Southern Peach Bread Recipe

There’s something deeply comforting about the scent of peaches and cinnamon wafting through the kitchen. It instantly reminds me of summers spent baking with my grandmother. This Southern Peach Bread is one of those cherished recipes that brings back sweet memories with every slice. It’s tender, moist, and packed with fresh, juicy peaches that practically melt into the warm, spiced crumb.

I love how this Southern Peach Bread captures the heart of Southern baking: simple ingredients, no fuss, and flavors that feel like home. Whether you enjoy it with your morning coffee or share a warm slice in the afternoon, this Southern Peach Bread never disappoints. And if you’ve got fresh peaches from the market or your own backyard, there’s no better way to let them shine than with this tried-and-true Southern Peach Bread recipe.

Why Southern Peach Bread is a Summer Essential

Southern Peach Bread has been a beloved staple in my kitchen for as long as I can remember. There’s just something so rewarding about baking with fresh summer peaches, especially when the result is a tender, golden loaf full of sweet, juicy flavor. This isn’t just a quick bread recipe; it’s a little slice of Southern tradition. I think back to the stories my grandmother used to tell as we waited for the bread to rise in the oven, the scent of cinnamon and peaches filling the air.

That’s the kind of feeling this Southern Peach Bread brings to life. It’s moist from buttermilk, rich with ripe peaches, and stays fresh for days. Perfect for meal prepping or wrapping up as a heartfelt gift. Whether you’re serving it up with your morning coffee, packing it for a summer picnic, or adding it to a dessert table alongside a classic peach cobbler, this Southern Peach Bread is all about sharing the season’s sweetest moments.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Dietary Benefits and Serving Suggestions
• Recipe variations and Substitutions
• Equipment
• Storage Instructions
• Grandma’s Quiet Trick That Changed Everything About My Southern Peach Bread
• FAQ
• A Sweet Southern Farewell + More Peach Recipes to Love
• Related
• Pairing
• Southern Peach Bread Recipe

Ingredients

Here's everything you need to create this delicious peach bread:

For the Bread:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• unsalted butter, melted
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar, packed
• Eggs
• vanilla extract
• Buttermilk
• Fresh peaches, peeled and diced (about 3 medium peaches)
• Chopped pecans (optional)

For the Vanilla Glaze:

• Powdered sugar
• Tablespoons milk
• Vanilla extract

Ingredient Tips and Substitutions:

• Fresh peaches: Choose ripe but firm peaches for the best texture. If fresh peaches aren't available, you can substitute with canned peaches (drained and diced) or frozen peaches (thawed and drained).
• Buttermilk: This ingredient is key to the bread's tender crumb. If you don't have buttermilk, make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to ½ cup regular milk.
• Gluten-free option: Swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free peach bread.
• Nuts: Pecans are traditional, but walnuts or almonds work beautifully too.

The fresh peaches are the star of this Southern Peach Bread recipe, providing natural sweetness and moisture. The buttermilk creates a tender crumb, while the cinnamon and nutmeg add that signature Southern warmth.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Prep Your Kitchen and Ingredients

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, then dust it lightly with flour. This prevents sticking and creates a beautiful crust.
3. Wash and peel your fresh peaches, then dice them into small, uniform pieces.
4. Pat the diced peaches dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture – this prevents the bread from becoming soggy.
5. If you're using pecans, roughly chop them now and set aside.

Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients Separately

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make sure there are no lumps – this creates an even distribution of flavors throughout your peach bread.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter with both sugars until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thick.
3. Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract and buttermilk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Combine and Bake

1. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold them together using a wooden spoon or spatula. Don't overmix – a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can make your bread tough instead of tender.
2. Carefully fold in the diced peaches and pecans (if using). The peaches should be evenly distributed throughout the batter.
3. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top gently.
4. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched.

Cool and Finish Your Southern Peach Bread

1. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
2. While the bread is cooling, make your vanilla glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top.
4. Let the glaze set for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Helpful Hints and Tips For perfect Southern Peach Bread

Here's a game-changing tip: toss your diced peaches in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf during baking, creating an even distribution of fruit throughout your bread.

For extra flavor depth, try browning your butter before adding it to the batter. This creates a nutty, caramelized flavor that pairs beautifully with the peaches. Just make sure to let it cool slightly before mixing it with the other ingredients.

Dietary Benefits and Serving Suggestions

This Southern peach bread offers several nutritional benefits thanks to its star ingredient. Fresh peaches are packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. They're also naturally low in calories and high in water content, making this bread a more nutritious option than many commercial sweet breads.

The buttermilk adds probiotics and calcium, while the eggs provide protein and healthy fats. If you add pecans, you're getting additional protein, healthy fats, and vitamin E.

This peach breakfast bread is perfect served warm with a pat of butter and a cup of coffee. It also makes an excellent dessert served with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. For brunch, pair it with [Southern grits] or [fresh fruit salad].

Recipe variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this Southern Peach Bread recipe lies in its versatility. Here are some delicious variations to try:

• Peach Blueberry Bread: Add ½ cup fresh blueberries along with the peaches for a double-fruit delight.
• Cinnamon Peach Bread: Double the cinnamon and add a cinnamon-sugar swirl through the middle of the batter.
• Peach Cream Cheese Bread: Create a cream cheese filling by mixing 4 oz softened cream cheese with ¼ cup sugar and 1 egg. Layer half the batter, add the cream cheese mixture, then top with remaining batter.
• Spiced Peach Bread: Add ¼ teaspoon ground ginger and a pinch of cardamom for a warming spice blend.
• Peach Coconut Bread: Replace the nuts with ½ cup shredded coconut for a tropical twist.

For dietary restrictions, this Southern Peach Bread recipe adapts well. Make it dairy-free by using coconut oil instead of butter and non-dairy milk in place of buttermilk. For a healthier version, substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.

Equipment

While you don't need special equipment for this Southern Peach Bread recipe, a few key tools will make the process smoother:

• 9x5-inch loaf pan: This is the standard size for most bread recipes. A light-colored metal pan works best for even browning.
• Large mixing bowls: Having separate bowls for wet and dry ingredients prevents overmixing.
• Wire cooling rack: This allows air to circulate around the bread as it cools, preventing a soggy bottom.
• Sharp knife: Essential for dicing peaches evenly.

If you don't have a loaf pan, you can bake this in a 9-inch round cake pan – just reduce the baking time by about 10 minutes and check for doneness with a toothpick.

Storage Instructions

Store your Southern peach bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The bread actually improves in flavor after the first day as the peach juices continue to meld with the other ingredients.

For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for about 2 hours before serving. You can also freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap for quick single servings.

If you've added the glaze, store the bread in the refrigerator to prevent the glaze from becoming too soft. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

FAQ

A Sweet Southern Farewell + More Peach Recipes to Love

This Southern Peach Bread recipe is more than just a loaf. It’s a warm embrace from summer itself. With every slice, you get that nostalgic blend of soft peaches, cozy spices, and melt-in-your-mouth goodness that makes Southern baking so special. It’s simple enough for new bakers yet impressive enough to share at any gathering.

And if you’re just as peach-obsessed as we are, don’t stop here! Try our spiced twist with this Cinnamon Peach Bread or take a savory turn with our refreshing Peach Bruschetta. Both are perfect ways to make the most of peach season. Whether you're baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this Southern favorite is sure to become a treasured part of your summer table.

With love from my kitchen to yours,
Kaitlyn Reed

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Southern Peach Bread recipe: