Southern Peach Bread: A Comforting Slice of the South’s Sweetest Season

Nothing captures the essence of summer in the South quite like a warm, moist slice of Southern Peach Bread. This old-fashioned favorite, bursting with juicy peaches and wrapped in the tender embrace of a soft, buttery crumb, is more than just a quick bread—it’s a taste of nostalgia, a comforting nod to family picnics, Sunday brunches, and kitchen counters lined with fresh produce. Whether you enjoy it in the morning with coffee or as a sweet ending to a warm evening meal, Southern Peach Bread is the ultimate seasonal bake that blends tradition, simplicity, and irresistible flavor.

Ready to embrace the sweet, fruity aroma of ripe peaches and bake a loaf of Southern comfort? Let’s dive in and uncover all the delicious reasons to make this recipe your new go-to summer classic.

Why You’ll Love This Southern Peach Bread

• 🍑 Bursting with fresh peach flavor – Every bite is juicy and naturally sweet.
• ⏱️ Quick and easy one-bowl recipe – Minimal prep, no mixer required!
• 🧁 Incredibly moist and tender – Thanks to sour cream and vegetable oil.
• 🥄 Versatile batter – Works for mini loaves, muffins, or a full-sized loaf.
• 🌾 Easily adaptable – Make it gluten-free, dairy-free, or add your favorite mix-ins.
• 🧡 Freezer-friendly – Slice and store for a ready-to-go snack or breakfast.
• 🍽️ Perfect for sharing – Great for potlucks, brunch, or gift-giving.
• 💸 Budget-friendly ingredients – Uses pantry staples and in-season fruit.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make your own Southern Peach Bread, plus expert tips for substitutions and flavor tweaks.

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup peaches (peeled and diced) – Use fresh, ripe peaches for the best flavor. Frozen peaches work too (just thaw and pat dry).
• ½ cup vegetable oil – Adds moisture and tenderness. Substitute with melted coconut oil for a subtle tropical note.
• ½ cup sugar – White sugar gives a classic sweetness, but you can swap half with brown sugar for depth.
• 2 eggs – Bind the batter and contribute richness.
• ½ cup sour cream – This is the secret to ultra-moist peach bread. Substitute with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free option.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
• 1½ cups flour – All-purpose is standard, but you can sub with a gluten-free blend.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the bread rise and keeps the crumb light.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and enhances peach flavor.

Optional Add-Ins:

• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg for cozy spice
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
• A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top for a subtle crust

Step-by-Step Instructions

This Southern Peach Bread comes together in under 10 minutes with just one bowl and a spoon. Let’s break it down:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray 3 mini loaf pans or one large loaf pan with non-stick spray.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together oil, sugar, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
3. Fold in your diced peaches. The juices from the fruit will help flavor the entire loaf.
4. Add flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix or your bread may become dense.
5. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. If using mini pans, fill about ¾ full.
6. Bake for 25–30 minutes for mini loaves or 50–55 minutes for a full-size loaf. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm, room temp, or even chilled from the fridge!

Pro Tips for Peach Bread Perfection

How do I keep the bread moist?

The sour cream is key. It adds richness and keeps the loaf soft for days. Don’t skip it!

Can I use canned peaches?

Yes! Drain them well and gently pat dry to avoid excess moisture.

What makes this bread rise so well?

The combo of baking soda and acidic sour cream creates a perfect lift and soft crumb texture.

Best Ways to Serve This Peach Bread

• Toasted with a pat of butter or drizzle of honey
• Alongside whipped cream for a quick dessert
• With yogurt and berries for breakfast
• Paired with iced tea for a southern-style snack

Want more fruit-filled bakes? Try our Homemade Cherry Amaretto Jam or Blackberry Balsamic Grilled Cheese.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Based on 12 servings)

• Calories: 215
• Total Fat: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Sugar: 13g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 180mg

Storage & Leftovers

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Fridge: Lasts 5–6 days when chilled.
• Freezer: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in a zip-top freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw at room temp or toast lightly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

What if I don’t have sour cream?

Use Greek yogurt, buttermilk, or a dairy-free coconut yogurt.

Can I turn this into muffins?

Absolutely—just adjust the bake time to 18–22 minutes and fill muffin tins ¾ full.

Is this bread overly sweet?

It’s lightly sweet, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. For a dessert version, add a streusel topping or glaze.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, it doubles beautifully for gifting or meal prep.

Recipe Variations

• Dairy-Free: Use coconut yogurt and dairy-free margarine.
• Whole-Wheat: Sub half the flour with whole-wheat pastry flour.
• Low Sugar: Reduce sugar to ⅓ cup and add chopped dates for natural sweetness.
• Spiced: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a touch of ginger.
• With Nuts: Fold in toasted pecans or walnuts for added texture.

Conclusion & Call to Action

There’s something undeniably nostalgic and heartwarming about a thick, warm slice of Southern Peach Bread. It’s more than just a recipe—it’s a reminder of slow summer days, baskets of ripe peaches, and the kind of simple joy you find in homemade treats.

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