Peach Bread

Peach bread is a flavorful, tender quick bread packed with the juicy sweetness of fresh or canned peaches, warm spices, and a soft crumb that melts in your mouth. Perfect for summer brunches, afternoon coffee, or even as a sweet breakfast slice, this recipe transforms simple pantry ingredients into a bakery-worthy treat.

What Is Peach Bread?

Peach bread is a type of moist fruit loaf, similar to banana or zucchini bread, made by folding chopped peaches into a sweet batter and baking until golden. It balances the natural tang of ripe peaches with the depth of cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla for a comforting, nostalgic flavor. It’s typically served warm or at room temperature and is often topped with glaze, streusel, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Why Peach Bread Deserves a Spot in Your Recipe Box

• Versatile: Works with fresh, canned, or frozen peaches
• Freezer-friendly: Stays moist and flavorful for weeks
• Crowd-pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike
• One-bowl method: Easy to prep, no mixer needed
• Perfect texture: Crisp crust, soft crumb, juicy peach bites

Best Peaches to Use for Baking

1. Fresh Peaches

Use in-season yellow peaches for best results. Choose fruit that is:

• Firm but ripe
• Freestone varieties (pits separate easily)
• Peeled and chopped into small chunks

2. Canned Peaches

Drain well and pat dry. Choose peaches canned in juice, not syrup, to avoid overly sweet results.

3. Frozen Peaches

Defrost completely and blot with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Peach Bread Ingredients List

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
• ¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1½ cups diced peaches (fresh, canned, or frozen)

Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor

• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• ¼ cup shredded coconut
• ½ cup white chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• Streusel topping made with butter, brown sugar, and flour

How to Make Peach Bread: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, beat eggs, sugar, oil (or butter), Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.

4. Fold in Peaches

• Add diced peaches to the wet mixture. Stir gently to coat.

5. Combine Wet and Dry

• Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined—do not overmix.

6. Bake

• Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
• Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Peach Bread Glaze (Optional but Delicious)

Simple Vanilla Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Whisk until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bread for a bakery-style finish.

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps for up to a week; warm slices before serving.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp overnight.

How to Serve Peach Bread

• Warm with butter: A classic comfort breakfast
• Toasted with cream cheese: For a tangy, rich contrast
• With a scoop of vanilla ice cream: Dessert-ready in seconds
• Cut into cubes for brunch boards: A unique addition to sweet spreads
• Paired with tea or iced coffee: A refreshing summer treat

Tips for Perfect Peach Bread Every Time

• Blot wet fruit: Prevent sogginess by removing moisture from canned or frozen peaches.
• Avoid overmixing: Stir until ingredients are just combined to avoid dense or tough texture.
• Tent with foil if browning too fast: Protect the top after 40 minutes if needed.
• Use an oven thermometer: Ensure your oven is baking at an accurate temperature.
• Try mini loaves or muffins: Adjust bake time to 20–25 minutes for smaller portions.

Peach Bread Nutritional Info (Per Slice, Approximate)

To reduce calories and sugar, substitute half the sugar with unsweetened applesauce or use a sugar alternative like monk fruit.

Peach Bread Recipe Variations

Peach Crumb Bread

Top with a cinnamon brown sugar streusel for added texture and sweetness.

Peach Banana Bread

Combine mashed bananas and chopped peaches for a tropical, ultra-moist loaf.

Gluten-Free Peach Bread

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are GF-certified.

Peach Bread with Bourbon

Add 1 tablespoon of bourbon or dark rum to the wet mix for a sophisticated twist.

Low-Sugar Peach Bread

Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar and skip the glaze.

Why This Peach Bread Recipe Works

• The combination of yogurt and oil ensures a super moist crumb
• Peaches remain tender but intact, offering bites of natural fruit
• Cinnamon and nutmeg enhance the fruit’s sweetness without overpowering
• Flexible recipe allows for endless customizations
• Beginner-friendly: no mixer, no complex techniques, just great results

Final Thoughts

Peach bread is a celebration of summer in every slice. Moist, fragrant, and endlessly versatile, it’s a recipe that belongs in every kitchen. Whether made with backyard peaches or a can from the pantry, this quick bread brings a golden balance of fruity brightness and classic comfort. Serve it warm, gift it fresh, or freeze it for later—it’s always the right time for peach bread.

sobankhanjan@gmail.com