Spiced Peach Bread

My Spiced Peach Bread is a delightful treat that brings together the sweetness of ripe peaches with warm spices like cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. This easy quick bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert and captures the essence of both summer and fall. Its inviting aroma and soft texture make it an instant family favorite, and it’s sure to charm your loved ones at any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simplicity: This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal effort, making it ideal for bakers of all levels.
• Flavorful Fusion: The combination of juicy peaches with warm spices creates a unique flavor profile that tantalizes your taste buds.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a sweet ending to dinner, this bread fits any occasion.
• Family-Friendly: With its comforting flavors and moist texture, this bread is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Make Ahead: This Spiced Peach Bread stores well, so you can bake it in advance for busy days or special events.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Spiced Peach Bread, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that ensure a smooth baking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Stand mixer
• 9×5 loaf pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk

Why These Tools Matter

• Stand Mixer: It makes creaming butter and sugar easy and ensures a light, fluffy batter.
• Loaf Pan: A good quality pan ensures even baking and gives your bread the perfect shape.
• Parchment Paper: Lining the pan with parchment helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to gather for your delicious Spiced Peach Bread:

• 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature (you can also use extra large eggs)
• 1 3/4 cups cake flour (you can also use all-purpose flour)
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp allspice
• 1/2 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 cup cultured buttermilk
• 2 cups diced peaches, skin on (around 3 smallish peaches)
• 1 tsp coarse sparkling sugar

How to Make Spiced Peach Bread

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly butter a 9×5 loaf pan and line it with parchment paper using long ends. This will help you lift the bread out later for glazing and slicing.

Step 2: Cream Sugar and Butter

In a stand mixer, combine the dark brown sugar and unsalted butter. Cream them together until light and fluffy—about 5 minutes. Make sure there are no lumps in the sugar.

Step 3: Add Eggs

Beat in each of the large eggs one at a time. Ensure that each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Continue mixing for another 2–3 minutes until the batter appears light and fluffy.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and ground cloves in a separate bowl. Gradually add this mixture to the stand mixer alternately with cultured buttermilk, starting and finishing with dry ingredients. Mix gently by hand to avoid over-beating. Finally, fold in the diced peaches.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Spread it out evenly across the surface. Sprinkle the top lightly with coarse sparkling sugar; you can substitute regular granulated or raw sugar if preferred.

Step 6: Bake

Place on the center rack of your oven and bake for 50–55 minutes. Your bread should rise nicely; check doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center—it should come out clean or with moist crumbs attached but no wet batter.

Step 7: Cool Down

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before removing it using the parchment paper handles. You can slice while warm or let it cool completely before serving.

Enjoy creating this delightful Spiced Peach Bread that’s sure to become a beloved addition to your recipe collection!

How to Serve Spiced Peach Bread

Spiced Peach Bread is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it as a breakfast item or a sweet dessert, there are plenty of serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

As a Breakfast Delight

• Toasted Slices – Lightly toast slices of your Spiced Peach Bread for added warmth and texture. Spread a little butter on top for extra richness.
• With Yogurt – Serve alongside a dollop of Greek yogurt topped with honey for a refreshing breakfast option.
• Fruit Compote – Top with warm peach or berry compote for an enhanced fruity flavor that complements the bread.

For Afternoon Tea

• With Tea or Coffee – Enjoy slices of Spiced Peach Bread with your favorite tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack.
• Cream Cheese Spread – Add a layer of cream cheese spread on top for a creamy contrast to the spiced flavors.

As a Dessert Option

• Drizzled with Honey – A simple drizzle of honey can elevate the sweetness and add a nice gloss to the bread.
• Ice Cream Pairing – Serve warm slices with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience that melts in your mouth.

How to Perfect Spiced Peach Bread

To ensure that your Spiced Peach Bread turns out perfectly every time, consider these handy tips.

• Bold Ingredients: Use ripe peaches to maximize flavor. The riper the peach, the sweeter and juicier your bread will be.
• Bold Mixing Technique: Cream the butter and sugar thoroughly. This step incorporates air into your batter, creating a lighter texture.
• Bold Measuring: Accurately measure flour using the spoon-and-level method. This prevents dense bread caused by too much flour.
• Bold Cooling Time: Allow the bread to cool in the pan before removing it. This helps maintain its shape and texture.
• Bold Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check doneness; it should come out clean or with just moist crumbs attached, not wet batter.

Best Side Dishes for Spiced Peach Bread

Spiced Peach Bread pairs beautifully with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the bread.
2. Cinnamon Sugar Walnuts – Roasted walnuts coated with cinnamon and sugar provide crunch and enhance the spiced flavors.
3. Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a deliciously creamy counterpart to warm slices of bread.
4. Chai Tea – The warming spices in chai tea resonate well with the spices in the bread, making for a comforting pairing.
5. Herbal Tea Blend – Choose a light herbal tea, like chamomile or mint, to cleanse the palate between bites.
6. Cheese Platter – Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese that offer creaminess against the spiced notes of the bread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Spiced Peach Bread can be delightful, but a few common mistakes can ruin the experience. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using cold ingredients: Always ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can lead to a dense texture.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make the bread tough. Mix just until combined and then fold in the peaches gently.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup rather than scooping directly. This avoids packing it down, which can lead to dry bread.
• Skipping the parchment paper: Lining your loaf pan helps prevent sticking and makes for easier removal. Don’t skip this step!
• Ignoring baking time: Every oven is different. Start checking your bread a few minutes before the recommended time to avoid overbaking.

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store Spiced Peach Bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• item Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap for easy grab-and-go snacks.

Freezing Spiced Peach Bread

• item Allow the bread to cool completely before freezing.
• item Wrap tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. It will last up to 3 months.

Reheating Spiced Peach Bread

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 20-30 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Toast slices in a skillet over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Spiced Peach Bread unique?

Spiced Peach Bread combines fresh peaches with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, offering a delightful balance of flavors that suit both summer and fall.

Can I use frozen peaches for Spiced Peach Bread?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before adding them to the batter.

How do I know when my Spiced Peach Bread is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready!

Can I customize the spices in my Spiced Peach Bread?

Absolutely! You can adjust spices based on your preference or even add nuts or other fruits for variation.

How do I enhance the flavor of my Spiced Peach Bread?

Consider adding vanilla extract or orange zest to elevate the flavor profile of your bread.

Conclusion

This Spiced Peach Bread recipe seamlessly blends flavors that celebrate both summer warmth and fall coziness. It’s perfect as a dessert, breakfast treat, or afternoon snack. Feel free to customize it by adding nuts or different spices according to your taste preferences!