There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm slice of freshly baked bread, especially when it’s bursting with juicy, sweet peaches. This Heavenly Peach Bread is exactly that — a tender, moist loaf infused with fresh fruit and topped with a luscious glaze that elevates it from everyday bread to a dessert-worthy treat.
Perfect for summer brunches, afternoon tea, or as a gift for friends and neighbors, this peach bread brings the fresh taste of peaches into your kitchen even if you’re not making a pie. Each bite melts in your mouth, with a hint of vanilla and a subtle sweetness that’s not overpowering. The glaze adds a touch of elegance, making it irresistible on sight and flavor.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers bakery-level results right at home. It’s also wonderfully versatile you can enjoy it warm from the oven, toasted with butter, or even as a decadent breakfast treat alongside coffee.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist & Tender: Packed with fresh peaches and perfectly balanced sweetness.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples plus seasonal fruit.
- Quick to Prepare: Easy mixing method, no complicated steps.
- Versatile Serving: Breakfast, snack, dessert, or gift-worthy treat.
- Glaze Option: Adds a sweet, fruity finish that makes it extra special.
Ingredients Breakdown
Servings: Makes 1 loaf (about 8–10 slices)
For the Bread
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups fresh peaches, diced
For the Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/3 cup finely diced peaches
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream (if needed)
Tools & Equipment Needed
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Whisk and spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board (for peaches)
- Cooling rack
- Small bowl for glaze
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Pan and Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray and lightly dust with flour.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine granulated sugar, milk, and vegetable oil.
- Whisk in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and smooth.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
4. Add Fresh Peaches
- Gently fold in 2 cups of diced peaches until evenly distributed.
- The batter should be thick but slightly pourable.
5. Bake the Bread
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack.
6. Prepare the Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, melted butter, diced peaches, and vanilla extract.
- If needed, add 1–2 tablespoons of heavy cream to reach a pourable consistency.
7. Glaze the Bread
- Once the bread has cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top.
- Allow the glaze to set for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
Tips & Variations
- Ripe Peaches Only: Choose sweet, juicy peaches for maximum flavor.
- Frozen Option: If fresh peaches aren’t available, use thawed frozen peaches, draining excess juice to prevent soggy batter.
- Add Texture: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds on top before baking for a nutty crunch.
- Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg enhances the peach flavor.
- Mini Loaves: Divide batter into mini loaf pans for gift-giving or portion control.
Flavor Profile & Pairings
This bread is sweet, fruity, and buttery, with tender crumbs and juicy pockets of peach throughout. The glaze adds a silky, sweet finish that pairs beautifully with morning coffee or afternoon tea.
Drink Pairings:
- Coffee or cappuccino
- Hot black or green tea
- Freshly squeezed orange juice
Side Pairings:
- Vanilla ice cream for dessert
- Cream cheese spread for breakfast
- Fresh berries for extra freshness
Nutritional Overview (Estimated Per Slice)
- Calories: ~250 kcal
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
Values are approximate, based on 10 slices per loaf.
Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips
- Bread: Bake up to 2 days in advance and store tightly wrapped at room temperature.
- Glaze: Can be prepared and refrigerated for 1 day; drizzle before serving.
- Freezing: Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use canned peaches?
Yes, but drain thoroughly and pat dry to prevent a soggy loaf.
Q2: How do I prevent the bread from sinking?
Do not overmix the batter and ensure your baking powder is fresh.
Q3: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, substitute with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Texture may be slightly different.
Q4: Can I double the recipe?
Yes, bake in two separate loaf pans for best results; adjust bake time slightly.
Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)
Step | Task | Time |
---|---|---|
1 | Prep oven & pan | 5 min |
2 | Mix wet ingredients | 5 min |
3 | Combine dry & wet | 5 min |
4 | Fold in peaches | 2 min |
5 | Bake bread | 55–65 min |
6 | Prepare glaze | 5 min |
7 | Glaze & serve | 10 min |
Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with butter for breakfast.
- Slice and top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for dessert.
- Arrange slices on a platter with fresh berries and mint for a brunch display.
Recipe Variations
- Peach & Almond Bread: Add 1/2 cup chopped almonds and a few drops of almond extract.
- Peach & Blueberry Bread: Mix in 1/2 cup fresh blueberries for a fruit medley.
- Spiced Peach Bread: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg for autumn flavors.
Ingredient Spotlight: Peaches
Fresh peaches are the star of this bread. Choose peaches that are:
- Firm yet slightly soft to the touch
- Sweet and fragrant
- Free from bruises or blemishes
Storage Tip: Keep peaches at room temperature until ripe, then refrigerate. Wash just before dicing for the bread.
Pro Baking Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure milk, egg, and oil are at room temperature for better batter consistency.
- Don’t Overmix: Fold the peaches in gently to keep bread tender.
- Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean with maybe a few crumbs.
Storage & Freezing Guide
- Store at room temperature for 2 days in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days; allow slices to come to room temperature before serving.
- Freeze for up to 3 months, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil.
Nutrition Table (Per Slice)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 250 kcal |
Protein | 3g |
Carbohydrates | 38g |
Fat | 11g |
Fiber | 2g |
Dietary Notes: Vegetarian-friendly; gluten-free and dairy-free adaptations possible.
Conclusion
This Heavenly Peach Bread is a celebration of summer fruit in a tender, sweet, and fragrant loaf. The peaches bring natural sweetness and juiciness, while the glaze elevates it into a bakery-worthy treat. It’s simple enough for a weekday breakfast but special enough for brunches, gift-giving, or dessert.
With easy preparation, minimal ingredients, and a delightful flavor that balances sweet, fruity, and buttery notes, this peach bread is sure to become a family favorite. Slice it, share it, or savor it all to yourself either way, it’s truly heavenly.
PrintHeavenly Peach Bread Recipe
A moist, tender peach bread bursting with fresh summer peaches and topped with a luscious peach glaze perfect for breakfast or dessert.
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups fresh peaches, diced
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/3 cup finely diced peaches
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons heavy cream (if needed)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, milk, oil, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in diced peaches carefully.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 55-60 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in pan 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire rack to cool completely.
- For glaze, mix powdered sugar, melted butter, diced peaches, and vanilla until smooth. Add cream if needed.
- Spread glaze over cooled bread before serving.
Notes
- Choose ripe but firm peaches for best results.
- Store glazed bread in refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Can freeze unglazed bread for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian