If you’re craving a comforting treat that captures the sweet, sunny essence of fresh fruit, look no further than this Heavenly Peach Bread Recipe. Each bite offers a perfectly moist texture with tender juicy peaches baked right in, complemented by a luscious peach-infused glaze that elevates the flavor to something truly special. This recipe is a delightful way to bring the warmth and brightness of summer peaches into your kitchen any time of the year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Putting together this Heavenly Peach Bread Recipe is a breeze with a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. Each component plays its part, from the tender crumb created by the flour and baking powder to the natural sweetness and moisture supplied by those ripe peaches.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread just right without overpowering the fruit.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Adds richness and moisture for a soft crumb.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the bread tender and moist even after baking.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and adds structure.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm undertones.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for your loaf, creating that perfect texture.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Provides the lift needed for a light and fluffy bread.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and brightens flavors.
- 2 cups fresh peaches, diced: The star ingredient, bringing juicy bursts of fruit in every slice.
- For the glaze: 2 cups powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1/3 cup finely diced peaches, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract combine to add a sweet, creamy finish.
How to Make Heavenly Peach Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Before you get started mixing, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This ensures your bread will bake evenly and release easily once done, setting the stage perfectly.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, whole milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform. This blend is where the moist, tender base of your bread begins to form.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This trio is essential for giving your bread that light, fluffy texture and balancing the sweet peaches.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Ingredients Together
Carefully fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients just until the batter is combined. Overmixing can make the bread tough, so gentle folding is the key to maintaining tenderness.
Step 5: Fold in the Peaches
Introduce those fresh diced peaches into the batter by gently folding them in. This step ensures each slice will be bursting with juicy, fruity goodness without breaking down the peaches too much.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Pour your luscious batter into the prepared pan and slide it into the oven. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes or until the bread turns a glorious golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The aroma now filling your kitchen will have you eager to taste!
Step 7: Cool Before Glazing
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to help it set, then transfer it to a wire rack. This prevents sogginess and primes your loaf for that final sweet touch.
Step 8: Prepare the Peach Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, melted butter, finely diced peaches, and vanilla extract until smooth, adding a splash of cream if needed to reach your desired drizzle consistency. This glaze is what makes the Heavenly Peach Bread Recipe truly irresistible.
Step 9: Drizzle and Serve
Carefully drizzle the peach glaze over the cooled bread, allowing it to soak in slightly and add a glossy finish packed with flavor. Now your bread is ready to share and enjoy!
How to Serve Heavenly Peach Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts or a light dusting of cinnamon powder on top of the glaze can introduce wonderful texture and warmth. Fresh peach slices on the side also make a pretty, fresh garnish that echoes the main ingredient beautifully.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of morning coffee or afternoon tea, making it perfect for breakfast or a snack. For a heartier brunch, serve it alongside creamy yogurt or a small bowl of vanilla ice cream to complement the bread’s sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the bread into thick, hearty pieces and arrange them on a rustic wooden board for a charming look. You can also toast slices lightly and spread with whipped honey butter or cream cheese for an extra indulgent twist on your Heavenly Peach Bread Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature. It will stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days, maintaining that lovely moist texture.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this delicious bread later, slice it before freezing and store the pieces in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen slices stay good for up to 3 months and make for an easy, quick treat anytime you want.
Reheating
To bring your bread back to life, warm slices in a toaster or microwave for a few seconds until soft and fragrant. This quick step restores that fresh-baked feel you fell in love with originally.
FAQs
Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?
While fresh peaches give the best flavor and texture, you can substitute canned peaches if needed. Just make sure to drain them well and pat dry to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. The bread will still be moist and delicious with those juicy peaches shining through.
How ripe should the peaches be?
Look for peaches that are ripe but still firm to the touch. Overly soft peaches can make the batter too watery and affect the bread’s texture.
Can I add spices to the bread?
Yes, cinnamon or nutmeg would complement the peaches beautifully. Add about 1/2 teaspoon to the dry ingredients for a warm, cozy twist to this Heavenly Peach Bread Recipe.
Will the glaze harden if I store the bread?
The glaze remains somewhat soft and creamy but can firm up slightly when refrigerated. For best texture, keep glazed bread at room temperature and consume within a day or two.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a loaf that feels like a warm hug, and this Heavenly Peach Bread Recipe does just that. Its effortless blend of sweet peaches and tender crumb, topped with a luscious glaze, makes it a joyful treat to bake and share. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen. So grab your peaches and let’s bake some happiness together!
Print
Heavenly Peach Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Heavenly Peach Bread is a moist and flavorful quick bread packed with juicy fresh peaches and topped with a luscious vanilla-peach glaze. Perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert, it combines a tender crumb with a sweet, fruity finish that highlights the natural sweetness of ripe peaches.
Ingredients
Bread Ingredients
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups fresh peaches, diced
Glaze Ingredients
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/3 cup finely diced peaches
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking during baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, whole milk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt thoroughly to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the bread tough.
- Add Peaches: Fold in the diced fresh peaches carefully to distribute them evenly throughout the batter without breaking them down.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Bread: Allow the bread to cool in the loaf pan for about 10 minutes to set before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a bowl, mix together the powdered sugar, melted butter, finely diced peaches, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add cream if necessary to achieve desired drizzling consistency.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled bread for a sweet finishing touch. Slice and serve.
Notes
- Use ripe, juicy peaches for the best flavor and moisture.
- If fresh peaches are not available, thawed frozen peaches can be used but drain excess liquid to avoid sogginess.
- For a dairy-free variation, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative in the glaze.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to retain a light and tender crumb.
- The glaze can be adjusted in consistency by adding milk or cream one teaspoon at a time if it’s too thick to drizzle.
