Introduction
Peaches & Cream Loaf is a soft, tender, and beautifully fragrant quick bread that tastes like summer in every slice. With juicy peaches folded into a rich, velvety batter and a creamy swirl running through the center, this loaf is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat. It’s comforting, elegant, and irresistibly moist.
Origin
Peach-based baked goods have long roots in Southern American cooking, where peaches thrive and are celebrated in countless recipes. Over time, bakers began incorporating cream cheese or cream fillings into loaves and cakes to add richness. This Peaches & Cream Loaf is a modern fusion of classic Southern peach recipes and the beloved “cream cheese swirl” trend found in quick breads.
Cultural Significance
Peaches symbolize warmth, hospitality, and seasonal abundance. Recipes featuring peaches often evoke memories of summertime gatherings, picnics, and family baking traditions. Cream-based fillings, meanwhile, bring a nostalgic bakery-style comfort. Together, peaches and cream create a loaf that feels both homemade and bakery-worthy—a celebration of seasonal fruit and timeless indulgence.
Ingredients Quantity
For the Loaf
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 cup diced fresh or canned peaches (well-drained if canned)
For the Cream Swirl
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Additions
- A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the batter
- Almond extract instead of vanilla
- Sliced almonds on top
- A peach glaze made from powdered sugar + peach juice
- Extra diced peaches for more texture
- Turbinado sugar sprinkled over the top for crunch
Tips for Success
- Drain peaches well to avoid excess moisture.
- Use room-temperature ingredients for a smooth batter and perfect swirl.
- Don’t overmix—mix until just combined for a tender crumb.
- Spoon batter carefully to prevent the cream swirl from sinking.
- Tent the loaf with foil during baking if the top browns too quickly.
- Cool completely before slicing to allow the cream swirl to set.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Prepare the cream swirl:
- Beat cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth. Set aside.
- Make the loaf batter:
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and sour cream.
- Fold in the dry ingredients, then gently stir in the diced peaches.
- Assemble the loaf:
- Pour half the batter into the loaf pan.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly over the batter.
- Add remaining batter on top and smooth gently.
- Bake for 55–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean (avoid testing in the cream layer).
- Cool 15 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve with coffee, tea, or extra fresh peaches.
Description
This Peaches & Cream Loaf is tender and moist, with pockets of sweet peaches and a luscious cream cheese ribbon running through every slice. The flavor is soft, fruity, and lightly tangy with a rich, creamy contrast. Each bite feels like a blend of peach cobbler and a bakery-style cream cheese loaf—comforting, decadent, and fresh.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per Slice – 10 Slices)
- Calories: ~260
- Carbohydrates: ~32g
- Protein: ~4g
- Fat: ~12g
- Sugar: ~21g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Sodium: ~150mg
Conclusion
Peaches & Cream Loaf is the perfect union of fruity brightness and creamy indulgence. It works beautifully as a dessert, breakfast loaf, or giftable baked treat. Easy to make and always impressive, it brings a touch of sunshine to any table.
Recommendation
For an even richer flavor, use fresh summer peaches when they’re at peak ripeness. If baking outside peach season, canned or frozen peaches (thawed & drained) work beautifully. Pair each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey for an extra-special touch.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
Enjoying this loaf mindfully means savoring the natural sweetness of peaches and appreciating each creamy bite without guilt. You can slightly reduce the sugar, use Greek yogurt for added protein, or substitute half the flour with whole-wheat flour for a wholesome twist—while still keeping the loaf tender and indulgent.