If you’re craving a moist, fruit-filled treat that’s bursting with flavor and topped with a buttery crunch, you’re going to adore this Peach Quick Bread with Crumb Topping Recipe. It’s perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a comforting dessert that feels like a warm hug! Imagine juicy peaches swirled right into the batter, all crowned with a cinnamon-scented crumb topping that adds the perfect texture contrast—pure bliss in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh peaches for an easy yet impressive loaf.
- Juicy and Moist: The fresh peaches keep the bread wonderfully tender without drying out.
- Delicious Crumb Topping: Adds a sweet cinnamon crunch that pairs perfectly with the soft bread.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for breakfast, coffee breaks, or a cozy dessert any time of the day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather simple, fresh, and pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create magic: the flour and leaveners give the bread structure, while peaches inject juicy sweetness. The crumb topping adds a delightful crunch that’ll make every bite extra special.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of your bread and crumb topping—be sure to spoon and level for accuracy.
- Peaches: Fresh, peeled, and chopped—these are the stars adding juicy bursts throughout the bread.
- Sour Cream or Yogurt: Adds moisture and tender crumb to the bread, making it irresistibly soft.
- Brown Sugar: For sweetness and that wonderful caramel note in the crumb topping.
- Butter: Cold and cubed, it creates those lovely pea-sized crumbles on top.
- Vanilla & Almond Extracts: Both add layers of fragrance and depth to the batter, making the flavors pop.
- Leavening Agents: Baking powder and baking soda raise the bread to light, fluffy perfection.
Variations
One of the best things about this Peach Quick Bread with Crumb Topping Recipe is how flexible it is! Feel free to tweak it based on what you love, what’s in your pantry, or any dietary preferences you have. It’s all about making it your own.
- Stone Fruit Swap: Substitute peaches with nectarines, plums, or even fresh apricots for a different fruity twist.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend to make it friendly for gluten-sensitive friends.
- Nutty Crumble: Add chopped walnuts or pecans into the crumb topping for extra texture and nutty flavor.
- Sugar Alternatives: Swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a natural sweetener like honey for a unique taste.
How to Make Peach Quick Bread with Crumb Topping Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (177°C) and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray. This ensures the bread won’t stick and comes out perfectly shaped every time.
Step 2: Make the Crumb Topping
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed butter and cut it into the mixture with a pastry cutter or fork until you get pea-sized crumbs. For even quicker prep, your hands work just as well! Pop this crumb topping into the fridge or freezer to keep it cold until the final bake—this keeps the topping beautifully crumbly on top.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. This step ensures your leaveners are evenly distributed for an even rise.
Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg with granulated sugar until combined. Then add oil, sour cream, milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract, whisking until smooth. The mix of dairy and extracts gives this bread its rich flavor and tender crumb.
Step 5: Prepare the Peach Layer
Combine the chopped peaches with sugar and cinnamon. This blend ensures the peaches’ natural sweetness is enhanced with a warm spice kick, making every bite delightfully flavorful.
Step 6: Assemble the Bread
Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Spoon the peach mixture on top, including all the juicy juices. Gently pour the remaining batter over the peaches and smooth it out carefully. Use a knife to swirl the batter slightly down the center, giving that beautiful marbled effect.
Step 7: Add the Crumb Topping and Bake
Sprinkle the chilled crumb topping evenly over the bread. Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 60-65 minutes. About halfway through, lay foil loosely on top to prevent the crumb from over-browning. Test doneness with a toothpick – it should come out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. When sliced, you might notice the bread around the peaches is slightly gummy—that’s natural due to the wet fruit. A quick 10-second warm-up in the microwave softens it nicely, making each bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Pro Tips for Making Peach Quick Bread with Crumb Topping Recipe
- Keep Your Butter Cold: Make sure the butter for the crumb topping stays cold right up until baking to keep those perfect crumbly clusters intact.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir the wet and dry ingredients just until combined to avoid dense bread—little lumps are totally okay.
- Swirling is Key: Use a knife to gently swirl the batter over the peaches to distribute fruit flavor and create a gorgeous marbled look inside.
- Tent with Foil: Covering the bread halfway through baking stops the crumb topping from burning and keeps it golden and crisp.
How to Serve Peach Quick Bread with Crumb Topping Recipe
Garnishes
Keep garnishes simple to let the bread shine! A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey complements the warm cinnamon tones. For a festive touch, add a few thin peach slices or a sprig of fresh mint on the side—visually irresistible and freshening.
Side Dishes
This quick bread pairs beautifully with a cup of your favorite coffee or hot tea. For a brunch spread, serve alongside creamy yogurt parfaits or fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness with bright and tangy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the bread thick and serve stacked with a pat of butter or a smear of cream cheese for extra indulgence. Or, jazz it up as French toast for a special breakfast. You can also cut into bite-sized pieces and serve with sweet mascarpone for a dessert platter that wows guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover peach quick bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. For longer freshness, refrigerate—it will stay moist and delicious for up to a week this way.
Freezing
This bread freezes like a charm! Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
Warm your slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast lightly for a warm, freshly baked feel. This brings back that soft texture and revives the fresh peach aroma beautifully.
FAQs
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Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?
You can, but fresh peaches are best for flavor and texture. If using canned, drain them well and pat dry to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the bread’s consistency.
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What if I don’t have sour cream?
Plain yogurt or Greek yogurt makes a great substitute and will keep the bread moist and tender. Just use the same amount as the sour cream called for.
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How do I prevent the crumb topping from sinking?
Keep the crumb topping cold until you sprinkle it on top, and avoid mixing it into the batter. Refrigerate or freeze it briefly before baking for optimal crumbly texture.
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Can I make muffins instead of bread?
Absolutely! Divide the batter into a muffin tin lined with paper cups and reduce baking time to about 20-25 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
Final Thoughts
This Peach Quick Bread with Crumb Topping Recipe is one of those gems you’ll find yourself making again and again. The combination of juicy peaches, warm spices, and a crumbly finish is pure magic that fills your home with a delightful aroma. So grab those ripe peaches and have fun baking this heartwarming loaf—your taste buds will thank you!
PrintPeach Quick Bread with Crumb Topping Recipe
This Peach Quick Bread is a moist and flavorful loaf bursting with fresh peaches, a subtle blend of vanilla and almond extracts, and topped with a delightful crumbly topping. Perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert, it combines tender bread with juicy fruit and a cinnamon-scented crumble for a comforting treat.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 3 hours (includes cooling time)
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8-10 servings)
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Crumb Topping
- 2 Tablespoons (25g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 3 Tablespoons (24g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 Tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Bread
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup (80ml) vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup (120g) sour cream (or plain yogurt/Greek yogurt), at room temperature
- 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Peach Layer
- 1 and 1/2 cups (about 260g) peeled and chopped peaches (about 2 medium-large peaches)
- 1 Tablespoon (12g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray to ensure easy removal later.
- Make the Crumb Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed butter and cut it into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands until small pea-sized crumbs form. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to use to keep it crumbly during baking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients for Bread: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure they’re evenly distributed.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk the egg with granulated sugar. Then add the vegetable oil, sour cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry flour mixture and whisk gently until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the bread tender.
- Prepare Peach Layer: In another bowl, combine the peeled and chopped peaches with granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, stirring gently to coat thoroughly.
- Assemble the Bread: Spoon half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Then spoon the peach mixture and any juices evenly over the batter. Carefully pour the remaining batter over the peaches, spreading gently. Use a knife to swirl the batter through the center for a marbled effect. Finally, evenly sprinkle the chilled crumb topping over the surface.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 60-65 minutes. To prevent over-browning, loosely cover the bread with foil halfway through baking. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the bread is done.
- Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Serve and Store: Once cooled, slice and enjoy. Note that slices around the peaches may be gummy due to moisture but warming them in the microwave for 10 seconds improves texture. Leftover bread can be stored at room temperature for 1 day or refrigerated up to 1 week covered.
Notes
- Using cold butter for the crumb topping helps maintain its texture and prevents it from sinking into the bread during baking.
- Room temperature ingredients ensure better mixing and a more uniform batter.
- Swirling the batter with a knife helps distribute the peach layer without fully mixing it, creating a marbled effect.
- Covering the bread halfway through baking prevents the crumb topping from burning while allowing the bread to cook fully.
- Warming leftover slices enhances the texture if the peach layer causes slight gumminess.
