Heavenly Peach Bread Recipe

There is something truly magical about a slice of Heavenly Peach Bread that immediately transports you to warm summer days filled with sunshine and laughter. This delightful bread combines the natural sweetness and juiciness of fresh peaches with a tender, moist crumb, all topped with a luscious glaze that adds just the right amount of indulgence. If you’re looking for a treat that’s both comforting and bursting with fruity flavor, this recipe is sure to become your new favorite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the harmony of its ingredients. Each component plays a vital role, from the sweetness and moisture of the peaches to the fluffiness brought by the baking powder. Together, they create the perfect balance that makes the Heavenly Peach Bread so irresistible.

• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture in the bread.
• Whole milk: Brings moisture and richness, enhancing the bread’s soft crumb.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and ensures it stays fresh longer.
• Large egg: Acts as a binder, providing structure and stability.
• Pure vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the peaches perfectly.
• All-purpose flour: The base of the bread, providing the necessary structure.
• Baking powder: Leavens the bread, giving it a light and airy texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavors.
• Fresh peaches, diced: The star ingredient bringing freshness, natural sweetness, and beautiful color spots throughout the bread.
• Powdered sugar (for glaze): Creates a smooth, sweet topping that melts in your mouth.
• Melted butter (for glaze): Adds richness and a silky finish to the glaze.
• Finely diced peaches (for glaze): Adds texture and an extra burst of peach flavor on top.
• Heavy cream: Used if needed to adjust glaze consistency for perfect drizzle and spread.

How to Make Heavenly Peach Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This step ensures your bread doesn’t stick and bakes evenly, resulting in that perfect golden crust we all love.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, whole milk, vegetable oil, large egg, and pure vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous. This blend brings together the essence of sweetness and moisture that will nurture the bread while baking.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps distribute the leavening agent evenly, giving your bread its signature fluffiness.

Step 4: Bring Ingredients Together

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix. The goal is to combine everything just until moistened to keep the bread tender. Overworking the batter can lead to a dense texture, and we want anything but that.

Step 5: Add the Fresh Peaches

Carefully fold in the diced fresh peaches, allowing their juicy sweetness to infuse throughout the batter. The peaches add delightful bursts of flavor and a lovely color contrast, truly making this bread worthy of the name Heavenly Peach Bread.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for 55 to 60 minutes. The bread is ready when it turns a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This slow bake allows flavors to meld and the crumb to set perfectly.

Step 7: Cool and Glaze

After baking, let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. While it cools, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, melted butter, finely diced peaches, and vanilla extract until smooth – add heavy cream if needed to achieve the perfect drizzling consistency. Once cool, spread the glaze generously over the top to elevate your Heavenly Peach Bread to a new level of deliciousness.

How to Serve Heavenly Peach Bread

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few thin peach slices on top of the glazed bread can add an elegant, fresh finish that invites everyone to dig in. Toasted nuts like pecans or almonds also bring a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the peaches.

Side Dishes

This bread is fantastic on its own, but pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can turn it into a comforting dessert. For breakfast or brunch, serve alongside creamy yogurt and fresh berries to balance the sweetness and make your meal more vibrant.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not slice the Heavenly Peach Bread thick and serve it with honey butter or homemade peach jam? You could also use it as the base for a decadent French toast, soaking slices briefly in a cinnamon-vanilla egg wash before frying. Presentation with edible flowers or a dusting of cinnamon can make it a stunning centerpiece at any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Heavenly Peach Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain its moistness. Because of the glaze, it’s best kept in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to five days.

Freezing

If you want to keep the bread for longer, freeze it unglazed. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. It will keep beautifully for up to three months, so you can enjoy that perfect peachy goodness anytime.

Reheating

To bring back the fresh-baked warmth, gently reheat slices of Heavenly Peach Bread in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible because it can make the bread soggy.

FAQs

Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?

Fresh peaches provide the best flavor and texture for this recipe, but if you must use canned, choose peaches packed in juice (not syrup), drain and pat dry well. Keep in mind canned peaches are softer, which may affect the bread’s texture slightly.

What can I substitute for vegetable oil?

You can swap vegetable oil for an equal amount of melted butter or a light olive oil. Each will add a slightly different flavor and texture, but the bread will still turn out moist and delicious.

How ripe should the peaches be?

Pick peaches that are ripe but still firm to the touch. Overripe peaches can become mushy during baking and make the bread too wet; firmer peaches hold their shape and provide pleasant bursts throughout.

Is this bread gluten-free?

Not as written, since it uses all-purpose flour. However, you can try substituting with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Results may vary, so be sure to test for texture and baking times.

Can I make this bread dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute whole milk with your favorite plant-based milk, and use vegan butter or coconut oil for the glaze. The texture will remain moist and the flavors just as wonderful.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a way to celebrate summer’s sweet bounty, the Heavenly Peach Bread is your answer. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and sure to become a beloved recipe you’ll reach for anytime you want a little sunshine on your plate. I can’t wait for you to try it and share the joy it brings with friends and family!

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