This Southern Peach Bread is like a warm hug in loaf form! Packed with juicy peaches and a sweet cinnamon swirl, it’s perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack.
Honestly, the smell while baking is to die for! I can hardly resist sneaking a slice before it’s cooled. 🥰 Pair it with a cup of tea or coffee, and you’re all set!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour gives the bread a nice texture. If you want a gluten-free option, go for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I once used almond flour for a nutty flavor, and it was a hit!
Peaches: Fresh peaches truly shine in this bread, but if they’re out of season, canned peaches work too. Just make sure they’re well-drained to avoid excess moisture. Frozen peaches can also be a convenient substitute; just thaw and drain them!
Sour Cream or Yogurt: Using sour cream adds moisture and richness. Greek yogurt is a great substitute if you’re looking for something lower in fat. Cream cheese can also work for a slightly different texture.
Cinnamon: Sure, ground cinnamon adds warmth, but feel free to mix it up! Nutmeg or cardamom can add a lovely twist to the flavor profile. I love adding a hint of nutmeg when I want something extra special.
How Do I Get a Beautiful Cinnamon Swirl?
The swirl is what elevates this bread! The key is not to overmix after you add the cinnamon sugar. Follow these steps for a beautiful effect:
- After pouring the second half of the batter, sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar without pressing it down.
- Take a knife or skewer and make gentle zigzag patterns through the batter. Don’t overdo it—just a few swirls will suffice!
- Avoid stirring too much, as you want to keep the layers visible for that stunning swirl.
This technique really enhances the visual appeal, plus it gives pockets of cinnamon goodness throughout the bread!
Southern Peach Bread with Sweet Cinnamon Swirl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Peach Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced (or canned peaches, drained)
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Glaze (optional):
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp peach juice or milk
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Southern Peach Bread takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 60-70 minutes to bake. After baking, allow it to cool completely before glazing, which adds about another 10 minutes. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and grease it with butter or cooking spray, then lightly flour it to prevent sticking. This will give you a lovely loaf with a nice crust!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This helps to ensure that the leavening agents are evenly distributed in your batter for a good rise.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. It’s important for texture, so don’t rush this step!
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is well incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract until everything is smooth and combined.
5. Incorporate the Sour Cream:
Add the sour cream (or yogurt) to the mix and stir until just combined. This adds moisture and richness to your bread!
6. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine as the peaches will help blend everything together.
7. Fold in the Peaches:
Gently fold in the diced peaches. This can be a little messy, but that’s part of the fun! You want to distribute them evenly without crushing them.
8. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl:
In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the swirl. This will give your bread a sweet and aromatic kick!
9. Layer the Batter:
Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing it out evenly. Then, sprinkle about half of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top of this layer.
10. Add the Remaining Batter:
Pour the rest of the batter on top, smoothing it out again, and then top with the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture. It’s a sweet surprise that will be revealed once you slice into it!
11. Create the Swirl:
Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter by making zigzag patterns. Be careful not to mix it too much; you just want a hint of cinnamon throughout!
12. Bake the Bread:
Put your loaf in the preheated oven and bake for about 60-70 minutes, or until golden brown. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean when the bread is ready.
13. Cool and Glaze:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. If you want to add a glaze, mix the powdered sugar with peach juice or milk and drizzle it over the bread just before serving.
14. Slice and Enjoy:
After your Southern Peach Bread has completely cooled (if you can wait that long!), slice it up and enjoy the delightful flavors—perfect with a cup of coffee or tea!
Happy baking!
FAQ for Southern Peach Bread with Sweet Cinnamon Swirl
Can I Substitute Fresh Peaches with Frozen or Canned Peaches?
Yes! You can use frozen peaches as long as they are thawed and drained. Canned peaches can also be used; just make sure they’re well-drained to avoid excess moisture. Fresh peaches do provide the best flavor, but don’t worry—either option will work nicely!
How Do I Store Leftover Peach Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Just let it thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and bake the bread a day in advance. Just allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly and storing it. Alternatively, you can prepare the batter and store it in the fridge overnight before baking—just give it a quick stir before pouring it into the pan.
What Variations Can I Try With This Recipe?
Feel free to experiment! You can add nuts like pecans or walnuts for a nice crunch or switch up the spices by adding nutmeg or cardamom for a unique flavor. You could even throw in some chocolate chips for a sweet twist!
