Southern Peach Bread: Easy Moist Recipe for Summer Baking

A Little Peachy Backstory

Every summer, I somehow find myself returning from the farmer’s market with more peaches than one family should logically consume. You know the kind—plump, golden, impossibly fragrant. And every time, I hear my nonna’s voice in my head: “If life gives you peaches, bake something!”

That’s how this Southern Peach Bread came into my life. A cozy, no-yeast, sweet loaf that reminds me of humid Southern mornings and the smell of baking fruit wafting through my grandmother’s kitchen window. It’s everything a Southern comfort treat should be—moist, warmly spiced if you like, and just peachy enough to make you smile.

If you’re craving more ideas with seasonal fruit, check out our nostalgic Strawberry Peach Buckle recipe or scroll through our hand-picked collection on Kai Recipes on Pinterest for more home-baked inspiration.

What is Southern Peach Bread?

Southern Peach Bread is a soft, sweet quick bread loaded with diced peaches—fresh, canned, or even frozen. It’s no yeast needed, which makes it perfect for those spontaneous baking urges. With a texture reminiscent of pound cake and a mild fruity sweetness, it’s easy to understand why this loaf has earned a spot in so many Southern kitchens.

Think of it as a peach dessert recipe disguised as breakfast, snack, or even a picnic treat. It’s part of a long line of bread recipes without yeast that rely on baking soda and sour cream for that tender crumb and lift.

Why You’ll Love This Peach Bread

• Only 10 minutes of prep time
• Uses basic pantry ingredients
• No mixer required—just a bowl and spoon
• A great way to use up ripe peaches or pantry cans
• Freezes beautifully—up to 3 months!
• A kid-friendly hit and loved by seniors too

Whether you’re a baking newbie or a seasoned pro, this easy peach bread delivers warm, homemade flavor with zero fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this moist fruit bread:

• 1 cup diced peaches (peeled; fresh, frozen, or canned all work)
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup sugar (can substitute with stevia)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup sour cream (or use plain Greek yogurt)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour (sub with almond flour for gluten-free option)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt

Optional Add-ins:

• ½ tsp cinnamon
• Streusel topping
• Chopped pecans or blueberries

How to Make Southern Peach Bread

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan—or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk oil, sugar, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla until smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Slowly fold dry ingredients into wet mixture—do not overmix!
5. Gently stir in the diced peaches.
6. Pour batter into your prepared pan.
   • Bake 25–30 minutes for mini loaves or 50–55 minutes for one large loaf.
7. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Tip: The bread is best served warm, maybe even with a dab of butter or scoop of vanilla ice cream (yes, really!).

Tips for Perfect Peach Bread

• Best peaches: Fresh in season are ideal, but canned (drained) or frozen (thawed) work wonderfully.
• Avoid overmixing: Mix just until ingredients are combined for a light crumb.
• Storing tips:
  • Room temperature: up to 4 days
  • Fridge: 5 days
  • Freeze: Up to 3 months (wrap tightly)
• Reheating: A quick zap in the toaster oven brings it back to bakery-fresh!

Popular Variations

Feeling creative? Here are a few reader-loved tweaks:

• Cinnamon Peach Bread – Add ½ tsp ground cinnamon to the batter.
• Peach Bread with Streusel Topping – Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar and butter crumble over the top before baking.
• Healthy Peach Loaf – Use almond flour and stevia.
• Blueberry Peach Loaf – Fold in ½ cup blueberries for a summer twist.

When to Serve Southern Peach Bread

This sweet bread is versatile enough for:

• Brunch spreads and summer brunch ideas
• Paired with coffee for a satisfying breakfast with coffee
• Sweet afternoon tea bread
• Wrapped up as a holiday gift bread
• Packed in lunches as a kid-friendly peach snack

Basically, it’s your go-to whenever you need a comforting slice of homemade joy.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

If you loved this peachy beauty, don’t miss these:

• Try the summery Strawberry Peach Buckle recipe
• Our irresistible fresh peach fritters
• Discover more bread recipes without yeast
• Craving more? Enjoy our easy peach cobbler

Join the Conversation

Have you tried this Southern Peach Bread? Did you add cinnamon, nuts, or go wild with streusel?
Join the Kai Recipe community on Facebook to share your baking tips and results — we love seeing your delicious creations!

Follow & Get Inspired

Looking for more Southern baking goodness?

• Follow Kai Recipe on Facebook for more comforting Southern-style treats
• Browse Kai Recipes on Pinterest for endless home-baked inspiration
• Explore our Peach Recipes board for more fruity favorites

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