweet crust. - Bake in the oven for 55-60 minutes. Check with a toothpick for doneness. - Cool the bread in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it to a wire rack. For the full recipe, check the details above. To bake the perfect Southern Peach Bread, check for doneness with a toothpick. Insert the toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your bread is ready. This simple test ensures you don’t end up with a soggy center. Avoid overmixing your batter. Mix just until the dry ingredients blend with the wet ones. Overmixing can make the bread tough. You want a tender and moist loaf, not a dense one. You can use fresh or canned peaches in this recipe. Fresh peaches give the best taste. However, if peaches are out of season, canned peaches work well too. Drain and chop them before adding to the batter. For buttermilk, you have a few easy options. You can mix regular milk with a little vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about five minutes. This makes a nice substitute for buttermilk in your bread. For serving, slice the bread into thick pieces. Arrange them on a rustic wooden board for a nice look. You can garnish each slice with fresh peach slices or a dusting of powdered sugar. This adds a lovely touch to your presentation. Pair your Southern Peach Bread with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The creamy contrasts well with the sweet bread. Enjoy it warm from the oven or at room temperature for a delightful treat. {{image_4}} You can create a nut-free version of Southern Peach Bread by simply omitting the pecans. This change lets the peach flavor shine. You still get a moist and sweet bread. If you want extra texture, you can add in some oats or seeds instead. Want to jazz up your bread? Try adding spices like ginger or cloves. These spices give a warm kick and pair well with peaches. You can also fold in chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Other fruits like blueberries or cherries work great, too. They add color and a burst of flavor. For a healthier bread, use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. This adds fiber and makes it more filling. You can also reduce the sugar content. Try using half the amount or using a sugar substitute. Your bread will still taste delicious while being a bit healthier. To keep your Southern Peach Bread fresh, store it at room temperature. Place the bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This keeps it moist and tasty. If you live in a hot or humid area, use the fridge. The cold air helps prevent spoilage. Wrap the bread well to stop it from drying out. You can freeze Southern Peach Bread for later enjoyment. First, let the bread cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. After that, put it in a freezer bag or container. Label it with the date. This way, you know how long it has been in the freezer. When you want to eat it, thaw the bread slowly. Place it in the fridge overnight. For a quick method, leave it out at room temperature for a few hours. You can also warm it in the oven for a few minutes. This makes it taste freshly baked again. Enjoy your delicious Southern Peach Bread! Can I use frozen peaches? Yes, you can use frozen peaches. Just thaw them first and drain any extra liquid. This helps keep your bread from getting too soggy. How do I know when the bread is done? You can tell when the bread is done by using a toothpick. Insert it into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your bread is ready. Can I use oil instead of butter? You can use oil in place of butter. Use about 1/3 cup of oil for every 1/2 cup of butter. This will keep your bread moist but will change the flavor slightly. What are the best types of peaches? The best peaches for this bread are ripe, juicy ones. Freestone peaches work well because they are easy to cut. Look for peaches that give slightly when you press them. Can I make this bread without eggs? Yes, you can make this bread without eggs. Use a flaxseed meal or applesauce as a substitute. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water for each egg. How to enhance the peach flavor? To make the peach flavor pop, you can add a splash of peach extract. You can also mix in a little lemon juice to brighten the taste. Adding a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon boosts the flavor too. For the full recipe, check out the Sweet Southern Peach Bread! This article covered how to make delicious Southern Peach Bread. You learned the ingredients needed and followed easy steps to create it. I shared tips for baking and serving suggestions to enhance your bread. Consider options for different flavors and healthy adaptations. Proper storage ensures your bread stays fresh for longer. Enjoy making and sharing this treat, and don't shy away from experimenting with new variations. Happy baking!$

Indulge in the deliciousness of Sweet Southern Peach Bread, a perfect blend of juicy peaches and warm spices! This easy recipe uses simple ingredients to create a moist and flavorful loaf that will leave everyone craving more. From prep to bake, it’s a delightful treat to enjoy any time of day. Click through for the full recipe and bring the taste of the South to your kitchen! Don’t miss out on this sweet masterpiece!

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature

1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed

2 large eggs, at room temperature

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup ripe peaches, peeled and diced (use fresh for best flavor or canned if necessary)

1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional, but recommended for added crunch)

1/4 cup buttermilk, at room temperature

1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x5-inch loaf pan by greasing it lightly with butter and then dusting it with flour to prevent sticking.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk them together until thoroughly blended, then set the bowl aside.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture one at a time, ensuring each egg is completely incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform.

Slowly add your reserved dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.

Gently fold the diced peaches and optional chopped pecans into the batter with a spatula or wooden spoon, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Pour in the buttermilk, folding it in gently until all the ingredients are well combined and no flour streaks remain visible.

Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even finish.

To create a lovely sweet crust, evenly sprinkle the granulated sugar over the top of the batter before baking.

Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After cooling slightly, carefully remove the bread from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Servings: Approximately 10 slices

- Presentation Tips: For serving, slice the bread into thick pieces and arrange them on a rustic wooden cutting board. You can garnish each slice with a few fresh peach slices or a delicate dusting of powdered sugar to add a touch of sophistication. Enjoy the warmth of the bread, either fresh out of the oven or at room temperature!