There’s nothing quite like a warm, freshly baked loaf of bread that is filled with the sweet, juicy flavors of ripe peaches and the nutty crunch of toasted almonds. Add to that a delicious peach glaze, and you have a dessert bread that’s both decadent and comforting. Peach Almond Buttermilk Bread with Peach Glaze is the perfect way to capture the essence of summer in every bite. It’s not only visually stunning, but it’s packed with flavor and has a rich, moist crumb that is perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re making it for a cozy breakfast, a special brunch gathering, or just as a treat for your family and friends, this bread will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. The combination of fresh peaches, buttermilk, and sliced almonds adds a lovely balance of sweetness, tanginess, and texture. And the peach glaze on top gives it the perfect finishing touch.
Why You’ll Love This Peach Almond Buttermilk Bread with Peach Glaze
This Peach Almond Buttermilk Bread with Peach Glaze is a wonderful way to showcase summer peaches. It’s incredibly moist and flavorful, thanks to the combination of juicy, fresh peaches and tangy buttermilk. The addition of sliced almonds adds a delightful crunch that perfectly contrasts with the soft, pillowy crumb. And the peach glaze? It’s a sweet, fruity finish that makes every bite feel like a special treat.
What makes this recipe even more irresistible is its versatility. It’s a great option for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even as a dessert for a family gathering. The lightness of the bread, paired with the delicate sweetness of peaches, makes it feel indulgent but not overwhelming. Plus, the glaze adds a touch of sophistication without being overly complicated.
One of the best things about this bread is how it brings together the natural sweetness of peaches and the rich, nutty flavor of almonds. The peaches infuse the bread with their fruity essence, while the almonds provide just the right amount of crunch to keep things interesting. The buttermilk gives the bread a soft, tender crumb that melts in your mouth, and the glaze adds a burst of fresh peach flavor that takes the whole loaf to the next level.
What You’ll Need
Before diving into the baking process, make sure you have all the ingredients prepared and ready to go. This recipe may seem like a lot of ingredients, but it’s a simple bread to make once you get everything together.
For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – This provides the base for the bread and gives it the structure it needs.
- 1 tsp baking powder – This will help the bread rise and ensure it’s light and airy.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda – This works with the buttermilk to provide extra leavening power.
- 1/4 tsp salt – A small amount of salt brings out the sweetness of the bread and balances the flavors.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional) – Cinnamon adds a warm, cozy flavor to complement the peaches and almonds.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – Butter provides richness and moisture to the bread.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – The sugar sweetens the bread, giving it that perfect level of sweetness without being too overpowering.
- 2 large eggs – Eggs bind the ingredients together and help the bread rise.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – Vanilla adds a subtle, aromatic sweetness.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk – Buttermilk adds moisture and tenderness to the bread, making it rich and soft.
- 1 1/2 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced – Fresh peaches bring a burst of fruity sweetness to the bread.
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted – Toasted almonds add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the peaches.
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (optional) – Lemon zest gives the bread a citrusy kick that enhances the flavor of the peaches.
For the Peach Glaze:
- 1/4 cup peach preserves or peach jam – The glaze is made from peach preserves or jam, which gives it that sweet, fruity flavor.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice – The lemon juice balances the sweetness of the glaze and adds a fresh, tangy note.
- 1 tsp water (if needed, to thin the glaze) – A small amount of water can be used to adjust the consistency of the glaze, making it easier to drizzle.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to get started on making this delicious Peach Almond Buttermilk Bread with Peach Glaze.
1. Prepare the Oven and Loaf Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Peaches
- Peel, core, and dice the fresh peaches into small cubes. Set them aside. If you’d like to prevent the peaches from sinking to the bottom of the loaf, toss them gently with a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter.
3. Toast the Almonds
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the sliced almonds until they become fragrant and golden brown. This should only take about 5-7 minutes, so keep an eye on them to prevent burning. Once toasted, remove them from the skillet and set them aside to cool.
4. Make the Bread Batter
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Set this dry mixture aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Gently fold in the diced peaches, toasted almonds, and lemon zest (if using), ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Bake the Bread
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. If the top of the bread begins to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking.
- Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Afterward, transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Prepare the Peach Glaze
- While the bread is cooling, make the peach glaze. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the peach preserves (or peach jam) and lemon juice. Stir until the preserves have melted and the glaze is smooth.
- If the glaze is too thick, add a teaspoon of water at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
- Allow the glaze to cool for a few minutes before drizzling it over the cooled bread.
7. Drizzle the Glaze and Serve
- Once the bread has cooled completely, drizzle the peach glaze generously over the top. Slice the bread into thick pieces and serve. Enjoy!
Tips for Success
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Peach Almond Buttermilk Bread with Peach Glaze turns out perfect every time:
- Use Fresh Peaches: Fresh peaches work best for this recipe because they provide a natural sweetness and a juicy texture. However, you can use frozen peaches if fresh ones aren’t available, but be sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the batter.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in a dense loaf.
- Test for Doneness: Every oven is different, so start checking for doneness 5-10 minutes before the suggested baking time. Use a toothpick to test if the bread is fully baked.
- Adjust the Glaze Consistency: If the glaze is too thick, you can thin it out with a little water or lemon juice. If it’s too thin, cook it over low heat for a few more minutes until it thickens.
- Let the Bread Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This prevents the bread from breaking apart.
Variations to Try
While the Peach Almond Buttermilk Bread with Peach Glaze is already delicious, here are a few variations you can try to make it your own:
1. Add a Streusel Topping
For a sweet, crunchy topping, sprinkle a streusel mixture over the batter before baking. A simple streusel can be made by combining flour, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon.
2. Use Other Nuts
If you prefer a different nut, try substituting the sliced almonds with chopped pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts. Each type of nut will bring its own unique flavor to the bread.
3. Add Dried Fruit
For extra flavor and texture, consider adding some dried fruit such as raisins, cranberries, or chopped dried apricots to the batter. The dried fruit will provide a chewy contrast to the fresh peaches.
4. Make Mini Loafs
If you’d like to make smaller individual portions, divide the batter evenly between mini loaf pans and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Cinnamon Swirl
For an extra touch of cinnamon flavor, add a swirl of cinnamon sugar to the batter before baking. This will create a beautiful cinnamon ribbon throughout the loaf.
Storing and Reheating
To store your Peach Almond Buttermilk Bread with Peach Glaze:
- Room Temperature: Keep the bread covered at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. The bread is best enjoyed fresh, but it will stay moist for several days due to the buttermilk.
- Freezing: You can freeze the bread for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and then place it in a resealable freezer bag. To thaw, leave it at room temperature for a few hours or overnight.
- Reheating: If you want to enjoy a warm slice, simply reheat individual pieces in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm the whole loaf in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen peaches? Yes, frozen peaches can be used, but be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before adding them to the batter to avoid excess moisture.
2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free? You can substitute the buttermilk with a dairy-free milk (like almond milk) and add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic the acidity of buttermilk. Use dairy-free butter as well.
3. Can I use a different type of nut? Yes, you can substitute the sliced almonds with other nuts like pecans or walnuts. Toasting the nuts first will bring out their flavor.
4. How can I make the glaze thicker? If the glaze is too thin, cook it on low heat for a few more minutes to reduce it, or add more peach preserves to thicken it.
5. Can I add more peaches? Yes, you can increase the amount of peaches up to 2 cups, but be cautious not to add too much, as it could affect the texture of the bread.
The Final Word
Peach Almond Buttermilk Bread with Peach Glaze is the ultimate combination of fruity, nutty, and sweet flavors in a soft, moist loaf. Perfect for any occasion, this bread captures the best of summer with its juicy peaches and crunchy almonds, all topped off with a luscious peach glaze. Whether served at brunch, as a snack, or as a dessert, this loaf is sure to be a hit. So, the next time you find yourself with fresh peaches, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!