Peaches & Cream Cheese Loaf: A Sweet and Creamy Delight
The Peaches & Cream Cheese Loaf is a moist, flavorful bread that combines the natural sweetness of ripe peaches with the rich, creamy texture of cream cheese. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, this loaf is easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Below, we’ll walk you through the recipe, share tips for success, explore variations, and provide storage instructions to ensure your loaf turns out perfectly every time.
Recipe for Peaches & Cream Cheese Loaf
Ingredients
For the Loaf:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup fresh peaches, peeled and chopped
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Layer
- In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until fully combined.
4. Make the Batter
- In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, alternating with the sour cream. Gently fold in the chopped peaches.
5. Assemble the Loaf
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly over the batter, then top with the remaining batter.
6. Bake
- Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve warm or at room temperature. Dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Storage: Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze slices individually wrapped for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Tips for Success
- Use Ripe Peaches: The riper the peaches, the sweeter and more flavorful the loaf will be.
- Do Not Overmix: Overmixing can make the loaf dense. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Softened Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth filling.
- Check for Doneness: Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking the loaf around 55 minutes. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover it with foil.
Health Benefits
- Peaches: Rich in vitamins A and C, peaches support skin health and immunity. They also provide dietary fiber, aiding digestion.
- Cream Cheese: A good source of calcium, cream cheese helps maintain healthy bones. While it’s higher in fat, it adds a rich texture and flavor to baked goods.
- Moderate Sugars: This recipe uses a modest amount of sugar, and the natural sweetness of peaches reduces the need for additional sugar.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice, Based on 12 Slices)
- Calories: 240
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 160mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 14g
- Protein: 4g
Variations and Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Low-Sugar: Replace half the sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.
- Add Nuts: Mix in ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
- Different Fruits: Substitute peaches with nectarines, apricots, or berries for a unique twist.
- Spice It Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen peaches?
- Yes, thaw and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the batter.
How do I know when the loaf is done?
- Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the loaf is done.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
- Yes, but the loaf may not be as rich and creamy.
How do I prevent the loaf from being too dense?
- Avoid overmixing the batter. Fold in the dry ingredients gently.
Conclusion
The Peaches & Cream Cheese Loaf is a delightful treat that brings together the sweetness of peaches and the creaminess of cream cheese in a tender, moist loaf. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert, this recipe is sure to impress. With its simple preparation and endless customization options, it’s a must-try for any baking enthusiast. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to bake a loaf that’s as delicious as it is beautiful! 😊🍑🍞