Delicious Homemade Peach Bread with Cinnamon Almond Topping: The Ultimate Fall Quick Bread Recipe

As the vibrant colors of summer begin to mellow into the warm hues of autumn, nature blesses us with an abundance of one of its most delightful fruits: fresh, ripe peaches. These juicy treasures are practically begging to be transformed into something truly special, and for many years, our beloved Peach Bread has been the answer. This recipe, a personal favorite, was once briefly removed from our blog. However, the outpouring of requests from loyal readers quickly reminded us just how cherished this comforting quick bread truly is. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to the irresistible charm of fall baking and the simple joy of a homemade treat.

This peach bread is a symphony of flavors and textures, featuring tender, sweet peaches nestled within a moist, flavorful crumb, complemented by crunchy almonds. What truly elevates it is the spectacular cinnamon almond topping – a fragrant, buttery crust that adds an extra layer of deliciousness to every slice. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe promises to fill your home with an aroma that signals the arrival of cozy autumn days and creates a memorable treat that will have everyone asking for more. It’s a proven crowd-pleaser, designed to bring warmth and sweetness to your table.

Why This Peach Bread Recipe is a Must-Try for Fall

Quick breads hold a special place in our hearts, especially as the temperatures drop and we crave comforting, easy-to-make treats. Coincidentally, late summer and early fall mark the peak of peach season, making this homemade peach bread an absolutely perfect fit for the season. It’s a delightful way to capture the essence of autumn in a single bite, blending the natural sweetness of ripe peaches with warm, inviting spices.

This recipe stands out due to its exquisite combination of flavors and textures. The moist, tender crumb of the bread is studded with juicy peach pieces and fragrant toasted almonds, creating a wonderfully balanced profile. But the true star is arguably the luscious cinnamon almond topping. This irresistible layer adds a delightful crunch and a burst of warm spice that perfectly complements the fruit. It’s the kind of bread that truly elevates your morning coffee, transforms a simple afternoon snack into a moment of indulgence, and can even be dressed up as a rustic, heartwarming dessert.

If you find yourself with an abundance of peaches and are looking for more ways to enjoy them beyond this incredible quick bread, don’t miss our other fantastic recipes. For a classic dessert, try our deep dish peach pie, packed with sweet, tender fruit. Or, for a stunning presentation and equally delightful taste, our peach upside down cake recipe is sure to impress. Each offers a unique way to celebrate the vibrant flavor of fresh peaches, making them ideal additions to your fall baking repertoire.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Peach Bread

Creating this delightful peach bread begins with gathering the right ingredients. For the main bread batter, you’ll need softened unsalted butter, a blend of granulated and packed brown sugar for balanced sweetness and depth, a large egg for structure, and sour cream which is key for a wonderfully moist crumb. A touch of almond extract enhances the nutty notes from the almonds, complementing the peaches beautifully. All-purpose flour provides the base, while baking powder and cinnamon ensure a light texture and warm spice. Finally, fresh or frozen chopped peaches and toasted chopped almonds are folded in to create the signature flavor and texture of this quick bread.

The irresistible cinnamon almond topping requires just three simple components: sugar, cinnamon, and finely chopped toasted almonds. This mixture creates a fragrant, slightly crisp layer that perfectly crowns your peach bread. For all exact measurements, detailed instructions, and a convenient printable version of the recipe, please scroll down to the dedicated recipe card at the end of this post.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Bake the Best Peach Bread

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. Please scroll down to simply print out the recipe!

1. **Prepare Your Baking Environment:** Begin by preheating your oven to a precise 325°F (160°C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking from the moment your bread goes in. Next, generously grease and lightly flour an 8×5 inch loaf pan. This crucial step prevents the bread from sticking and ensures a clean release once baked. To catch any potential drips or overflows and facilitate easier handling, place the prepared loaf pan onto a cookie sheet before adding the batter.
2. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, beat together the first six ingredients: softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, packed brown sugar, large egg, sour cream, and almond extract. Use an electric mixer to thoroughly blend these ingredients until the mixture is light, creamy, and well-combined. This forms the luscious, flavorful base of your peach bread.

3. **Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Mix-ins:** In a separate medium-sized bowl, gently whisk together the remaining dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, chopped peaches, and chopped toasted almonds. Once combined, carefully add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until the ingredients are just moistened. This is a critical step for quick breads – do not overmix. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to a dense, tough bread instead of the tender, fluffy texture you desire. A few lumps are perfectly fine!

4. **Prepare the Cinnamon Almond Topping:** In another separate, small bowl, combine the topping ingredients: sugar, cinnamon, and finely chopped toasted almonds. For the best texture and even distribution, blend these ingredients together using a mini food processor or even a coffee grinder dedicated to spices. This creates a fine, fragrant crumble that will become the delightful crust of your bread.
5. **Assemble and Bake:** Carefully scrape the peach bread batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Then, generously sprinkle the cinnamon almond topping mixture over the entire surface of the batter. This not only adds flavor but also creates a beautiful, caramelized crust. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 to 50 minutes. To test for doneness, insert a wooden skewer or cake tester into the center of the loaf. It should come out clean when the bread is fully baked.

6. **Cooling Process:** Once baked, remove the loaf pan from the oven and allow the peach bread to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. This initial cooling period allows the bread to set and firm up, making it easier to handle. After 15 minutes, carefully remove the bread from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling on a wire rack ensures air circulation all around the loaf, preventing the bottom from becoming soggy and maintaining its delicious texture.

7. Allow to cool 15 minutes in pan, and then remove and continue to cool on a wire rack.

Expert Baking Tips & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Peach Bread

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To ensure your peach bread turns out perfectly every time, keep these valuable tips in mind. We also address some common questions that arise during the baking process.

• **The Golden Rule: Do Not Overmix!** This is perhaps the most crucial tip for any quick bread, and our peach bread is no exception. While a mixer is fantastic for creaming together the wet ingredients (the first 6), once you introduce the dry ingredients, switch to a sturdy rubber spatula or wooden spoon. Mix just until the flour streaks disappear and the ingredients are barely combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough, chewy bread rather than the desired light and tender crumb.
• **Choosing Your Peaches:** For the best flavor and texture, use ripe, fresh peaches. If fresh peaches aren’t in season, frozen peaches work wonderfully. Just be sure to thaw them first and gently pat them dry to remove excess moisture, which can make your bread soggy. You can peel your peaches if you prefer a smoother texture, or leave the skins on for a rustic look and added fiber.
• **Toasting Almonds:** The recipe calls for toasted almonds in both the bread and the topping. Toasting the almonds, whether in a dry skillet over medium heat or spread on a baking sheet in the oven for a few minutes, significantly enhances their nutty flavor and aroma. This small step makes a big difference in the overall taste of your bread.
• **Storage and Shelf Life:** Once completely cooled, store your peach bread at room temperature in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. This bread also freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the oven.
• **Serving Suggestions:** While a slice of peach bread is delightful on its own, it truly shines with a few accompaniments. A smear of cinnamon butter is, as mentioned, “fall season heaven!” You can also serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra special treat. It’s also fantastic simply toasted with a little extra butter.
• **Why Use Sour Cream?** Sour cream adds incredible moisture and tenderness to quick breads without making them greasy. Its slight tang also balances the sweetness of the peaches and sugars, contributing to a more complex flavor profile. Full-fat plain Greek yogurt can be a suitable substitute if you’re in a pinch, offering similar moisture and tang.

We absolutely adore quick breads, and this delightful peach bread recipe is undoubtedly one of our all-time favorites. It’s the perfect way to embrace the flavors of fall, creating a comforting and delicious treat for any occasion. Don’t forget to explore even more of our favorite bread recipes listed below!

More Delicious Quick Bread Recipes to Explore

If you’ve enjoyed baking this peach bread, you’ll love exploring these other fantastic quick bread recipes. Each offers a unique flavor profile and a simple baking experience perfect for any season:

• Lemon Blueberry Zucchini Bread
• Cantaloupe Quick Bread
• Starbucks Lemon Loaf
• Chocolate Zucchini Bread
• Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze
• Sour Cream Banana Bread

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