Spiced Peach Bread Recipe

Warm, fragrant, and bursting with juicy peaches, Spiced Peach Bread is the kind of homemade quick bread that can instantly make your whole house smell like a Southern bakery. Every bite delivers notes of cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg, complemented by the lush sweetness of ripe peaches and the subtle tang of buttermilk. Whether you’re slicing it for a cozy breakfast, sneaking a piece with your afternoon coffee, or serving it as an irresistible dessert, this peachy treat is bound to bring smiles and “one more slice, please” requests wherever it appears.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t find any complicated ingredients here—just straightforward staples working together in total harmony. Each component brings a little something essential, creating the plush, aromatic crumb and sparkling crust that make Spiced Peach Bread unforgettable.

• Dark brown sugar: Packs the loaf with deep, molasses-like richness and helps the crust caramelize beautifully.
• Unsalted butter: A double helping of butter adds creaminess and keeps the crumb especially soft and tender.
• Large eggs: They bind everything together and give the bread its light, lofty structure.
• Cake flour (or all-purpose): For a finer, softer texture—cake flour is dreamy, but all-purpose works too.
• Baking powder: Essential for the bread to rise tall and light in the oven.
• Salt: Just a half teaspoon balances the sweetness and sharpens all those cozy spices.
• Cinnamon: The backbone of the spice blend, instantly evoking the comfort of baked fruit desserts.
• Allspice: Lends warmth and complexity without overpowering the peaches.
• Freshly grated nutmeg: A game-changer for depth—freshly grated makes a noticeable difference!
• Ground cloves: Just a pinch for that unmistakable spiced finish in every bite.
• Cultured buttermilk: The secret ingredient for a delightfully moist and subtly tangy bread.
• Diced peaches (skin on): Little pockets of summery sweetness; no need to peel them as the skins melt right in.
• Coarse sparkling sugar: A sprinkle on top gives the crust a glistening, crunchy finish—pure magic!

How to Make Spiced Peach Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat

Begin by heating your oven to 350F and getting your loaf pan ready. Lightly butter a 9×5 loaf pan, then line it with parchment paper, making sure there’s enough hanging over the sides for easy removal later. This simple step ensures you won’t have any tragic sticking episodes—and it makes for a beautiful loaf that lifts right out for slicing and serving.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Add your dark brown sugar and room-temperature butter to a stand mixer. Beat them together for a full five minutes until the mixture becomes light and dreamy. Don’t cut corners here: this extended creaming time is the trick to a fluffy, tender crumb—plus, it helps dissolve any sneaky lumps hiding in the brown sugar.

Step 3: Beat in the Eggs

One by one, add your eggs to the mixture, giving each one a moment to fully blend in before adding the next. Scrape down the bowl to keep things even, then continue beating for another two to three minutes. The batter should look pale and cloud-like—this is exactly what you want for Spiced Peach Bread perfection.

Step 4: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

Whisk cake flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and cloves in a separate bowl. Now, alternate adding this flour mixture and the buttermilk into your stand mixer—beginning and ending with flour. Mix gently by hand at the end to ensure everything is well-mixed, but take care not to overwork the batter. A light touch means a softer loaf every time.

Step 5: Fold in the Peaches

With a spatula, delicately fold in the diced peaches. Let their natural juices and vibrant color shine through! There’s something special about biting into little bursts of fresh fruit in each slice, so don’t worry if the batter feels generously loaded.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Pour your batter evenly into the prepared pan. Smooth the top, then shower it with coarse sparkling sugar—this creates that signature crackly, golden crust. Place the pan on the center rack and bake for 50 to 55 minutes. When a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs, you’ll know your loaf is ready!

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let your Spiced Peach Bread cool in the pan for ten minutes. Then, grasp the parchment handles and lift out the loaf to finish cooling on a rack. Whether you can wait for it to cool or you slice it while still warm (no judgment!), every piece is loaded with warmth and flavor.

How to Serve Spiced Peach Bread

Garnishes

Turning a simple loaf into something special is all about those finishing touches. For Spiced Peach Bread, try a dusting of powdered sugar, an extra drizzle of honey, or even a dollop of whipped cream on the side. A few thin peach slices arranged on top before serving add extra color and a visual hint of what’s inside.

Side Dishes

This bread shines on its own, but it also pairs perfectly with tangy Greek yogurt, a side of fresh berries, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re serving it as dessert. For brunch spreads, consider including a platter of citrus fruit or a refreshing iced tea to complement the spiced, fruity flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice your Spiced Peach Bread into thick slabs and grill them lightly for a warm, caramelized treat. Cut the loaf into cubes to make a decadent bread pudding, or turn slices into the ultimate French toast. Wrap individual pieces in parchment for easy gifting or to tuck into lunchboxes for a mid-day pick-me-up.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If there’s any bread left (trust me, it disappears quickly!), keep it tightly wrapped or stored in an airtight container at room temperature. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so you might find that slices enjoyed the next day taste even more luxurious.

Freezing

Spiced Peach Bread freezes beautifully. Simply wrap your cooled loaf (whole or in slices) in plastic wrap, then slip it inside a resealable freezer bag. It will keep its flavor and moisture for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature when those peachy cravings hit.

Reheating

Want that out-of-the-oven experience again? Warm slices in the microwave for about twenty seconds or toast gently in a toaster oven. If you’ve frozen the bread, let it thaw first for the best texture, then reheat as desired.

FAQs

Can I use canned or frozen peaches for Spiced Peach Bread?

Absolutely! If fresh peaches aren’t in season, reach for well-drained canned or thawed frozen peaches. Just pat them dry with a paper towel before adding to the batter so the bread doesn’t get soggy.

What’s the difference between cake flour and all-purpose flour in this recipe?

Cake flour yields a finer, softer crumb, giving Spiced Peach Bread its tender bite. However, all-purpose flour works well in a pinch. For an in-between solution, try making DIY cake flour by replacing two tablespoons of every cup of all-purpose flour with cornstarch, then sifting.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for the regular flour. Check that your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free, and bake as directed. The bread may be slightly denser, but the flavors will still be just as delightful.

Is it possible to make Spiced Peach Bread vegan?

While this recipe is lush with butter, eggs, and buttermilk, you can use vegan butter, flax eggs, and plant-based buttermilk (oat milk with a splash of lemon juice works well) for a vegan version. The result will be different but still delicious and fragrant.

How do I keep the bread from sticking to the pan?

Using both butter and parchment paper to line your pan is the best insurance against sticking disasters. Once baked, let the loaf cool for ten minutes before lifting it out by the parchment ends; it’ll come out clean and easy every time.

Final Thoughts

If you love the flavors of summer and the comfort of home baking, you simply have to try Spiced Peach Bread. It’s easy to whip up, loaded with juicy fruit, and spiced to perfection—ideal for sharing with family or savoring all to yourself with a cup of tea. Happy baking!

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