This Peaches & Cream Cheese Loaf is a splendid treat that marries the lush sweetness of peaches with the creamy tang of cream cheese, creating a delectable dessert that’s perfect for any season. Each slice offers a moist, tender crumb that’s packed with the flavors of summer, no matter when you choose to bake it. Ideal for a leisurely brunch, a sweet end to a family dinner, or a cozy afternoon tea, this loaf boasts a harmonious blend of flavors that are sure to delight.
Adding an extra layer of interest to this loaf is the bright hint of lemon zest paired with a whisper of cinnamon, which together enhance the peach flavors beautifully. The result is a loaf that not only smells heavenly as it bakes but also looks as enticing as it tastes. This dessert is not just a treat for the palate but also a feast for the eyes, with its golden crust and juicy peach specks creating a beautiful texture and color contrast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Comforting and Versatile: The loaf is soft and moist, perfect for any time of day, whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
- Easy to Make: This recipe follows simple steps and uses ingredients that are easy to find, making it accessible even for novice bakers.
- Delightful Flavor Combination: The rich cream cheese and the sweet peaches complement each other perfectly, while the lemon zest and cinnamon add a delightful depth of flavor.
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:
Preheat the Oven:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures a good, hot oven that will help the loaf rise and brown properly.
Prepare the Loaf Pan:
- Grease a standard bread loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking. Consider lining it with parchment paper for even easier removal.
Cream the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer.
- Add sugar and continue to beat until the mixture becomes light and airy. This helps create a fine crumb.
- Incorporate the lemon zest and eggs, beating well after each addition until the mixture is homogeneous and silky.
Combine the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon if using. Sifting helps prevent lumps and ensures that the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients:
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and the milk to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir just until combined after each addition to maintain a light batter.
Fold in the Peaches:
- Gently fold the diced peaches into the batter, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can deflate the batter and lead to a dense loaf.
Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool:
- Allow the loaf to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes, then turn out onto the rack to cool completely. Cooling in the pan too long can result in a soggy bottom.
Serve:
- Slice the loaf once it has completely cooled to ensure clean cuts.
Storage Options:
- Room Temperature: Store the loaf wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
- Freezer: Wrap the loaf securely in aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, or store it in a heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Tips:
- Ingredient Temperature: Ensure all refrigerated ingredients are at room temperature to help them blend more smoothly and evenly.
- Peach Prepping: If using fresh peaches instead of canned, make sure they are peeled and not overly ripe, which could add too much moisture to the loaf.
- Spicing It Up: If desired, enhance the flavor with nutmeg or allspice in addition to cinnamon for an even richer taste.
