Peach Bread Recipe (from the smoker)
If you find yourself with an abundance of fresh peaches, this Peach Bread recipe is a fantastic way to transform them.
It is the perfect treat for any occasion, especially when you craving summer and it is raining outside. This Peach Bread with Pecan Crumble will get you brownie points amongst family and friends if you decide to share with them 🙂
I made this Peach Bread on my smoker, but of course you can bake it in the oven. This bread comes together quickly and will be gone just as quickly. It is so good.
If you love baking with summer fruit, I have a whole collection of dessert recipes that are worth bookmarking for the season.
Quick Look at this Recipe:
How is this recipe different?
- I added pecans
- I used Greek yogurt and heavy whipping cream
- I used brown sugar
More Summer Recipes you will love:
Ingredients, Variations and Substitutions
All-purpose flour – sift the flour before adding it to the batter for a lighter texture. You can substitute with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor or a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
Fresh peaches – peeled and diced. Use ripe but firm peaches for the best texture. You can use canned peaches (drained) or frozen peaches (thawed and drained) if fresh peaches are not available.
Heavy whipping cream – adds richness and moisture to the bread. Use cold whipping cream for better incorporation into the batter. You can substitute with whole milk, half-and-half, or a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream or almond milk for a lighter option.
Greek yogurt (or sour cream) – it adds moisture and tanginess to the bread. Use full-fat Greek yogurt for the richest texture. You can use Greek yogurt or sour cream interchangeably. For a dairy-free option, use coconut yogurt or a non-dairy sour cream alternative
Other ingredients: baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, eggs, sugar, butter, pecans, vanilla extract, brown sugar
Equipment you will need
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk, spatula
- Baking pan/Loaf pan
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Chef’s knife, vegetable peeler
- Cutting board
- Oven or smoker
- Aluminum foil (optional)
- Cooling rack
- Food thermometer
Top Tips
Choose ripe but firm peaches – select peaches that are ripe but still firm for the best flavor and texture. Overly ripe peaches may become mushy when baked.
Prep the peaches properly – peel and dice the peaches uniformly to ensure even distribution throughout the bread. Removing the peach skins prevents any unwanted texture in the final product. Click HERE to read more how to expedite the ripening process of peaches.
Avoid overmixing – When mixing the the dry and wet ingredients in batter, avoid overmixing which can result in a tough bread. Mix until just combined for a tender texture.
Room temperature ingredients – Use room temperature eggs and softened butter for easier incorporation into the batter. Room temperature ingredients also help create a smoother and more uniform texture. It is the same approach I take with my Polish apple walnut cake, and it makes a real difference in the final texture.
Cool completely before slicing – allow the Peach Bread to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This allows the flavors to settle and ensures clean slices without crumbling.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your smoker to 350°F (175°C) using indirect heat. You can use fruitwood like apple or cherry for a subtle smoky flavor.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine sugar with eggs. When done, add the wet ingredients – yogurt, heavy whipping cream, vanilla, and softened butter. Mix well to combine.
- Wash, peel and dice the fresh peaches. In a separate bowl, combine diced peaches, sugar (or sweetener) and cinnamon. Mix gently until the peaches are evenly coated.
- Transfer the prepared wet batter into the bowl with flour. Mix well until smooth.
- In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, pecans, cinnamon, and cold butter. Use a pastry cutter or fork to mix until crumbly
- Add the diced peaches to the bread batter; reserve one cup to use later. Mix gently until the fruit is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Grease or line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Pour the batter into the baking dish.
- Sprinkle half of the pecan crumble mixture evenly over the top of the bread batter. Using a fork or a spoon lightly mix the crumb topping with the top layer of the batter.
- Layer the reserved cup of diced peaches on top of the batter and finish with more of the crumb topping. That layered crumble technique is exactly what I do in my apricot walnut bread too, and it gives you that bakery-style top that cracks just right.
- Place the prepared loaf pan on the smoker rack.
- Close the smoker and bake the Peach Bread for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Check the bread occasionally to ensure it’s baking evenly, rotating the pan if necessary.
- If the crumble starts to brown too quickly, you can tent the bread with aluminum foil.
- Once done, remove the Peach Bread from the smoker and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Serve slices of Peach Bread warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the delicious smoky flavor infused into every bite!
Oven instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Transfer the Peach Bread batter into the prepared pan.
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Best way to enjoy
- Warm and plain
- With a dollop of whipped cream or honey sour cream, as I used with Blueberry Pierogi
- Drizzle with honey or powdered sugar
- Top with a scoop of ice cream
- Top with chopped peaches or fresh berries
- On a cheese platter
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Storage instructions, reheating
- Room Temperature:
- If you plan to consume the Peach Bread within a day or two, you can store it at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
- Refrigeration:
- Place the Peach Bread it in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge.
- Enjoy within 5-7 days for optimal freshness.
- Freezing:
- To extend the shelf life even further, you can freeze the Peach Bread. Wrap individual slices or the entire peach loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- use within 2-3 months for the best quality and taste
- Reheating:
- If the Peach Bread has been stored at room temperature, you can enjoy it as is. You can also warm it slightly in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
- If you’ve stored the Peach Bread in the refrigerator, you can either enjoy it cold or reheat. Here’s how:
- Microwave: Place individual slices on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for 15-30 seconds, or until warmed through.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the Peach Bread in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- If you’ve frozen the Peach Bread you will need to thaw in the fridge first. Here is how:
- Transfer the frozen Peach Bread from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight.
- Alternatively, you can let individual slices thaw at room temperature for a few hours.
Peach Bread with Pecan Crumble
Equipment
- mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
- whisk, spatula
- cutting board
- chef's knife
- vegetable peeler
- Baking pan
- Parchment paper (optional)
- cooling rack
- Wood pellet smoker or oven
- Food Thermometer –
Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 2 large eggs room temp
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Fruit Filling
- 2 cups fresh peaches peeled and diced
- 1 tbsp sugar sweetener or honey
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
Pecan Crumble
- 3 tbsp flour
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp cold butter
- 1/4 cup pecans chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker to 350°F (175°C) using indirect heat. You can use fruitwood like apple or cherry for a subtle smoky flavor.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together: 2 cups all purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.22 cups all purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp baking soda and 1/2 tsp salt
- In another bowl, combine 1/2 cup sugar with 2 large eggs. When done, add 1/2 cup greek yogurt, 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, 2 tsp vanilla extract and 1/2 cup butter. Mix well to combine.
- Wash, peel and dice the 2 cups fresh peaches. In a separate bowl, combine diced peaches, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, and 2 tbsp brown sugar. Mix gently until the peaches are evenly coated.
- Transfer the prepared wet batter into the bowl with flour. Mix well until smooth.
- Add the diced peaches to the bread batter, reserve one cup to use later. Mix gently until the fruit is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Grease or line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Pour the batter into the baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine 3 tbsp flour, 1 tbsp sugar, 1/4 cup pecans, 1/4 tsp cinnamon and 2 tbsp cold butter. Use a pastry cutter or fork to mix until crumbly.
- Sprinkle half of the pecan crumble mixture evenly over the top of the bread batter. Using a fork or a spoon lightly mix the crumb topping with the top layer of the batter.
- Layer the reserved cup of diced peaches on top of the batter and finish with more of the crumb topping.
- Place the loaf pan on the smoker rack.
- Close the smoker and bake the Peach Bread for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Check the bread occasionally to ensure it’s baking evenly, rotating the pan if necessary.
- If the crumble starts to brown too quickly, you can tent the bread with aluminum foil.
- Once done, remove the Peach Bread from the smoker and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Serve slices of Peach Bread warm or at room temperature
Notes
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?
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Conclusion
Do you agree? Peach Bread is a delightful treat that captures the essence of summer in every bite.
With its tender crumb, juicy, fresh peaches, and hint of cinnamon, it’s a quick bread recipe that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. Get ready to enjoy the taste of summer with every slice of homemade Peach Bread.
FAQ
Can I use canned or frozen peaches instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute canned or frozen peaches for fresh peaches. Just make sure to drain canned peaches well and thaw and drain frozen peaches before using them in the recipe.
Can I make Peach Bread gluten-free?
Yes, you can make Peach Bread gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Make sure to check that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Can I omit the pecan crumble topping?
Yes, you can omit the pecan crumble topping if you prefer. The bread will still be delicious without it, though you’ll miss out on the added texture and flavor.
Can I add other fruits or nuts to the Peach Bread?
Yes, you can customize the recipe by adding other fruits like berries or diced apples. Incorporating different nuts like walnuts or almonds into the batter or crumble topping is a great alternative to pecans.
Can I bake Peach Bread in a different type of pan?
Yes, you can bake Peach Bread in different types of pans, such as muffin tins for individual servings or a bundt pan for a decorative shape. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
Can I make Peach Bread vegan?
Yes, you can make Peach Bread vegan by using plant-based substitutes for eggs, butter, and dairy products. For example, you can use flax eggs, vegan butter, and non-dairy milk or yogurt.
How can I expedite the ripening process of peaches if they are too firm to use in this recipe?
Here are few popular methods to speed up the ripening process:
Place the peaches in a paper bag and fold the top over to seal it. Adding a ripe banana or apple to the bag can further increase the ethylene levels and speedup the ripening.
Place the peaches on the counter at room temperature. Keep them out of direct sunlight, as excessive heat can cause them to spoil rather than ripen.
Use a Ripening Bowl. Yes, there are specialized fruit ripening bowls designed to accelerate the ripening process.
Wrap each peach individually in a paper towel and place them in a single layer in a shallow dish. The paper towel helps absorb excess moisture and encourages ripening.
Placing the peaches in a slightly warm environment, such as near a sunny window or on top of the refrigerator, can also help speed up the ripening process.
