There’s something magical about baking bread at home. The warm smell fills the air, the oven light flickers as the loaf rises, and you know you’re about to slice into something that feels like a hug in food form. That’s how I felt the first time I made homemade peach bread. It was born out of a craving one lazy Sunday afternoon when I had ripe peaches sitting on the counter. I thought, why not? Let’s bake them into bread. And let me tell you — the result was pure comfort.
This recipe is not fancy, not complicated, but it’s the kind of treat that makes you smile with every slice. If you’re a fan of sweet, soft breads that are perfect for breakfast, snacking, or even dessert, this peach bread is about to become your new favorite.
Why You’ll Love Homemade Peach Bread
Let’s be honest — peaches are one of the best fruits ever. Sweet, juicy, and a little tangy. Baking them into bread does something wonderful: the fruit keeps the loaf moist, adds natural sweetness, and gives it a flavor that feels like summer no matter what season you’re in.
Here’s why you’ll fall in love with peach bread:
- Easy to make: No yeast, no kneading. Just mix, pour, and bake.
- Moist and flavorful: The peaches make sure the bread never turns dry.
- Versatile: Enjoy it plain, with butter, or even topped with cream cheese.
- Comfort food: It’s the kind of recipe that feels like it’s straight from grandma’s kitchen.
I always tell friends: this is the kind of bread that doesn’t last long in my house — it disappears slice by slice before you even realize it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For one loaf, here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar (you can cut it to ¾ cup if your peaches are very sweet)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon (optional but highly recommended)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter for richer flavor)
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (this keeps the bread super moist)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups fresh peaches, peeled and chopped (you can also use frozen or canned, but fresh is best)
Tip: If you like extra texture, add ½ cup chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts.
How to Make Peach Bread Step by Step
Here’s the fun part. You don’t need to be a pro baker — just follow along and you’ll have a beautiful loaf in under an hour.
Step 1: Prep your oven and pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper so the bread slides right out.
Step 2: Mix dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures all the baking magic is evenly spread.
Step 3: Mix wet ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, sour cream, and vanilla. The mixture should look creamy and smooth.
Step 4: Combine
Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Stir gently — don’t overmix. You want it just combined.
Step 5: Add peaches
Fold in the chopped peaches (and nuts, if using). This is where the bread comes alive with juicy sweetness.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into your loaf pan. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and enjoy
Let the bread cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice, serve, and enjoy the sweet comfort.
Tips for the Perfect Peach Bread
Over the years, I’ve figured out a few tricks that make this bread turn out just right every single time.
- Use ripe peaches: The riper the peaches, the sweeter and juicier your bread will be.
- Don’t overmix: Stirring too much makes bread tough. Keep it gentle.
- Add a topping: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before baking for a little crunch.
- Test for doneness: Every oven is different. Start checking around 50 minutes.
- Store correctly: Wrap in plastic or foil, and it’ll stay moist for up to 3 days at room temp or a week in the fridge.
Variations to Try
Peach bread is amazing as it is, but sometimes I like to mix things up.
- Peach Cream Cheese Bread: Add chunks of cream cheese into the batter. You’ll get little creamy surprises in every bite.
- Peach Crumble Bread: Top with a crumbly streusel before baking.
- Glazed Peach Bread: Drizzle a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk over the cooled loaf.
- Peach and Blueberry Bread: Add ½ cup blueberries for a colorful, juicy twist.
Why This Recipe Works
When I shared this bread with friends, the first thing they said was, “How is it so soft and moist?” The secret is simple: peaches + sour cream. The fruit adds natural moisture, and the sour cream makes the texture fluffy yet rich. This combo never fails.
Also, unlike yeast breads, this recipe doesn’t need long waiting times. It’s quick, simple, and the payoff is huge.
Serving Suggestions
This peach bread doesn’t need much — it’s delicious on its own. But if you want to make it extra special, here are some ideas:
- Breakfast: Toast a slice and add butter or cream cheese.
- Snack: Enjoy it with tea or coffee.
- Dessert: Warm it up and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Gift: Wrap a loaf in parchment and tie with twine — homemade bread makes the best gift.
Nutrition Facts (Per Slice, approx.)
- Calories: 230
- Carbs: 28g
- Sugar: 14g
- Fat: 11g
- Protein: 4g
Of course, this varies if you add nuts or glaze, but it gives you an idea.
FAQs about Peach Bread
1. Can I use canned peaches?
Yes! Just make sure to drain them well and pat dry with paper towels so your bread doesn’t get soggy.
2. Can I freeze peach bread?
Absolutely. Wrap tightly in plastic and then foil. It’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just thaw at room temp before eating.
3. What if I don’t have sour cream?
Greek yogurt works just as well. Both keep the bread moist and fluffy.
4. Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. The texture may be slightly different, but it still works.
5. How do I know when it’s done?
The classic toothpick test is the way to go. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your bread is ready.
Final Thoughts
Homemade peach bread is one of those recipes that never gets old. It’s simple, cozy, and always hits the spot. Whether you bake it for your family, share it with friends, or just treat yourself, it’s the kind of bread that brings comfort in every slice.
Next time you’ve got a few ripe peaches lying around, skip the fruit salad and make this bread instead. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.