Irresistible Peach Quick Bread with Cinnamon Almond Topping: Your Go-To Fall Baking Recipe

As the vibrant hues of summer gently fade into the crisp embrace of fall, nature blesses us with an abundance of sweet, ripe peaches. These golden gems are simply begging to be transformed into something truly special, and for many years, this peach quick bread has been my cherished way to celebrate the season. There was a time I considered removing this beloved recipe from the blog, mistakenly thinking it might not resonate with others. Oh, how wrong I was! A delightful outpouring from loyal readers quickly set me straight, reminding me just how much this comforting, aromatic bread is adored. Their enthusiasm reignited my passion for sharing this particular recipe, proving that some creations are simply too good to keep hidden. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to the simple joys of seasonal baking and the connection we share through delicious food.

Why This Peach Bread Recipe Is a Must-Try

Quick breads truly shine during the autumn months, offering a delightful blend of simplicity and comfort. Coincidentally, this perfectly aligns with the peak of peach season, making this recipe an absolute dream. This particular peach bread stands out for its harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making it an incredibly versatile treat for any time of day. The juicy sweetness of fresh peaches pairs exquisitely with the rich, nutty crunch of almonds, all tied together by a warm whisper of cinnamon.

It’s perfect as a hearty breakfast, a satisfying afternoon snack with a cup of tea, or even a surprisingly elegant dessert when warmed and served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you find yourself with an abundance of fresh peaches from the farmer’s market or your own orchard, this recipe is an excellent way to use them up. Beyond this quick bread, feel free to explore our other fantastic peach recipes, such as our indulgent deep dish peach pie or the delightful peach upside down cake. Each bite of this quick bread is a taste of fall, a little slice of homemade happiness.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating this delicious peach bread begins with gathering a few simple, high-quality ingredients. For the best flavor, aim for ripe, fragrant peaches – they should yield slightly to a gentle squeeze and have a sweet aroma. While fresh peaches are ideal, frozen chopped peaches can also be used; just make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the batter. The combination of unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar provides a perfect balance of richness and sweetness, while sour cream adds a wonderful tang and ensures a moist, tender crumb. Almond extract is a key player, enhancing the nutty notes of the almonds and complementing the peaches beautifully. Don’t forget the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and cinnamon to give the bread its structure and signature warm spice. For the delightful topping, you’ll need additional sugar, cinnamon, and finely chopped toasted almonds.

Crafting Your Perfect Peach Bread: Step-by-Step Guide

Baking this peach quick bread is an incredibly rewarding experience, and the steps are designed to be straightforward for both novice and experienced bakers alike. The aroma filling your kitchen as it bakes is simply intoxicating! Follow these visual and textual cues to ensure a perfect loaf every time. Remember, the key to a great quick bread is gentle handling of the batter.

These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are provided to help you visualize each stage of the recipe. For a concise, printable version with all measurements, ingredients, and final instructions, please scroll down to the recipe card below.

1. **Prepare Your Pan:** Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when your batter is ready to go in. Properly grease and flour an 8×5 inch loaf pan. Greasing prevents sticking, while flouring creates a thin barrier that helps the bread rise smoothly and release cleanly. For extra insurance against drips and for more even heat distribution, place your prepared loaf pan on a cookie sheet.
2. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, packed brown sugar, large egg, sour cream, and almond extract. Use an electric mixer for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light, creamy, and well blended. This aeration is crucial for a tender crumb.

3. **Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Add-ins:** In a separate medium-sized bowl, gently whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Once combined, gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture. Stir *just* until moistened. The most critical tip for quick breads is to **avoid overmixing**. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in a tough, dense bread instead of a light, tender one. Then, fold in your chopped peaches (fresh or thawed and drained frozen) and chopped toasted almonds. A few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine and even desirable.

4. **Prepare the Cinnamon Almond Topping:** In a small, separate bowl, combine the topping ingredients: ¼ cup sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and ½ cup finely chopped toasted almonds. For the best texture and even distribution, blend these ingredients briefly in a mini food processor or a clean coffee grinder until the almonds are finely chopped and well mixed with the sugar and cinnamon.
5. **Assemble and Top:** Gently scrape the prepared batter into your greased and floured loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Then, generously sprinkle the cinnamon almond topping mixture over the entire surface of the batter. This topping will bake into a wonderfully fragrant and slightly crunchy crust.

6. **Bake to Perfection:** Place the loaf pan (on the cookie sheet) into the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so it’s essential to check for doneness. Insert a wooden skewer or cake tester into the center of the bread; it should come out clean when the bread is fully baked. The top should be a beautiful golden brown.

7. **Cool and Serve:** Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. This crucial step allows the bread to set and firm up, preventing it from crumbling when removed. After 15 minutes, carefully invert the pan to release the bread and continue cooling it completely on a wire rack. Cooling on a rack ensures air circulation, preventing the bottom from becoming soggy. Slice and enjoy!

Baking Tips & FAQs for Success

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• **The Golden Rule: Do Not Overmix!** This is perhaps the most important tip for any quick bread. When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix only until the flour streaks have just disappeared and the mixture is moistened. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough, chewy, and dense bread rather than a light, tender crumb. While a mixer is great for creaming the butter and sugars (the first 6 ingredients), switch to a sturdy rubber spatula or wooden spoon for adding the dry ingredients to ensure a gentle hand.
• **Serving Suggestion:** For an absolute fall season heaven experience, generously smear a slice of warm peach bread with a dollop of cinnamon butter. The spiced sweetness truly elevates the flavor profile.
• **Fresh vs. Frozen Peaches:** While fresh, ripe peaches offer the best flavor and texture, frozen peaches are a convenient alternative. If using frozen, make sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before chopping and adding them to the batter. This prevents your bread from becoming too moist or dense.
• **Toasting Almonds:** For both the batter and the topping, using toasted almonds adds a deeper, richer flavor. You can quickly toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant, or spread them on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
• **Storage:** Store leftover peach bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer freshness, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. This bread also freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled loaf (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven before serving.
• **Troubleshooting – Why is my bread dense or dry?** A dense loaf is almost always a sign of overmixing the batter, which overdevelops the gluten. A dry loaf is typically due to overbaking or possibly inaccurate ingredient measurements, especially too much flour. Always use the “just until moistened” rule for mixing, and check for doneness with a cake tester to avoid overbaking.
• **Make it Your Own:** Feel free to experiment with other warm spices like a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom. You can also swap out the almonds for other nuts like pecans or walnuts for a different nutty profile. For an extra touch of sweetness, a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk or almond extract can be drizzled over the cooled loaf.

We absolutely adore quick breads, especially during the autumn season. This peach quick bread, with its delightful blend of fruit, spice, and nuts, has earned its place as one of our all-time favorites. We encourage you to try it and discover your own love for this comforting treat. Be sure to check out more of our amazing quick bread and other delicious recipes linked below!

More Delicious Bread Recipes to Explore

If you’ve enjoyed baking this peach quick bread, you’re in for a treat with these other fantastic bread recipes:

• 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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