I absolutely love this Peach Quick Bread Recipe because it combines the best of fresh, juicy peaches with a tender, moist bread that’s perfect any time of day. Whether it’s for breakfast with a cup of coffee, an afternoon snack, or a simple dessert, this bread delivers a wonderful balance of sweetness and warmth thanks to the cinnamon and almond extracts.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how easy it was to mix up and bake, yet the results tasted like something you’d find at a high-end bakery. You’ll find that it’s quick to prepare but yields a bread packed with fresh peach flavor and a crumbly topping that makes every bite delightful. Trust me, it’s totally worth making again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh Peach Flavor: Using fresh, peeled peaches ensures every slice bursts with juicy sweetness.
- Easy and Quick: This bread comes together with simple ingredients and minimal effort, perfect for busy days.
- Moist and Tender Texture: The sour cream and milk combo keeps the bread super moist and soft.
- Irresistible Crumb Topping: The crunchy cinnamon-sugar crumb on top adds a wonderful contrast to the soft bread.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Peach Quick Bread Recipe lies in how these ingredients work together — from the tangy sour cream to the spices that bring out the peach’s natural sweetness. These pantry staples come together perfectly to make a bread that’s anything but ordinary.
- All-purpose flour: Using spooned and leveled flour ensures the right texture without making the bread too dense.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These leaveners help the bread rise nicely and become tender.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance flavor.
- Egg: Adds structure and richness to the bread.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread and complements the peaches.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist without making it greasy.
- Sour cream (or plain/Greek yogurt): Adds tang and moisture for a tender crumb.
- Whole milk: Helps keep the batter smooth and adds richness.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor.
- Almond extract: I discovered this addition really elevates the peach flavor.
- Fresh peaches: Peeled and chopped — the star of the recipe.
- Brown sugar: For the crumb topping’s sweet crunch.
- Cinnamon: In both batter and crumb topping for warmth and spice.
- Unsalted butter: Cold and cubed for the crumb topping’s perfect texture.
Variations
I love how versatile this Peach Quick Bread Recipe can be — you can tweak it easily to suit your taste or dietary needs without losing that fresh, summery vibe. Feel free to make it your own!
- Dairy-Free Version: I’ve replaced the sour cream and milk with coconut yogurt and almond milk, and the bread was still wonderfully moist.
- Spiced Up: Sometimes I add nutmeg or ginger to the batter for an extra layer of warmth that pairs beautifully with peach.
- Fruit Mix: If peaches aren’t in season, swapping in chopped nectarines or even berries works great.
- Gluten-Free: I’ve tried using a gluten-free flour blend, and while the texture changes a bit, it’s still delicious.
How to Make Peach Quick Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep that Crumb Topping
This is a small but mighty step. Mixing the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon together before cutting in cold butter creates those delightfully crunchy, buttery crumbs you’ll love. Chill the topping—it keeps it from melting into the batter during baking. I usually pop it in the freezer while I work on the bread batter.
Step 2: Mix Your Dry and Wet Ingredients
Whisk your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in one bowl. In another, whisk the egg and granulated sugar really well, then add oil, sour cream (or yogurt), milk, vanilla, and almond extracts. Pour the wet into the dry and gently mix until just combined. Overmixing will make the bread tough, so keep it light and easy.
Step 3: Layer the Peaches
Mix peaches with a little sugar and cinnamon, then pour half the batter into your greased loaf pan. Spread the peach mixture evenly on top, then carefully add the remaining batter. Run a knife through the center to swirl the peaches in—I learned this gives a beautiful marbled effect and helps integrate the flavors.
Step 4: Add the Crumb Topping and Bake
Sprinkle your crumb topping evenly over the batter. Bake at 350°F for about an hour, tenting loosely with foil around the 30-minute mark if the top gets too brown—every oven’s different, and you want a golden topping without burning. Test doneness with a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, you’re good to go!
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Let the bread cool completely in the pan before slicing. I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but this step helps prevent the slices from getting too gummy, especially near the peach layers. If you find some slices a bit wet, warming them for 10 seconds in the microwave works like a charm.
Pro Tips for Making Peach Quick Bread Recipe
- Keep Butter Cold for Crumb Topping: Cold butter creates flaky crumbs that stay crispy instead of melting into the bread.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir until just combined to keep the texture light and tender.
- Use Ripe Peaches: Ripe, juicy peaches add flavor and moisture — the better the peaches, the better the bread.
- Tent with Foil If Needed: Cover halfway through baking to avoid an overly browned or burnt crust.
How to Serve Peach Quick Bread Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping slices of this bread with a light spread of butter or cream cheese for breakfast. A drizzle of honey or a dusting of powdered sugar gives it a little extra charm if serving as a dessert. Fresh mint leaves also add a lovely pop of color and freshness if you’re serving guests.
Side Dishes
This quick bread pairs beautifully with a simple bowl of vanilla yogurt or a scoop of homemade ice cream for dessert. For a brunch spread, I usually offer fresh fruit salad and a pot of strong coffee or lightly sweetened iced tea — it all complements the bread’s subtle sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to cut the bread into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a pretty platter with fresh peach slices and edible flowers. It looks stunning and makes a great finger food. You could also sandwich slices with mascarpone and a thin peach jam for a fancy twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I typically store leftover Peach Quick Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for a day. After that, I move it to the refrigerator where it keeps well for up to a week. The bread holds its texture surprisingly well, especially if wrapped tightly to avoid drying out.
Freezing
Freezing this bread is a great way to save leftovers for later. I slice it first, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. It freezes beautifully and thaws quickly, making it perfect for grabbing a quick treat anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds—just enough to warm it through and bring back that tender crumb texture. You can also toast slices gently in a toaster oven for a lightly crisp exterior that’s delightful.
FAQs
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Can I use canned or frozen peaches instead of fresh?
Fresh peaches are best for this Peach Quick Bread Recipe to maintain texture and flavor. However, if you use canned or frozen peaches, make sure to drain them well and pat dry to avoid adding too much moisture, which can make the bread soggy.
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What does almond extract do in this bread?
Almond extract enhances the natural sweetness of the peaches, adding a subtle nutty depth that really lifts the flavor profile of this quick bread. It’s a small ingredient but a game-changer in how it ties everything together.
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How do I know when the bread is perfectly baked?
Use a toothpick to test—the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Also, the top should be golden brown but not burnt. If it’s browning too fast, tent it with foil halfway through baking, which I’ve found prevents overbaking on top while ensuring it cooks through.
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Can I substitute yogurt for sour cream?
Yes! Plain or Greek yogurt works wonderfully in place of sour cream, providing similar moisture and tang that keep the bread tender and flavorful. I often use Greek yogurt when I’m out of sour cream, and the results are just as delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Peach Quick Bread Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s so approachable and yet feels like a real treat. There’s something wonderfully comforting about biting into bread that’s bursting with fresh peach chunks, warm spices, and that crunchy topping. I hope you’ll give it a try soon—you might find, like I did, that it becomes your family’s new go-to quick bread for any season.
PrintPeach Quick Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 3 hours (includes cooling time)
- Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 10-12 slices) 1x
- Category: Quick Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Peach Quick Bread is a moist and flavorful treat combining tender bread with a sweet and spiced peach layer, topped with a buttery crumb topping. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a snack, it features fresh peeled peaches folded into a tender batter and baked to golden perfection with a crisp cinnamon crumb topping.
Ingredients
Crumb Topping
- 2 Tablespoons (25g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 3 Tablespoons (24g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 Tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Bread
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup (80ml) vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup (120g) sour cream (or plain yogurt/Greek yogurt), at room temperature
- 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Peach Layer
- 1 and 1/2 cups (about 260g) peeled and chopped peaches (about 2 medium-large peaches)
- 1 Tablespoon (12g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray to ensure the bread doesn’t stick.
- Make the Crumb Topping: In a bowl, mix together brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Add cold cubed butter and cut it into the mixture using a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands until pea-sized crumbs form. Refrigerate or freeze the crumb topping until ready to use to keep it cold and crumbly, preventing it from sinking into the bread during baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients for Bread: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to combine evenly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients for Bread: In a separate medium bowl, whisk the egg and granulated sugar until fully combined. Add vegetable oil, sour cream, milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract, whisking well after each addition.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk gently to combine completely. Take care not to over-mix to maintain a tender crumb. This yields about 3 cups of batter.
- Prepare Peach Layer: In a small bowl, toss the peeled and chopped peaches with granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until evenly coated and juicy.
- Assemble the Bread: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Spoon the peach mixture with juices over the batter. Carefully spoon the remaining batter over the peaches, spreading gently to cover. Use a knife to swirl the batter through the peach layer for visual appeal and flavor distribution.
- Add Crumb Topping: Evenly sprinkle the chilled crumb topping over the batter surface to add a delicious sweet and crunchy finish.
- Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 60-65 minutes. About halfway through baking, loosely cover the top with foil to prevent over-browning. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the bread is done.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, slice to serve. For best taste, warming slices in the microwave for 10 seconds helps soften the denser areas around the peach layer.
- Storage: Store leftover bread at room temperature for up to 1 day or refrigerate for up to 1 week, keeping it covered.
Notes
- Keeping the crumb topping cold before baking helps maintain its crumbly texture on top of the bread.
- Sour cream can be substituted with plain or Greek yogurt without affecting the texture.
- To prevent the bread from over-browning, cover it loosely with foil about halfway through baking.
- The areas of bread around the peaches may taste a little gummy due to moisture; warming slices before serving softens it nicely.
- Use ripe, sweet peaches for maximum flavor and natural sweetness in the bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of loaf)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg