Heavenly Peaches & Cream Cheese Loaf: A Sweet Slice of Delight
Indulge in a slice of heaven with this delectable Peaches & Cream Cheese Loaf recipe. Bursting with the sweetness of ripe peaches and the richness of cream cheese, this moist and flavorful loaf is a true delight for the senses. Whether enjoyed as a morning treat with a cup of coffee or as a dessert after dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. So preheat your oven and get ready to savor every bite of this irresistible loaf!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese (1 package), softened
- ½ cup butter (1 stick)
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- ½ tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 eggs
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1 cup milk
- 15 oz can sliced peaches, drained and diced
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese, butter, sugar, and lemon zest until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate Eggs: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon (if using).
- Alternate Mixing: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the cream cheese mixture, alternating with the milk, and mixing until just combined.
- Fold in Peaches: Gently fold in the diced peaches until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Preheat and Grease: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Enhance Flavor: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor.
- Nuts: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and texture.
- Glaze: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze for a touch of sweetness.
- Dried Fruit: Swap the fresh peaches for diced dried peaches for a twist on the classic recipe.
- Mini Loaves: Divide the batter among mini loaf pans for individual servings, adjusting the baking time accordingly.
Keto and Low Carb Versions:
- Keto Option: Substitute almond flour for the all-purpose flour and a sugar substitute for the granulated sugar to make a keto-friendly version.
- Low Carb Hack: Use coconut flour or a combination of almond flour and coconut flour for a lower carb option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Q: Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned? A: Absolutely! If fresh peaches are in season, feel free to use them. Simply peel and dice the fresh peaches before folding them into the batter.
Q: Can I freeze this loaf? A: Yes, this loaf freezes well. Once completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Q: Can I omit the cinnamon? A: Of course! The cinnamon adds a warm and cozy flavor, but feel free to omit it if you prefer a more straightforward peach flavor.
In conclusion, this Peaches & Cream Cheese Loaf is a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a cozy morning indulgence or a satisfying dessert, this loaf delivers on flavor and comfort. With its creamy texture, juicy peaches, and hints of citrus, each slice is a taste of pure bliss. So why wait? Bake up a loaf today and experience the irresistible charm of this classic recipe!
