🍑🍞 Southern Peach Pecan Bread – A Sweet Taste of Summer 🍞🍑
📜 Introduction:
Peach Pecan Bread is a timeless Southern delight that brings together the sweet juiciness of ripe peaches and the buttery crunch of pecans in a soft, moist quick bread. This recipe is perfect for late summer when fresh peaches are abundant, but it works beautifully with canned or frozen peaches as well. Whether served for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or a light dessert, it evokes the comfort and charm of home-style baking. Let’s explore this luscious loaf filled with flavor, love, and tradition.
🍑 Ingredients:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or canned peaches, peeled and chopped
- 3/4 cup pecans, chopped and lightly toasted
🥣 Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavor
Beat in the eggs, one at a time. Then mix in the Greek yogurt and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix just until incorporated – do not overmix.
Step 6: Fold in Fruit and Nuts
Gently fold in the chopped peaches and toasted pecans using a spatula.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tip: Tent with foil halfway through if the top browns too quickly.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
🔥 Methodology:
This recipe uses the creaming method, which gives the bread a tender crumb and slight lift. The yogurt adds tang and moisture, while the peaches release sweet juices during baking, making the bread irresistibly soft. Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and adds texture contrast.
🏺 A Slice of History:
Peach bread has its roots in Southern American cooking, where stone fruits like peaches were preserved and used in various baked goods. Pecans, native to the South, pair perfectly with these fruits in pies, cakes, and quick breads. This recipe continues that legacy, offering a modern yet nostalgic flavor.
❤️ For the Lovers of Baking:
This recipe is a celebration of love—love for comfort food, for family gatherings, and for the simple joy of baking with seasonal fruit. It’s a loaf you’ll want to gift to neighbors or share over coffee with friends. Each slice tells a story of tradition and homemade affection.
✅ Conclusion:
Peach Pecan Bread is more than just a quick bread—it’s a moment of summer baked into a golden loaf. With fragrant cinnamon, sweet peaches, and crunchy pecans, it’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Enjoy it warm with a pat of butter, toasted for breakfast, or topped with whipped cream for dessert.
🧡 Lovers’ Variation Ideas:
- For the sweet tooth: Drizzle with a vanilla glaze or peach icing.
- For a Southern twist: Add a splash of bourbon to the batter.
- For cozy lovers: Mix in dried cranberries or white chocolate chips.
- For the romantics: Serve with peach jam and a warm cup of tea under the sunset.
Would you like a printable version or a recipe card with photos? 🍑