Irresistible Peaches & Cream Cheese Loaf: A Slice of Sweet Delight
Indulge in the luscious flavors of our Peaches & Cream Cheese Loaf recipe! This delightful loaf combines the rich creaminess of cream cheese with the natural sweetness of juicy peaches for a mouthwatering treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Whether you’re hosting a gathering with friends, treating your family to a special treat, or simply craving something sweet, this loaf is sure to impress and satisfy. Let’s dive into the delightful world of Peaches & Cream Cheese Loaf!
Introduction
There’s something truly special about the combination of creamy cheese and sweet peaches, and our Peaches & Cream Cheese Loaf brings these flavors together in perfect harmony. Each slice is moist, tender, and bursting with juicy peach flavor, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it with your morning coffee, as an afternoon snack, or as a dessert after dinner, this loaf is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan and set aside.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, sugar, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy.
- Add 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 Mixing: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the cream cheese mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Peaches: Gently fold in the diced peaches until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Transfer to Loaf Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly 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: Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and Serve: Once cooled, slice the loaf into thick slices and serve. Enjoy the delicious combination of creamy cheese and juicy peaches!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Fresh Peaches: If fresh peaches are in season, feel free to use them instead of canned peaches. Simply peel and dice the peaches before adding them to the batter.
- Nuts: For added texture and flavor, you can fold in chopped pecans or walnuts along with the peaches.
- Glaze: Drizzle the cooled loaf with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for an extra touch of sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese in this recipe? A: Yes, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese if you prefer. However, keep in mind that it may affect the texture and flavor of the loaf slightly.
Q: Can I freeze this loaf? A: Yes, this loaf freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Q: Can I omit the cinnamon from the recipe? A: Yes, you can omit the cinnamon if you prefer. It adds a subtle warmth to the loaf, but the recipe will still be delicious without it.
Q: Can I make muffins instead of a loaf? A: Yes, you can use the same batter to make muffins. Simply divide the batter evenly among muffin cups and adjust the baking time accordingly.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, here’s how to adapt this recipe:
- Almond Flour: Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a low-carb baking mix.
- Sugar Substitute: Use a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia in place of sugar.
- Cream Cheese: Opt for full-fat cream cheese and unsalted butter to keep the fat content higher.
Treat yourself to the irresistible flavors of our Peaches & Cream Cheese Loaf. With its creamy texture, juicy peach chunks, and delicate lemon zest, this loaf is a delightful indulgence that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, each slice is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you longing for more. So grab your ingredients and get ready to savor the sweet goodness of Peaches & Cream Cheese Loaf today!
