If you have a soft spot for moist, flavorful baked goods, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Peaches and Cream Cheese Loaf Recipe. It’s a perfect harmony of juicy, tender peaches and a luscious cream cheese swirl, wrapped up in a tender, buttery loaf that feels like a warm hug with every slice. Whether you’re looking for a delightful breakfast treat, a midday snack, or a charming dessert, this recipe delivers simple ingredients transformed into something truly unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures in this loaf. Each one plays an essential role, from the richness of butter and cream cheese to the bright sweetness of fresh peaches, making this loaf both comforting and fresh.
- All-purpose flour (1½ cups): Provides structure and a tender crumb to the loaf.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the bread rise beautifully and become light.
- Baking soda (¼ teaspoon): Reacts with the sour cream for added lift and softness.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances flavors and enhances sweetness.
- Unsalted butter, softened (½ cup): Adds richness and moisture for a tender texture.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens the loaf and helps with browning.
- Eggs (2 large): Bind the ingredients and contribute to the moist texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt (½ cup): Adds tang and moisture, keeping the loaf incredibly soft.
- Diced fresh or canned peaches (1 cup, drained): Brings juicy, fruity freshness to every bite.
- Cinnamon (½ teaspoon, optional): Offers a cozy spice that beautifully complements the peaches.
- Cream cheese, softened (6 oz): The star of the swirl, delivering creamy texture and a hint of tang.
- Granulated sugar for cream cheese (¼ cup): Sweetens the cream cheese layer perfectly.
- Egg yolk for cream cheese (1): Helps create a smooth, rich cream cheese swirl.
- Vanilla extract for cream cheese (½ teaspoon): Enhances the creamy swirl’s flavor with subtle sweetness.
How to Make Peaches and Cream Cheese Loaf Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper so your loaf comes out effortlessly. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and optional cinnamon – these dry ingredients will give your loaf structure and just the right hint of spice.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until it becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it aerates the mixture and helps create that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture in the finished loaf.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Sour Cream
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before the next joins the party. Then stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream or Greek yogurt, which bring a lovely tang and moistness that will keep the loaf incredibly soft even days later.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually stir the flour mixture into your wet ingredients just until everything is combined. Overmixing here can toughen your loaf, so keep it gentle. Finally, fold in the diced peaches carefully so those juicy bits get evenly distributed without breaking down too much.
Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Swirl
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This luscious mixture is what makes this loaf extra special — it adds a tangy, smooth swirl that balances perfectly with the sweetness of the peach bread.
Step 6: Layer and Swirl
Pour half the batter into your prepared loaf pan, then spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top. Add the remaining batter on top and use a knife to gently swirl the layers together, ensuring every bite has that beautiful marbled effect and cream cheese surprise inside.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake the loaf for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you notice the top browning too quickly, loosely tent with foil for the last 15 minutes of baking. Once baked, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely — this step ensures clean slices and keeps the cream cheese swirl intact.
How to Serve Peaches and Cream Cheese Loaf Recipe
Garnishes
While the loaf itself sings on its own, a dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of honey can elevate its charm beautifully. Fresh peach slices on the side also make a lovely garnish that highlights the main ingredient and adds a burst of freshness.
Side Dishes
This loaf pairs wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee or a soothing herbal tea for breakfast or brunch. For a light lunch or dessert, serve it alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to round out the creamy, fruity delight.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, turn your Peaches and Cream Cheese Loaf Recipe into mini loaf muffins by dividing the batter into a muffin tin. These bite-sized treats are perfect for sharing at picnics or as an easy grab-and-go snack. Another fun idea is to top each slice with toasted nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a delightful crunch that contrasts the tender crumb.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, refrigerate the loaf which will keep it moist and tasty for about a week—just be sure to bring slices to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Freezing
Peaches and Cream Cheese Loaf Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the whole loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to three months, allowing you to savor this delicious treat anytime you like.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen or refrigerated slices, simply warm them gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or pop them in a toaster oven until warmed through. This will revive the soft texture and bring back that fresh-from-the-oven feeling.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peaches in this Peaches and Cream Cheese Loaf Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly so the batter doesn’t get too wet, which could affect baking.
Is it possible to substitute the sour cream?
Yes, plain Greek yogurt is a perfect substitute and adds a similar tangy richness to the loaf.
What if I don’t have parchment paper for lining the pan?
You can grease and flour the pan well, but parchment paper makes it much easier to remove the loaf cleanly, so it’s highly recommended.
How do I know when the loaf is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the loaf is done. Be careful not to overbake so it remains tender.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
With the right gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking, this recipe can be adjusted to suit gluten-free diets, but texture might differ slightly from the classic version.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting about baking your own Peaches and Cream Cheese Loaf Recipe—it fills your kitchen with warmth and your heart with joy. Whether you’re sharing it with family, gifting it to friends, or savoring it yourself, this loaf is a wonderful way to celebrate the simple pleasure of homemade baking. Give it a try and watch how it quickly becomes a beloved classic in your recipe collection!
Print
Peaches and Cream Cheese Loaf Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Peaches and Cream Cheese Loaf is a moist, tender, and flavorful cake perfect for breakfast or dessert. It combines fresh or canned peaches with a rich cream cheese swirl, creating a delightful balance of fruity sweetness and creamy tang. Baked to golden perfection, this American classic is ideal for summer gatherings or a cozy treat any time of year.
Ingredients
For the Loaf:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ 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 diced fresh or canned peaches, drained
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the loaf.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if using. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will help create a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until combined, which adds moisture and richness to the batter.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing. Fold in the diced peaches carefully to distribute them evenly without breaking them down.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Swirl: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This will create a luscious swirl within the loaf.
- Assemble the Loaf: Pour half of the peach batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly over the batter, then top with the remaining peach batter. Use a knife to gently swirl the cream cheese into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly before the loaf is cooked through, tent it with foil for the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Cool: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent it from breaking apart while still warm.
Notes
- Use canned peaches if fresh peaches are not in season, but be sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
- For an added touch, drizzle a simple glaze or dust with powdered sugar once cooled.
