If you have a soft spot for sweet, tender treats that combine fruity freshness with a luscious creamy center, you are in for a real delight with this Peaches and Cream Cheese Swirl Loaf Recipe. This loaf combines juicy peaches with a velvety cream cheese swirl, all wrapped up in a moist, cinnamon-kissed batter that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack, this recipe balances the natural sweetness of peaches with the tang of cream cheese, creating an irresistibly flavorful loaf that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the first step to making this beautiful Peaches and Cream Cheese Swirl Loaf Recipe. Each element plays a key role—from the soft butter adding richness, to the fresh peaches providing juicy pops of flavor and the cream cheese swirl bringing creamy decadence that makes this loaf truly special.
- All-purpose flour, 2 cups: The base that gives structure and tenderness to the loaf.
- Baking powder, 1 ½ tsp: Helps the loaf rise perfectly, keeping it light and fluffy.
- Baking soda, ½ tsp: Works with the acidic sour cream to ensure a soft crumb.
- Salt, ½ tsp: Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- Ground cinnamon, 1 tsp: Adds warm spice that complements the peaches beautifully.
- Unsalted butter, ½ cup (softened): Brings richness and moisture.
- Granulated sugar, ¾ cup: Sweeter notes that caramelize during baking.
- Large eggs, 2: Bind the ingredients together while adding moisture.
- Vanilla extract, 1 tsp: Deepens flavor and aroma.
- Sour cream, ½ cup: Adds moistness and tenderness to the loaf.
- Fresh peaches, 1 ½ cups (diced): Juicy fruit that brightens every bite; canned peaches can work as a convenient alternative.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts, ½ cup (optional): Adds crunch and a toasty flavor contrast.
- Cream cheese, 8 oz (softened): The star of the swirl, providing creamy tang.
- Powdered sugar, ¼ cup: Sweetens the cream cheese filling gently without graininess.
- Vanilla extract, 1 tsp (for cream cheese swirl): Enhances the creamy filling flavour.
How to Make Peaches and Cream Cheese Swirl Loaf Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly or line it with parchment paper for an easy release later. Setting up your workspace ensures a smooth baking experience from start to finish.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Swirl
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract using a mixer or a strong whisk until the mixture is incredibly smooth and creamy. This luscious swirl is what sets the Peaches and Cream Cheese Swirl Loaf Recipe apart, giving it a dreamy texture contrast.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, sift or whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and spices, which helps the loaf bake uniformly and develop its warm, spiced flavor.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step is important because it incorporates air, helping your loaf become wonderfully tender and airy.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully combined before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract last to make sure its sweet fragrance is evenly dispersed throughout the batter.
Step 6: Mix Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream
Add the dry ingredients in small batches to the butter mixture, alternating with spoonfuls of sour cream. Be careful to mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter, which keeps the loaf soft and tender.
Step 7: Fold in Peaches and Nuts
Gently fold the diced peaches into the batter to avoid breaking them down too much, preserving their fresh, juicy texture. Add the chopped nuts if you’re using them, for a delightful crunch and added depth of flavor.
Step 8: Assemble the Loaf
Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan and gently spread it out evenly. Next, spoon dollops of the cream cheese filling over the batter. Using a knife or skewer, swirl the cream cheese gently through the batter to create beautiful ribbons of creamy goodness.
Step 9: Add Remaining Batter and Bake
Top with the remaining batter and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too fast, tent the loaf with foil to protect it while it finishes baking perfectly.
Step 10: Cool Before Serving
Once baked, allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps the flavors settle and makes slicing easier without crumbling.
How to Serve Peaches and Cream Cheese Swirl Loaf Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your Peaches and Cream Cheese Swirl Loaf Recipe with simple garnishes like a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few extra toasted pecans sprinkled on top. Fresh peach slices make a gorgeous edible decoration and echo the delicious fruit inside.
Side Dishes
This loaf pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. For breakfast or brunch, serve with a cup of fresh coffee or tea and a bowl of yogurt topped with honey and fresh berries to keep the meal light yet satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the loaf thickly and serve it warm with a pat of melting butter or a smear of peach jam for an extra burst of flavor. If you’re hosting a brunch, arrange slices artfully on a wooden board alongside fresh fruits and nuts to make a stunning centerpiece that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover slices of Peaches and Cream Cheese Swirl Loaf Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Keeping the loaf sealed well preserves moisture and flavor for later enjoyment.
Freezing
This loaf freezes beautifully. Wrap it whole or slice and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw slices overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.
Reheating
To enjoy the loaf warm, gently reheat slices in a toaster oven or microwave for about 20 seconds. This restores the soft texture and creamy swirl decadence, making it taste freshly baked again.
FAQs
Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh for the Peaches and Cream Cheese Swirl Loaf Recipe?
Absolutely! Use canned peaches that are well drained to avoid making the batter too wet. Fresh peaches will give the best texture and flavor, but canned peaches are a convenient substitute that still taste delicious.
Is it okay to omit the nuts in this loaf?
Yes, nuts are entirely optional. They add a lovely crunch and rich flavor, but leaving them out won’t take away from the deliciousness of the Peaches and Cream Cheese Swirl Loaf Recipe.
Can I make this loaf gluten-free?
You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary. Be sure to use one that is designed for baking and includes xanthan gum or another binder for best texture.
What’s the best way to ensure the cream cheese swirl stays intact?
Make sure your cream cheese mixture is well beaten and smooth, then gently dollop and swirl it into the batter without overmixing. This keeps delicious pockets of creamy cheese throughout the loaf.
How do I know when the loaf is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the loaf toward the end of baking. It should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil to finish baking without overcooking.
Final Thoughts
There is something so wonderfully comforting about baking a homemade loaf filled with fresh peaches and a creamy swirl of delight. The Peaches and Cream Cheese Swirl Loaf Recipe is a perfect way to share a little sweetness and warmth with your loved ones. I promise once you make it, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again, whether for a special occasion or a simple treat. Give it a try and let the fresh flavors and tender crumb brighten your day!
Print
Peaches and Cream Cheese Swirl Loaf Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Peaches and Cream Cheese Loaf combines the natural sweetness of fresh peaches with a rich, creamy cheese swirl, all baked into a moist and fluffy loaf. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon snack, this recipe balances fruity flavors with a hint of cinnamon and a tender crumb.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups fresh peaches, diced (or canned, drained)
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Cream Cheese Swirl
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside for later use.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In another large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture in the loaf.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to incorporate air. Then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry flour mixture and sour cream to the butter mixture in batches, gently mixing until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the loaf.
- Fold in Peaches and Nuts: Carefully fold in the diced fresh peaches and chopped nuts (if using) to distribute them evenly throughout the batter without breaking down the fruit.
- Assemble the Loaf: Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture on top, then use a knife or skewer to swirl it gently into the batter to create a marbled effect.
- Top with Remaining Batter: Spread the remaining batter over the cream cheese swirl, smoothing the top to ensure even baking.
- Bake the Loaf: Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the loaf starts to brown too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
- Cool and Serve: Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This ensures clean slices and fully set flavors.
Notes
- Fresh peaches are preferred for best flavor, but canned peaches drained well can be used as a substitute.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch and can be omitted for nut allergies.
- If peaches are very juicy, gently pat them dry to prevent excess moisture in the batter.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
- For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter.
- Loaf can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Slices can be toasted lightly for an enhanced texture and flavor.
