Welcome to a world of sweet indulgence where the flavors of ripe peaches and creamy cheese unite to create a symphony of summer delight. Our Peaches & Cream Cheese Loaf recipe is a celebration of the season’s bounty, offering a perfect balance of tartness from fresh peaches and richness from cream cheese. With a tender crumb and a burst of fruity flavor in every bite, this loaf is a delightful treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. So, gather your ingredients and prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese (1 package), softened
- 1/2 cup butter, 1 stick
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 eggs
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 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: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, sugar, and lemon zest until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate the Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon (if using).
- Alternate Adding Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the cream cheese mixture, alternating with the milk, and mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the Peaches: Gently fold in the diced peaches until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. 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 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Enhance with Nuts: Add a crunchy texture to the loaf by folding in chopped pecans or walnuts along with the peaches.
- Drizzle with Glaze: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle the cooled loaf with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
- Experiment with Spices: Customize the flavor profile of the loaf by incorporating spices such as nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom for added warmth and depth.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Almond Flour Substitute: Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour for a keto-friendly option.
- Sugar-Free Sweetener: Substitute the sugar with a low-carb sweetener such as erythritol or stevia to reduce the carb content of the loaf.
- Fresh Fruit Option: Instead of canned peaches, use fresh diced strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a lower-carb alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned?
- Yes, you can use fresh peaches when they are in season. Simply peel, pit, and dice the peaches before folding them into the batter.
- How should I store leftovers?
- Store leftover slices of the loaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving.
- Can I freeze the loaf?
- Yes, you can freeze the loaf for up to 3 months. Wrap individual slices or the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing in the freezer.
- Can I omit the cream cheese?
- While the cream cheese adds richness and flavor to the loaf, you can omit it if desired. Simply increase the amount of butter or substitute it with an equal amount of Greek yogurt for moisture.
- Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?
- Yes, you can portion the batter into muffin tins lined with paper liners and adjust the baking time accordingly. Bake at the same temperature for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Experience the essence of summer with our Peaches & Cream Cheese Loaf – a delectable treat that captures the sweetness of ripe peaches and the richness of cream cheese in every bite. Whether enjoyed as a morning pick-me-up or a delightful dessert, this loaf is a testament to the joys of seasonal baking and the simple pleasures of homemade goodness. So, embrace the flavors of summer and treat yourself to a slice of pure indulgence with this irresistible recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.