Peaches AND Cream Cheese Loaf

Hello, sweet treat lovers! Are you ready to bake something so delicious, it’ll have you coming back for more? Meet the Peaches and Cream Cheese Loaf—a perfect harmony of juicy peaches, rich cream cheese, and tender loaf cake that will fill your kitchen with the most comforting, mouth-watering aroma. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, this loaf is a sure way to make any moment feel extra special. Trust me, once you bake this, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Peaches and Cream Cheese Loaf

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re baking for a casual Sunday afternoon or surprising friends with something sweet, this loaf is versatile enough for every occasion. Here’s why it’s a total game-changer:

Versatile: Perfect for brunch, dessert, or a snack with your coffee. It’s the kind of recipe that works for any time of day, and the flavor is just that good.

Budget-Friendly: You don’t need any fancy or expensive ingredients. This loaf makes use of simple pantry staples and fresh peaches, and yet the flavor is out of this world.

Quick and Easy: The steps are super straightforward, even for beginner bakers. You don’t need to be a pastry chef to nail this one.

Customizable: Want to take it up a notch? Add a little cinnamon, vanilla extract, or even some chopped nuts. The flavor possibilities are endless!

Crowd-Pleasing: You’ll be amazed at how one loaf can bring a smile to everyone’s face. Whether you serve it to the family or at a gathering, it’s a guaranteed hit.

Ingredients

Here’s the magic of this loaf—it’s made with just a few simple ingredients, but the result is pure comfort in every bite. Let’s break it down:

Peaches:

The star of the show. Fresh, ripe peaches bring a juicy sweetness and a lovely burst of flavor that make this loaf so irresistible.

Cream Cheese:

Oh yes, this is what makes it creamy and rich! It adds that smooth, decadent texture that balances the sweetness of the peaches perfectly.

All-Purpose Flour:

The base of the loaf. This helps create that tender, light texture we all love in a good loaf cake.

Sugar:

For that perfect balance of sweetness. It brings out the natural flavors of the peaches and cream cheese beautifully.

Baking Powder:

This is the secret ingredient that gives the loaf its rise and makes it fluffy and light.

Butter:

Adds richness and flavor, making every slice melt in your mouth.

Eggs:

These help bind everything together and add a bit of structure to the loaf.

Vanilla Extract:

A splash of vanilla elevates the flavor to another level, creating the perfect aroma and taste.

(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 Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your loaf bakes evenly and gets that perfect golden finish.

Prepare Your Baking Pan:

Grease and flour a loaf pan (or line it with parchment paper). This helps the loaf slide right out once it’s baked and makes cleanup a breeze.

Mix the Wet Ingredients:

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix in the cream cheese and vanilla extract.

Add the Dry Ingredients:

In another bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your loaf might become too dense.

Fold in the Peaches:

Gently fold in the diced peaches. You want them to be evenly distributed throughout the batter but still intact for that delightful juicy bite in every slice.

Bake to Perfection:

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes. Keep an eye on it, as ovens vary! You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve:

Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. It’s tempting, but let it cool to enjoy the best texture!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 10
Calories per serving: 275

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

How to Serve Peaches and Cream Cheese Loaf

This delightful loaf pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. Here are a few ideas to elevate your enjoyment:

Fresh Fruit: Pair it with a side of berries or citrus fruit for a burst of freshness to balance the creamy sweetness.

Coffee or Tea: It’s the perfect treat with your morning coffee or afternoon tea. A warm cup and a slice of this loaf make for a cozy combo.

Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for that extra indulgence.

Yogurt: For a lighter option, try serving a slice with a dollop of Greek yogurt on top, which complements the sweetness of the peaches and the richness of the cream cheese.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

Prep Ahead: To save time, you can chop and prepare the peaches the night before. Store them in the fridge to keep them fresh.

Spice It Up: If you want to add a little kick, try adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for extra warmth.

Dietary Adjustments: If you need to make it dairy-free, swap out the cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative, and use a plant-based butter.

Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer it warm.

Double the Batch: This loaf freezes wonderfully! Consider making two and freezing one for later. It’s a great way to always have a sweet treat on hand.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute the peaches with another fruit?
A1: Absolutely! You can use nectarines, apricots, or even berries. Just keep in mind that different fruits may have a different moisture level, which could slightly alter the texture.

Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Bake the loaf the day before and store it in an airtight container. It actually gets even better as it sits for a day or two.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it if you want it to last longer.

Q4: Can I freeze this loaf?
A4: Yes! You can freeze the loaf after it cools. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, just thaw it overnight in the fridge.

Q5: How do I reheat this loaf?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 300°F for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual slices for about 20-30 seconds.

Q6: Can I make this loaf in mini loaf pans?
A6: Definitely! Just reduce the baking time by about 15 minutes and check for doneness with a toothpick.

Q7: Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh ones?
A7: Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the batter to avoid too much moisture.

Q8: Is there a way to make this loaf less sweet?
A8: Sure! You can reduce the sugar slightly or use a sugar substitute like honey or maple syrup.

Q9: Can I add nuts or seeds to the loaf?
A9: Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, or chia seeds would make a lovely addition for some crunch and extra flavor.

Q10: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A10: Cream cheese works best for that smooth texture, but you could experiment with mascarpone or ricotta if you want a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

And there you have it—your new go-to recipe for a Peaches and Cream Cheese Loaf that’s bursting with flavor and just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you’re baking it for yourself, sharing it with family, or serving it at a get-together, this loaf is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, what are you waiting for? Preheat that oven, grab your ingredients, and get ready to bake a slice of pure joy!

Print