Peaches & Cream Cheese Loaf Recipe – A Sweet and Buttery Delight That Will Make Your Taste Buds Sing:
When it comes to homemade baked goods, nothing beats the combination of fresh fruit and creamy goodness. This Peaches & Cream Cheese Loaf is an absolute delight, bringing together the sweetness of ripe peaches and the richness of cream cheese for a moist, flavorful bread that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are looking for a delicious treat for breakfast, a dessert to impress guests, or a sweet snack to enjoy with coffee, this peach loaf is the ultimate go-to recipe.
Baking at home has become a favorite pastime for many, and finding the right recipe can make all the difference. If you’ve been searching for a fruity and creamy loaf that delivers a burst of flavor in every bite, then look no further. Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it also uses simple ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen. This is a foolproof recipe that even beginner bakers can master.
Why You Will Love This Peaches & Cream Cheese Loaf:
Moist and Rich Flavor: The combination of cream cheese and butter creates an incredibly moist texture.
Perfect Sweetness: The peaches add natural sweetness, complemented by a hint of sugar and lemon zest.
Versatile Recipe: Great for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even as a snack.
Easy to Make: Simple steps with readily available ingredients make this a stress-free recipe.
Crowd Favorite: A hit at gatherings, potlucks, and family dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
8 oz cream cheese (1 package), softened
½ cup butter (1 stick)
1 ½ cups sugar
½ tablespoon lemon zest
2 eggs
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
1 cup milk
15 oz can sliced peaches, drained and diced
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a standard bread loaf pan.
Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy.
Add Sugar and Eggs: Stir in the sugar, eggs, and lemon zest, and continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, until just combined.
Fold in Peaches: Gently fold the diced peaches into the batter to evenly distribute the fruit.
Bake: Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Let the loaf cool before slicing and serving.
Tips for the Best Peaches & Cream Cheese Loaf:
Use Fresh Peaches: While canned peaches work perfectly, fresh peaches will add an extra layer of natural sweetness and freshness.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, so mix until just combined.
Enhance the Flavor: Adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract can give the loaf an extra depth of flavor.
Check for Doneness: Since ovens vary, test with a toothpick at the 50-minute mark.
How to Store and Freeze:
Room Temperature: Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep it in the fridge for up to a week.
Freezing: Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. The loaf can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Variations to Try:
Nutty Addition: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
Glazed Version: Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
Chocolate Twist: Fold in white chocolate chips for a sweeter treat.
Spiced Flavor: Increase the cinnamon for a more robust, spiced taste.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use frozen peaches? Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the batter to prevent excess moisture.
What can I use instead of cream cheese? Mascarpone cheese is a great alternative for a slightly different texture.
How do I make this gluten-free? Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Can I turn this into muffins? Yes! Pour the batter into muffin tins and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes.
Related Recipes You May Love:
Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies – A Buttery Sweet Treat
Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies – The Ultimate Soft & Sweet Delight
Cranberry Pineapple Fizz – A Refreshing Drink for Any Occasion
Loaded Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta – A Comforting & Cheesy Delight
Final Thoughts:
Baking at home brings joy, and this Peaches & Cream Cheese Loaf is a testament to that. Whether you are making it for a family gathering, a church function, or just as a treat for yourself, this sweet and creamy bread will always be a winner. The soft and moist texture combined with juicy peaches makes every bite simply irresistible.
So why wait? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the best homemade peach loaf ever!
