There’s something magical about the moment when the sweet scent of sun-ripened peaches mingles with the earthy crunch of pecans wafting through your kitchen. With each slice of this Peach Pecan Bread, you’ll experience a delightful harmony of flavors—tender, juicy pockets of peach giving way to buttery, nutty pecan bits. This recipe brings out the best of summer’s bounty and transforms it into a moist, tender loaf that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re craving something fruity for breakfast or a comforting dessert after dinner, this bread checks all the boxes. The soft crumb yields easy bites that practically melt on your tongue, while the pecan bits add that satisfying contrast in texture.
As a bonus for busy bakers, this Peach Pecan Bread comes together in just about 20 minutes of prep time, plus 60–70 minutes in the oven and a quick 10-minute rest before slicing. It’s rated at a beginner-friendly difficulty, so even if you’re new to baking, you’ll breeze through it thanks to simple techniques like creaming and folding. With around 250 calories per slice (based on 10 slices), it’s a treat that feels indulgent without going overboard. Perfect for a weekend brunch, an afternoon snack, or an easy dessert, this quick bread is a great way to savor summer any time of year—even when fresh peaches are out of season and you’re using canned ones instead.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN PEACH PECAN BREAD
Before you dive in, let’s talk about the stars of this recipe and why each one matters. From providing structure to adding moisture and flavor, every ingredient plays a vital role in creating a loaf that’s bursting with juicy peach goodness and that signature pecan crunch.
- All-purpose flour
This is the foundation of our bread. It provides the necessary structure and crumb, allowing the loaf to rise evenly while maintaining a tender texture.
- Baking soda
Acts as a leavening agent that reacts with acidic ingredients, helping the bread lift and achieve that perfect golden-brown crust.
- Baking powder
Works in tandem with baking soda to offer an extra boost of lift, ensuring your bread isn’t too dense and bakes up nice and fluffy.
- Salt
Enhances all the other flavors, balancing the sweetness and bringing out the richness of the butter and pecans.
- Granulated sugar
Sweetens the bread evenly, promotes browning, and helps create a light, airy crumb when creamed with butter.
- Unsalted butter
Adds rich flavor and moisture. When creamed with sugar, it traps air that contributes to a fluffy, tender loaf.
- Eggs
Provide structure, richness, and stability. Beating them in one at a time ensures a smooth batter that holds together beautifully.
- Vanilla extract
Infuses the bread with a warm, sweet aroma that complements both the fruity peaches and the nutty pecans.
- Sour cream
Adds tanginess, moisture, and richness. Its acidity reacts with the leavening agents to create a lighter, more tender crumb.
- Fresh peaches
The star of the show—once peeled, pitted, and diced, they burst with juicy flavor and add natural sweetness and moisture to the loaf.
- Chopped pecans
Provide that delightful crunch and earthy nutty flavor, perfectly contrasting the tender peach-filled bread.
- Ground cinnamon (optional)
Sprinkled on top, it lends a warm, aromatic finish that enhances the overall flavor profile without overpowering the peaches.
HOW TO MAKE PEACH PECAN BREAD
Baking this Peach Pecan Bread is straightforward and rewarding. You’ll move through simple mixing techniques and end up with a loaf that’s moist, tender, and packed with flavor. Follow each step carefully to achieve the best texture and taste.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure the bread releases easily once baked.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Sifting helps eliminate lumps and ensures even distribution of leavening agents. Set this dry mixture aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and softened butter until the mixture turns pale and fluffy. This step incorporates air, giving your loaf a light texture.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the batter with that rich, sweet aroma.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients—this helps maintain a smooth, even batter.
6. Gently fold in the diced peaches and chopped pecans using a spatula. Take care not to over-mix, as you want to preserve the fruit’s juiciness and the nuts’ texture.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. If you love an extra hint of spice, sprinkle the optional ground cinnamon over the top before baking.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top turns a lovely golden brown.
9. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring you get clean slices every time.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR PEACH PECAN BREAD
When your Peach Pecan Bread comes out of the oven, the fun really begins. This versatile loaf can shine in many ways, whether you’re keeping it simple or amping up the indulgence. Here are some of our favorite serving ideas to make each slice even more memorable.
- Warm and Buttery
Slice the bread while it’s still slightly warm and spread a pat of softened butter on top. The butter will melt into every crumb, highlighting the sweet peach pockets and the nutty pecans.
- With Whipped Cream or Mascarpone
Top each slice with a generous dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a smear of creamy mascarpone. The smooth, airy topping adds a decadent contrast to the textured bread.
- Scooped with Vanilla Ice Cream
Turn this loaf into a dessert centerpiece by pairing a thick slice with a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream. As the ice cream melts, it seeps into the bread, creating a luscious, spoonable treat.
- Toasted for Breakfast
Lightly toast slices and serve alongside your morning coffee or tea. The gentle crisp on the edges enhances the flavors and gives you a slightly different texture to enjoy.
HOW TO STORE PEACH PECAN BREAD
Proper storage will help your Peach Pecan Bread stay fresh and flavorful for as long as possible. From short-term counter storage to longer freezer methods, here are the best ways to keep your loaf tasting just-baked.
- Room Temperature
Once fully cooled, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Keep it on the counter away from direct sunlight and heat for up to 2–3 days.
- Refrigeration
For longer freshness, slice the bread and place the slices in a zip-top bag or sealed container. Use within 4–5 days, and allow slices to come to room temperature or reheat briefly before serving.
- Freezing
To store beyond a few days, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a labeled freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a quick treat.
- Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy chilled or frozen slices, revive them in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F for 5–8 minutes. This restores the soft crumb and brings back that just-baked warmth.
CONCLUSION
This Peach Pecan Bread is more than just a quick bread—it’s a celebration of summer’s bright flavors and the simple joys of home baking. From the first moment you whisk together the wet and dry ingredients to that final golden-brown pull from the oven, each step offers a little bit of magic. You’ve learned how key ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, and leavening agents work together with fresh peaches and crunchy pecans to create a loaf that’s moist, tender, and irresistibly flavorful. Whether you stick to the basic recipe or experiment with canned peaches and walnuts, this easy beginner recipe will become a household favorite in no time.
Feel free to print this article and save it for later use—a handy reference whenever you’re craving a slice of something sweet and comforting. You’ll also find a FAQ section below to answer any questions about ingredient swaps, baking tips, or storage tricks. If you try this recipe, please let me know how it turned out! I’d love to hear your comments, questions, or feedback, especially if you added your own creative twists. Happy baking!
Peach Pecan Bread
Description
Experience the delightful blend of juicy peaches and crunchy pecans in a moist, aromatic bread that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert. Each slice is a treat!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
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In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
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Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
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Fold in the diced peaches and chopped pecans gently, being careful not to over-mix.
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. If desired, sprinkle a little ground cinnamon on top for added aroma and flavor.
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Bake in the preheated oven for about 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Note
- Fresh peaches can be swapped with canned peaches (drained and diced) when out of season.
- You can substitute the pecans with walnuts for a different flavor profile.
- This bread is delicious served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- For a stronger peach flavor, try adding a splash of peach extract to the batter.
