Peaches and Cream Cheese Loaf

Peaches and Cream Cheese Loaf is a delightful dessert that combines the sweet, juicy flavor of ripe peaches with the rich, creamy texture of cream cheese. This loaf cake is moist, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a delicious treat for breakfast, a snack with your afternoon tea, or a crowd-pleasing dessert at your next gathering. The layers of soft, spongy cake filled with bits of fresh peaches and a creamy swirl of cream cheese offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors. If you’re a fan of fruity desserts with a touch of richness, this loaf is sure to become a favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect Balance of Sweetness and Creaminess

The sweet peaches and creamy cream cheese blend beautifully, creating a delicious loaf with both fruity and indulgent flavors.

2. Moist and Flavorful Texture

Thanks to the addition of cream cheese, this loaf is incredibly moist, making it a satisfying treat with every bite.

3. Easy to Make

This recipe is simple to prepare, with just a few ingredients, and it doesn’t require special techniques, making it perfect for beginner bakers.

4. Versatile for Any Occasion

Whether you serve it for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this loaf is versatile and loved by both kids and adults alike.

5. Seasonal Peach Goodness

If you’re using fresh, in-season peaches, you’ll be able to savor their peak flavor, adding a burst of natural sweetness to the loaf.

Ingredients

• Fresh peaches (peeled and diced)
• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Cream cheese
• Powdered sugar

Variations

• Peach and Cinnamon Twist: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon to the batter to create a warm, spiced flavor that pairs wonderfully with the peaches.
• Frozen Peaches: If fresh peaches are out of season, you can use frozen peaches. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the loaf.
• Nutty Addition: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a nice crunch that complements the creamy texture of the loaf.
• Lemon Zest: For a citrusy kick, add lemon zest to the batter for a fresh and zesty twist that enhances the peach flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Peaches

Peel and dice the peaches into small chunks. If the peaches are juicy, pat them dry with a paper towel to prevent excess moisture in the loaf.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 5: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 6: Add the Sour Cream or Yogurt

Add the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) to the butter mixture and mix until well incorporated.

Step 7: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 8: Fold in the Peaches

Gently fold the diced peaches into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

Step 9: Layer the Cream Cheese Mixture

Spoon half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the batter. Add the remaining batter and top with the rest of the cream cheese mixture, swirling the two together gently with a knife.

Step 10: Bake the Loaf

Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking.

Step 11: Cool and Serve

Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature before using them. This helps the ingredients combine more easily and ensures a smooth texture.
• Peach Juice: If your peaches are very juicy, consider draining them a bit before adding them to the batter. Excess moisture can affect the loaf’s texture.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can result in a dense loaf.
• Use Fresh Peaches: Fresh, in-season peaches offer the best flavor and texture. If using frozen peaches, make sure to drain them thoroughly after thawing.
• Test for Doneness: Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, it’s ready!

How to Serve

This Peaches and Cream Cheese Loaf is perfect for serving as a breakfast treat with coffee or tea, a delightful afternoon snack, or a light dessert. It can be enjoyed as-is or topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey for added sweetness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To store leftovers, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Freezing

If you’d like to make the loaf ahead of time, you can freeze it. Allow the loaf to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil or store it in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave the loaf at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To reheat slices of the loaf, simply microwave them for 15-20 seconds or place them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use canned peaches, but make sure to drain them well before adding them to the batter to avoid excess moisture.

2. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes, Greek yogurt works as a great substitute for sour cream, adding a slightly tangy flavor and moisture to the loaf.

3. Can I make this recipe without cream cheese?

For a lighter version, you can omit the cream cheese filling and just make a peach loaf. It will still be delicious!

4. How do I know when the loaf is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, the loaf is done.

5. Can I use frozen peaches?

Yes, frozen peaches can be used. Just thaw them and pat them dry before adding them to the batter.

6. Can I add other fruits to this loaf?

Yes, you can add other fruits such as blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries for added variety.

7. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe to make two loaves. Just be sure to adjust the baking time if necessary.

8. How can I make this loaf healthier?

You can use whole wheat flour, reduce the sugar, or substitute the butter with coconut oil to make a healthier version.

9. Can I make this loaf into muffins?

Yes, you can bake this batter in a muffin tin. Just reduce the baking time to around 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

10. Can I add nuts to the loaf?

Yes, adding chopped walnuts or pecans would provide a nice crunch and complement the peaches perfectly.

Conclusion

Peaches and Cream Cheese Loaf is a scrumptious dessert that combines the best of summer’s peaches with a rich, creamy swirl of cheese. The result is a moist, flavorful loaf that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack, this loaf is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. With its easy preparation and delicious taste, it’s bound to become a favorite in your baking repertoire!

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