This Peaches & Cream Cheese Loaf is everything a great quick bread should be: soft, moist, rich, and bursting with sweet peach flavor. Cream cheese blended directly into the batter gives this loaf an ultra-tender crumb, while juicy peaches add natural sweetness in every bite. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or an afternoon coffee break, this loaf feels comforting yet indulgent without being complicated.
Who Is This Recipe For?
This recipe is perfect for:
- Fans of easy quick bread recipes
- Home bakers who love cream cheese desserts
- Anyone looking for a no-fuss loaf cake
- Brunch hosts and meal preppers
- Peach lovers (fresh or canned!)
Why It’s Great
- Super moist and rich texture thanks to cream cheese
- Simple ingredients you probably already have
- No mixer skills required—very beginner-friendly
- Works as breakfast, snack, or dessert
- Freezer-friendly and great for make-ahead baking
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 large eggs
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 (15 oz) can sliced peaches, drained and diced
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Standard 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Toothpick or cake tester
How to Make Peaches & Cream Cheese Loaf
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. - Cream the Base
In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. - Add Sugar & Eggs
Mix in sugar, eggs, and lemon zest. Beat until light and fluffy. - Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using). - Mix the Batter
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Mix just until combined. - Fold in Peaches
Gently fold in the diced peaches. - Bake
Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. - Cool & Slice
Let the loaf cool completely before slicing for clean cuts.
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days
- Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 5 days
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months (thaw overnight)
FAQ
Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned?
Yes! Peel, dice, and lightly pat them dry before adding.
Why is my loaf dense?
Overmixing the batter can cause a dense texture—mix just until combined.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, you can reduce it by ¼ cup without affecting the texture too much.
Can I add a glaze?
Absolutely! A simple powdered sugar and milk glaze pairs beautifully with this loaf.
Conclusion
This Peaches & Cream Cheese Loaf is the kind of recipe you’ll bake once and keep forever. Moist, tender, and packed with sweet peach flavor, it’s proof that quick breads can feel just as special as cakes—with half the effort. Whether served warm or chilled, plain or glazed, this loaf is guaranteed to become a favorite.
