This Peach Pecan Bread is a warm and comforting treat, blending sweet peaches with crunchy pecans. It’s perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack!
Honestly, the smell of this bread baking makes my kitchen feel like a cozy café. I love to enjoy a slice with a cup of coffee. It’s a little slice of happiness! ☕🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches really make this bread shine. If they’re out of season, you can use canned or frozen peaches—just make sure to drain and dry them a bit to prevent excess moisture.
Pecans: I love the crunch pecans provide. If you need a nut-free option, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can work as a tasty substitute.
Flour: All-purpose flour is perfect here, but if you’re looking for a healthier option, whole wheat flour works fine, just note that it may change the texture slightly.
Oil: Vegetable oil keeps this bread moist, but you can swap it with melted coconut oil or applesauce for a lighter option!
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Both spices add warmth to the flavor, but if you don’t have them or prefer a simpler taste, feel free to skip or substitute with pumpkin pie spice for an exciting twist!
How Do I Ensure My Bread Is Moist and Not Overmixed?
Mixing the batter just right is key to tender bread. Overmixing activates the gluten in the flour, resulting in a dense loaf. Here’s how to avoid that:
- Combine dry ingredients separately and whisk well to avoid clumps before adding in the wet ingredients.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry and stir until you can’t see any dry flour. It’s okay if there are a few lumps—just don’t keep mixing!
- When adding in the peaches and pecans, gently fold them into the batter using a spatula. This ensures they are distributed without overworking the batter.
Remember, some lumps are perfectly fine! This helps keep that moist and fluffy texture we all love in bread.
How to Make Peach Pecan Bread?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruits and Nuts:
- 2 cups peaches, peeled and diced
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This peach pecan bread will take you around 15 minutes to prepare, plus about 55-65 minutes to bake. Then, it will need a little time to cool down. Overall, you can expect to spend about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and either grease it with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper to make removal easy later.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, gather the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and, if you like, the cinnamon and nutmeg. Give it a good stir so all the dry ingredients are evenly mixed together.
3. Combining the Wet Ingredients:
Now, take another bowl and whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until everything is nicely blended. This is where the magic happens!
4. Mixing It All Together:
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or a spoon to mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; just get it combined.
5. Adding the Peaches and Pecans:
Gently fold in the diced peaches and chopped pecans, making sure they’re spread throughout the batter without breaking them up too much. We want those yummy bites throughout!
6. Pouring into the Pan:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to smooth the top. It’s all coming together now!
7. Baking:
Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing by this point!
8. Cooling:
Once it’s baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here!
9. Enjoying Your Bread:
Once cooled, slice your peach pecan bread and serve it warm or at room temperature. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture from the frozen peaches before adding them to the batter. This will help prevent the bread from becoming too soggy.
Can I Substitute the Vegetable Oil?
Yes, you can use melted coconut oil, melted butter, or even applesauce for a healthier option. If using applesauce, consider reducing the sugar slightly, as it adds sweetness!
How to Store Leftover Peach Pecan Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy!
Can I Add Other Nuts or Fruits?
Definitely! Feel free to replace the pecans with walnuts or almonds, and you can even mix in other fruits like blueberries or cherries for a fun twist. Just keep the total fruit amount similar to ensure the batter sets properly.
