The Ultimate Moist Peach Bread Recipe with Crumb Topping & Vanilla Glaze

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of summer with this truly fresh and delightful Peach Bread. Each slice of this quick bread is incredibly soft, wonderfully moist, and generously loaded with succulent, juicy peaches. To elevate its charm, it’s beautifully crowned with a buttery streusel topping, offering a delightful crunch, and then finished with a luscious sweet vanilla glaze that adds the perfect touch of sugary bliss. This easy-to-make summer recipe is a versatile treat, perfect for a sunny breakfast, a satisfying mid-day snack, or a delightful dessert after any meal.

Baking homemade peach bread is one of the most delicious ways to capture and savor the vibrant essence of summer, especially when crafted with plump, perfectly ripened fresh peaches. This tender, moist quick bread recipe stands out not only for its incredible flavor but also for its delightful texture. The crumble streusel topping provides an exquisite contrast with its slightly crunchy texture and rich, spiced notes, while the sweet vanilla glaze drizzles over the top, adding an elegant finish and an extra layer of sweetness that truly makes each bite special.

Whether you’re looking for a delightful accompaniment to your morning coffee, a sweet pick-me-up in the afternoon, or a comforting end to your dinner, this easy peach bread is a simple, homemade treat that’s bursting with natural fruit flavor and cozy warmth. If you’re craving even more delightful peach creations, be sure to explore some of these 51 Easy Peach Desserts. And for those who love quick breads, don’t forget to try the ever-popular Libby’s Pumpkin Bread Recipe when the seasons change.

Why We Love This Peach Bread

This peach bread isn’t just a recipe; it’s a celebration of summer’s bounty. Here’s why it quickly becomes a favorite in any household:

• Made with Fresh Peaches – The star of the show! Using ripe, juicy fresh peaches infuses the bread with an unparalleled natural sweetness and keeps every bite wonderfully moist. The vibrant flavor of in-season fruit truly shines through.
• Moist and Tender Texture – Thanks to the thoughtful combination of butter and sour cream, this bread boasts an incredibly soft, tender crumb that remains delicious and fresh for several days, making it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying throughout the week.
• Irresistible Streusel Topping – A delightful addition, the cinnamon-spiced streusel topping bakes into a slightly crunchy, golden-brown layer that provides a fantastic textural contrast to the soft bread and adds a rich, sweet, and comforting flavor.
• Sweet Vanilla Glaze – A simple yet elegant vanilla glaze is drizzled over the cooled bread, adding a finishing touch that makes each slice look beautiful and taste extra special. It’s the perfect amount of sweetness to complement the fruit and streusel.
• Perfect for Any Time of Day – Its versatile nature means this peach bread is equally at home on your breakfast table, as a delightful brunch centerpiece, a satisfying afternoon snack with tea or coffee, or a comforting dessert after dinner.
• Effortlessly Easy to Make – Despite its gourmet taste and appearance, this peach quick bread recipe comes together quickly with straightforward steps and common pantry ingredients, making it accessible even for novice bakers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delectable peach bread. You’ll find most of these staples readily available in your pantry and local grocery store, especially during peach season.

For the Moist Peach Bread Base

• All-purpose flour – This forms the fundamental structure and body of the bread, ensuring it holds its shape while remaining tender.
• Baking powder – Essential for leavening, it helps the bread rise beautifully, contributing to a light and airy texture.
• Baking soda – Works in conjunction with the acidic sour cream to create additional lift and ensure a wonderfully tender crumb.
• Ground cinnamon – A touch of warm, aromatic cinnamon perfectly complements the sweetness of the peaches, adding a cozy depth of flavor.
• Salt – A small amount of salt is crucial for enhancing all the other flavors in the bread and balancing the overall sweetness.
• Unsalted butter – Softened unsalted butter provides rich flavor and essential moisture, contributing to the bread’s melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Light brown sugar – Adds a lovely molasses-like sweetness and helps keep the bread moist. Make sure it’s packed for accurate measurement.
• Granulated sugar – Balances the brown sugar and contributes to the bread’s perfectly sweet profile without being overly rich.
• Egg – Acts as a binder, helping to hold the ingredients together and adding to the bread’s overall structure and richness.
• Vanilla extract – A classic flavor enhancer, vanilla extract brings a warm, sweet, and comforting aroma and taste to the bread.
• Sour cream – The secret ingredient for extra moisture and tenderness, sour cream reacts with the baking soda for a perfect rise and unparalleled softness.
• Fresh peaches – The star! Use ripe, juicy peaches, peeled and diced, to ensure a burst of sweet, fresh flavor and natural moisture in every single bite. About two medium peaches should yield one cup.

For the Crunchy Streusel Topping

• Light brown sugar – Provides a deeper, caramel-like sweetness and helps create that desirable crumbly texture.
• Granulated sugar – Enhances the overall sweetness and contributes to the streusel’s slightly crisp and delightful crunch.
• Ground cinnamon – Infuses the topping with a comforting, spiced flavor that beautifully complements the peaches.
• Unsalted butter (melted) – Binds the dry ingredients together, forming the classic crumbly streusel and adding a rich, buttery flavor.
• All-purpose flour – Provides the structure for the streusel crumbs, ensuring they don’t simply melt into the bread.

For the Sweet Vanilla Glaze

• Powdered sugar – Forms the smooth, sweet base of the glaze, dissolving easily for a perfect consistency.
• Heavy cream – Adds richness and helps achieve a smooth, pourable consistency for the glaze. You can substitute with milk for a thinner glaze.
• Vanilla extract – Gives the glaze that classic, warm vanilla flavor that pairs wonderfully with peaches and cinnamon.

Step-By-Step Instructions to Bake Perfect Peach Bread

Follow these detailed steps to create a heavenly loaf of peach bread that will impress everyone!

• Step 1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking. You can also line it with parchment paper for even easier removal. Set the prepared pan aside for later.

Step 2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Make sure these dry ingredients are well combined to ensure proper leavening throughout the bread. Set this bowl aside.

Step 3. Cream Wet Ingredients: In a separate large mixing bowl, using either a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This creaming process incorporates air, which contributes to the bread’s tender texture. Next, mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and sour cream until they are just combined and smooth.

Step 4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures, Fold in Peaches: Gradually add the whisked dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix together using a spatula or on low speed until they are *just* combined. It’s crucial not to overmix the batter, as this can develop the gluten too much, resulting in a dense or tough bread. Once barely combined, carefully fold in the diced fresh peaches by hand. This ensures the peaches are evenly distributed without bruising them or overworking the batter.

Step 5. Transfer to Loaf Pan: Pour the prepared batter evenly into the lightly greased (or parchment-lined) 9×5-inch loaf pan. Use a spatula to spread it smoothly to the edges.

Step 6. Prepare the Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, combine the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, melted unsalted butter, and all-purpose flour. Stir these ingredients together with a fork or your fingertips until a crumbly mixture forms. This streusel will add a wonderful texture and flavor to the top of your bread.

Step 7. Top with Streusel and Bake: Once the streusel is prepared, sprinkle it evenly over the top of the peach bread batter in the loaf pan. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Step 8. Cool the Bread: After baking, remove the loaf pan from the oven and let the peach bread cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Cooling is crucial before adding the glaze; otherwise, the glaze will melt and run off.

Step 9. Prepare and Drizzle Glaze: While the bread is cooling, make the vanilla glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until completely smooth and lump-free. Once the bread is fully cooled, gently remove it from the loaf pan. Drizzle the prepared glaze generously over the top of the cooled peach bread. Allow the glaze to set slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy your homemade masterpiece!

Storage Tips for Freshness

Ensuring your delicious Peach Bread stays fresh and moist for as long as possible is key. Here are the best ways to store it:

• Room Temperature: For immediate enjoyment, you can store your peach bread at room temperature for up to 2 days. The most important step is to make sure it’s completely cooled before storing it in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make the bread soggy.
• Refrigerator: To extend its freshness, refrigerate the bread for up to 5 days. Wrap the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in an airtight container or a large resealable bag. This double layer of protection will help maintain its moisture and prevent it from drying out in the cold.
• Freezer: Peach bread freezes exceptionally well! Once the loaf is completely cooled, wrap it tightly in several layers of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without compromising flavor or texture.
• Individual Slices for Convenience: For quick, single servings, you can freeze individual slices. Simply wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place them all into a freezer-safe bag or container. This makes it easy to grab just one slice whenever a craving strikes!
• To Serve Thawed Bread: When you’re ready to enjoy frozen peach bread, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or for a few hours at room temperature. For an extra warm and comforting treat, you can briefly warm individual slices in the microwave (15-30 seconds) or in a preheated oven (300°F/150°C for about 5-10 minutes) until just heated through.

Delicious Variations to Try

While this classic peach bread recipe is perfect as is, it’s also incredibly adaptable! Feel free to get creative and customize it to your taste with these delicious variations:

• Add Nuts for Extra Crunch: Fold in about ½ cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds into the batter with the peaches for an extra layer of crunch and a rich, nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the fruit and cinnamon.
• Spice It Up: Enhance the warm spice profile by increasing the amount of cinnamon, or by adding a pinch of nutmeg, ground ginger, or even a touch of cardamom to the bread batter. These spices bring an extra layer of aromatic complexity.
• Gluten-Free Alternative: For those with gluten sensitivities, substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Ensure your chosen blend contains xanthan gum for best results, or add ½ teaspoon per cup of flour if it doesn’t.
• Dairy-Free Option: Make this bread dairy-free by substituting unsalted butter with an equal amount of softened coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. For the sour cream, use a dairy-free sour cream or plain dairy-free yogurt, and use a plant-based milk or cream for the glaze.
• Hearty Crumble Topping: Instead of the streusel, consider a more rustic crumble topping. Combine rolled oats, brown sugar, a touch of flour, cinnamon, and melted butter for a heartier, chewier topping. This adds a fantastic texture and a wholesome feel.
• Brighten with Citrus Zest: Introduce a zesty brightness to the bread by mixing in 1-2 teaspoons of fresh lemon or orange zest into the batter. Citrus notes wonderfully complement and enhance the natural sweetness of the peaches.
• Berry Peach Fusion: For an even fruitier bread, try adding ½ cup of fresh blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries along with the peaches. This creates a delightful medley of summer flavors and vibrant colors.

Expert Baking Tips for Success

Achieving the perfect peach bread is simple when you follow these expert tips. They’ll help ensure your loaf turns out moist, flavorful, and beautifully baked every time:

• Use Ripe, Fresh Peaches: The quality of your peaches directly impacts the flavor of your bread. Choose peaches that are ripe but firm for the best flavor and texture. Ripe peaches are naturally sweeter and more aromatic, contributing to a truly delicious loaf.
• Dice Peaches Evenly: Cut your peaches into small, uniform pieces (about ½-inch dice). Evenly sized pieces ensure that the fruit distributes properly throughout the batter and bakes consistently, preventing some pieces from becoming mushy while others are undercooked.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: This is a golden rule for quick breads. Mix the wet and dry ingredients only until they are *just* combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a tough, dense, and less tender bread. A few small lumps are perfectly fine!
• Cool Completely Before Glazing: Patience is key here! It’s essential that the peach bread is entirely cooled before you drizzle on the glaze. If the bread is still warm, the glaze will melt, thin out, and run right off, leaving you with less of that sweet, pretty finish.
• Line Your Pan with Parchment Paper: For effortless removal and easy cleanup, line your loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the longer sides. This creates “handles” that allow you to lift the baked bread right out of the pan.
• Check Doneness with a Toothpick: The best way to tell if your peach bread is fully baked is by inserting a wooden skewer or toothpick into the very center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached (no wet batter), your bread is perfectly done.
• Softened Butter is Crucial: Ensure your unsalted butter for the bread is truly softened to room temperature. This allows it to cream properly with the sugars, incorporating air and creating a light, fluffy batter that yields a tender bread.

More Irresistible Peach Recipes

If you have an abundance of fresh peaches or simply can’t get enough of their sweet flavor, here are a few more fantastic peach recipes to try:

• Classic Peach Pie Recipe – A timeless dessert featuring a flaky crust and a sweet, juicy peach filling.
• Homemade Peach Ice Cream – Refreshing and creamy, this no-churn ice cream is a perfect summer treat.
• Easy Peach Crumble Recipe – A comforting dessert with tender peaches baked under a crispy, buttery crumble topping.
• Deep Fried Peach Cobbler – An indulgent, crispy take on a Southern classic, perfect for a special treat.

You’re truly going to adore every single bite of this sweet and perfectly moist Peach Bread! It’s the quintessential taste of summer baked into a comforting loaf. Give this incredible recipe a try today, and please don’t forget to come back and share your invaluable feedback and star rating in the comments below. I’d absolutely love to hear how it turns out for you and your family! Happy baking!