This Peaches and Cream Cheese Loaf is a delightful blend of creamy, fruity, and subtly spiced flavors. The combination of soft cream cheese, juicy peaches, and a hint of cinnamon makes this loaf moist, tender, and absolutely delicious. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, this loaf is sure to impress family and friends!
Why You’ll Love This Peaches and Cream Cheese Loaf
This Peaches and Cream Cheese Loaf has everything you could want in a quick bread: a creamy texture, bursts of juicy peaches, and a light, tender crumb. The cream cheese makes it incredibly moist, while the peaches add a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the slight tang of lemon zest and optional cinnamon spice. It’s a wonderful recipe for using canned peaches, but you could also try it with fresh or frozen peaches!
Peaches and Cream Cheese Loaf
Ingredients for Peaches and Cream Cheese Loaf
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Peaches and Cream Cheese Loaf:
Wet Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Adds moisture, richness, and a creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup butter, softened (1 stick): Combines with the cream cheese to create a smooth, rich base.
- 1 1/2 cups sugar: Sweetens the loaf and balances the tartness of the cream cheese and peaches.
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon zest: Adds a fresh, zesty flavor that complements the peaches.
- 2 large eggs: Provide structure and help bind the ingredients.
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the loaf, giving it structure.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the loaf rise, creating a light texture.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional): Adds warmth and enhances the peach flavor.
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup milk: Adds moisture, making the loaf tender and fluffy.
- 15 oz can sliced peaches, drained and diced: The star ingredient, adding juicy bites of peach throughout the loaf.
How to Make Peaches and Cream Cheese Loaf
Follow these steps to create a perfectly moist and flavorful Peaches and Cream Cheese Loaf.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or two smaller loaf pans. This ensures the loaf doesn’t stick and makes it easier to remove once baked.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. This step creates the base for a tender, moist loaf.
Step 3: Add Sugar and Eggs
Gradually add the sugar to the cream cheese mixture, beating well after each addition until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the lemon zest for a hint of fresh flavor.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon (if using). This helps evenly distribute the baking powder and salt, ensuring a consistent rise and flavor.
Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the cream cheese mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense loaf.
Step 6: Fold in the Peaches
Gently fold in the diced peaches until evenly distributed throughout the batter. The peaches should be well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the batter.
Step 7: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan(s). Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes for a large loaf or 45-50 minutes for smaller loaves. The loaf is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the loaf set and makes it easier to slice.
Tips for Making the Best Peaches and Cream Cheese Loaf
- Drain the Peaches Well: Excess liquid can make the batter too wet, so be sure to drain the canned peaches thoroughly before adding them.
- Don’t Overmix: To keep the loaf light and tender, mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined.
- Try Fresh Peaches: If they’re in season, fresh peaches work wonderfully in this recipe. Just peel, pit, and dice them before adding to the batter.
What to Serve with Peaches and Cream Cheese Loaf
This Peaches and Cream Cheese Loaf pairs beautifully with:
- A dollop of whipped cream or vanilla yogurt: Adds extra creaminess and pairs well with the flavors.
- Coffee or tea: The mild sweetness of the loaf makes it perfect for a breakfast treat or afternoon snack with your favorite hot drink.
- Fresh fruit: Serve with additional fresh peaches or a mix of seasonal fruit for a light and refreshing side.
Peaches and Cream Cheese Loaf
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use fresh or frozen peaches instead of canned?
Yes! Fresh or frozen peaches work well in this recipe. Just make sure to peel, pit, and dice fresh peaches. If using frozen, thaw and drain them before adding to the batter.
Can I make this loaf ahead of time?
Absolutely. This loaf keeps well for up to 3 days at room temperature, or you can refrigerate it for up to a week. It also freezes beautifully for up to 2 months; just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
Can I add a glaze on top?
Yes! A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice adds a nice finish. Drizzle it over the loaf once it’s completely cooled.
How can I make this loaf gluten-free?
To make this loaf gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Peaches & Cream Cheese Loaf
Please remember to SHARE on Facebook and PIN IT!
FOLLOW ME ON PINTEREST BY CLICKING HERE <——
★ If you make this recipe, please leave a comment and give it a star rating. I would love to know how you liked it!
Peaches Cream Cheese Loaf
Imagine the warmth of sunshine captured in a slice of bread. That's the magic of this Peaches & Cream Cheese Loaf – a recipe that'll have your tastebuds singing with every bite.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese (1 package), softened
- ½ cup butter (1 stick), softened
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- ½ tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 cup milk
- 15 oz can sliced peaches, drained and diced
Instructions