There’s something magical about the combination of sweet peaches and creamy cheese, isn’t there? It’s like the perfect hug for your taste buds. Trust me when I say that this Peaches & Cream Cheese Loaf is a game-changer. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or impress friends and family, this loaf is your new best friend. It’s soft, fluffy, and has the perfect balance of sweetness and tang. Every bite feels like a cozy moment you’ll want to savor. Ready to give it a go? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients, it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: This loaf is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack. It works for any time of the day, making it ideal for almost any occasion.
Budget-Friendly: You don’t need a fancy shopping list for this one. It uses simple ingredients that won’t break the bank but still delivers tons of flavor.
Quick and Easy: No complicated steps here! This recipe comes together in a flash, so even beginner bakers can master it without breaking a sweat.
Customizable: You can swap in different fruits or add spices like cinnamon to create your own twist on this delicious loaf.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of this loaf it’s made with just a few simple ingredients, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Peaches: The natural sweetness of peaches gives this loaf its juicy, fruity goodness. You can use fresh or canned peaches, but either way, they add a burst of flavor.
Cream Cheese: The creamy, rich texture of the cream cheese makes this loaf so decadent. It adds a tangy twist that perfectly balances the sweetness of the peaches.
Flour: All-purpose flour provides the structure for the loaf. It’s the base that holds everything together, giving you a soft, tender crumb.
Sugar: A little sweetness goes a long way here. You’ll need sugar to bring out the best in the peaches and cream cheese.
Eggs: Eggs help bind the ingredients together, giving the loaf the right texture. They also contribute to that moist, soft crumb.
Baking Powder: This little ingredient does wonders, helping the loaf rise and become light and fluffy.
Butter: Butter adds richness and moisture to the loaf, ensuring it stays tender while baking.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking and gives your dish the right texture. Preheating is a small but essential step that sets the stage for success.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine your dry ingredients—flour, sugar, and baking powder. In another bowl, beat together the eggs and cream cheese until smooth. Add the melted butter and combine everything. Gently fold in the chopped peaches.
Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Grease and flour a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. Proper preparation not only prevents sticking but also makes cleaning up a breeze later on.
Assemble the Dish: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. This ensures that it bakes uniformly, so each slice is just as delicious as the last.
Cook to Perfection: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center. Keep an eye on it towards the end to make sure it doesn’t overbake.
Finishing Touches: Once it’s done, let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial to let the flavors settle. It’s tempting to dig in right away, but a brief cooling period makes a big difference.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy! Whether it’s paired with a side dish or served on its own, this recipe is sure to impress.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 250
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
How to Serve Peaches & Cream Cheese Loaf
This loaf is perfect on its own, but you can take it to the next level by pairing it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It also makes a great accompaniment to a hot cup of coffee or tea, especially for those quiet moments when you just want to relax and indulge. If you’re feeling extra, drizzle it with a little honey or maple syrup for that added touch of sweetness.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- For a twist, try adding a handful of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to the batter before baking.
- If you’re using canned peaches, make sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the loaf.
- You can make this loaf ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen peaches?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before using.
2. Can I add other fruits?
Absolutely! This recipe is great with other fruits like blueberries or strawberries.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
4. Can I freeze this loaf?
Yes, it freezes well. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
5. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, you can, but it may alter the texture slightly.
6. How do I know when it’s done?
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
7. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute for a gluten-free version.
8. How can I make it sweeter?
Add a little extra sugar or drizzle with honey before serving.
9. Can I use almond flour?
You can substitute almond flour, but it will change the texture and flavor slightly.
10. Can I add spices like cinnamon?
Yes! Cinnamon pairs beautifully with peaches and will add a lovely warmth to the loaf.
Conclusion
If you’ve been looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing treat, this Peaches & Cream Cheese Loaf is the recipe you’ve been waiting for. With its moist texture, sweet peaches, and creamy tang, it’s the perfect balance of comfort and indulgence. Trust me, you’ll be reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds) before you know it. Happy baking!
Print
Peaches & Cream Cheese Loaf Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 8 servings) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Peaches & Cream Cheese Loaf is a moist and flavorful bread that combines the sweetness of peaches with the creamy richness of cream cheese. It’s perfect for breakfast or as a dessert.
Ingredients
For the Loaf:
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
- 15 oz (425 g) can sliced peaches, drained and diced
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
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Prepare the Loaf Batter:
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add the sugar and lemon zest, and beat until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon (if using).
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, mixing just until combined.
- Gently fold in the diced peaches.
-
Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:
- In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, beaten egg, and sugar until smooth.
-
Assemble the Loaf:
- Pour half of the loaf batter into the prepared pan.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the batter.
- Top with the remaining loaf batter, spreading it evenly over the cream cheese layer.
-
Bake:
- Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
-
Cool and Serve:
- Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- For a firmer loaf, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before slicing.
- Ensure the peaches are well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the batter
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg