There’s something about the combination of juicy peaches and rich cream cheese that feels like summer in every bite. This Peaches & Cream Cheese Loaf is my go-to when I want something that’s easy to whip up but feels extra special. The sweet aroma of cinnamon, buttery batter, and bursts of fruit remind me of lazy Sunday mornings with my grandma—her kitchen warm, her hands flour-dusted, and her peach loaf always cooling on the windowsill. It’s one of those nostalgic recipes that fills your heart and your home with comfort. Whether you’re looking for a new favorite brunch treat or a giftable baked good, this peachy loaf delivers on all fronts. It’s moist, subtly tangy from the cream cheese, and balanced with just the right amount of sweetness. The best part? You can enjoy it any time of year using canned peaches. This Peaches & Cream Cheese Loaf recipe has become a reader favorite right alongside my peach cream cheese cupcakes and those dreamy churro cheesecake bars.
Peaches & Cream Cheese Loaf: A Soft and Sweet Bake You’ll Love
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Why This Peaches & Cream Cheese Loaf Wins Hearts
This loaf is not just another quick bread—it’s a texture masterpiece. The softened cream cheese creates a silky base that blends beautifully with butter and sugar, while the diced peaches add bursts of juicy flavor. The loaf has that just-right density: not too fluffy, not too heavy. Adding lemon zest brings a light citrusy note that complements the sweet fruit. Whether served warm or at room temp, every bite melts in your mouth. And if you love that kind of soft, fruity finish, you’ll also appreciate the rich layers in these vanilla crème brûlée cheesecake cupcakes.
Another reason this loaf is such a keeper? You probably already have everything on hand. All-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, milk—it’s all pantry-friendly. That means no extra trips to the store and no complicated ingredients. The magic comes from how those basics come together with peaches and cream cheese into something that tastes like it took a lot more effort than it actually did. The loaf also works beautifully for brunch spreads, especially when served alongside something bright like this strawberry brownie recipe. Plus, it freezes like a charm.
How to Make the Perfect Peaches & Cream Cheese Loaf
Every ingredient in this Peaches & Cream Cheese Loaf plays an important role in the final texture and flavor. The cream cheese gives it a luxurious, velvety crumb while the butter ensures richness. Lemon zest brightens up the sweetness, and cinnamon (if you choose to add it) introduces just the right hint of spice. Using canned peaches makes this loaf accessible year-round. Just drain and dice them to avoid too much extra moisture. If you enjoy banana-based bakes, you’ll appreciate the familiar moistness this loaf shares with my best banana bread recipe, but with a summery twist.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Cream Cheese | Adds moisture and richness |
| Canned Peaches | Sweet, soft fruit texture |
| Lemon Zest | Adds brightness and flavor depth |
| Butter & Sugar | Classic base for richness and sweetness |
This recipe couldn’t be easier. Start by creaming together the softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar. Add in your eggs and lemon zest. In a separate bowl, mix your dry ingredients. Then combine everything gently, alternating with milk. Finally, fold in the diced peaches and bake until golden. The scent while it bakes is out-of-this-world good. This recipe uses the same reliable mixing method as other classic loaves like my rhubarb custard bars—simple and satisfying. You don’t need fancy tools or techniques, just a big bowl, a whisk, and a loaf pan.
Serving, Storing & Customizing Your Loaf
This Peaches & Cream Cheese Loaf is incredibly versatile. Serve it warm with a pat of butter or chilled straight from the fridge—it’s fantastic both ways. It pairs beautifully with your morning coffee or makes a lovely dessert topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a brunch table, slice it thick and arrange alongside other summer desserts like these raspberry crumble cookies. If you’re entertaining, slice it into mini squares and serve with tea or even a glass of prosecco for a charming afternoon bite.
You can also toast it lightly and drizzle with honey or cream for a delightful twist. The soft crumb absorbs flavors well, and each bite becomes a little more decadent when warmed.
Storage is simple, and this loaf holds up incredibly well. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, slice and freeze it with parchment between slices. Then simply reheat in the toaster or microwave.
This approach makes it easy to grab a slice anytime—just like I recommend with rich bakes like these coconut cream pie cupcakes. The loaf keeps its structure and flavor intact even after freezing, so you can make it ahead for brunches, gifts, or meal prep.
Fun Variations and Creative Twists
What makes this Peaches & Cream Cheese Loaf so delightful is how easily you can adapt it. Swap out the peaches for nectarines or even fresh strawberries for a seasonal upgrade. A handful of chopped pecans or walnuts adds a lovely crunch to the soft crumb. Feeling bold? Add a swirl of peach jam or raspberry preserves through the batter for a marbled, fruity surprise. If you’re a fan of rich, indulgent loaf bakes like chocolate chip banana bread, you’ll enjoy how easily this loaf accepts mix-ins and custom layers.
For a topping twist, sprinkle a mix of brown sugar and cinnamon on top before baking for a crunchy crust. You could also glaze it lightly with a simple powdered sugar icing once it cools.
This loaf isn’t just for snacking—it makes an excellent edible gift. Wrap in parchment and tie with twine for a homemade touch that’s always appreciated. Its beautiful golden color and tender slices make it a great addition to baby showers, brunches, or summer picnics. And because it travels well, it’s the kind of dessert you can pack for road trips or outdoor meals, much like how blackberry pistachio dream bars hold up beautifully on-the-go.
You can even bake it in mini loaf pans and give as party favors. It’s a small, sweet gesture with maximum flavor and joy.
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Peaches & Cream Cheese Loaf: A Soft and Sweet Bake You’ll Love
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8 servings) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Peaches & Cream Cheese Loaf is moist, soft, and bursting with juicy peach flavor. Creamy and simple to make, it’s perfect for breakfast, gifting, or dessert.
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
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
2. Cream together softened cream cheese, butter, and sugar until smooth.
3. Add in lemon zest and eggs; beat well.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, alternating with milk. Mix gently.
6. Fold in diced peaches until evenly distributed.
7. Pour batter into loaf pan and smooth top.
8. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
10. Serve warm or chilled. Store covered for up to 5 days.
Notes
Use fresh peaches if in season.
Add a cinnamon-sugar sprinkle on top before baking for extra crunch.
Freezes beautifully when wrapped tightly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
FAQs About Peaches & Cream Cheese Loaf
Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned?
Absolutely. Just peel, pit, and dice the peaches first. Be sure to drain any excess juice to avoid a soggy loaf.
Can I make this loaf gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. It may change the texture slightly but still delivers delicious results.
How do I prevent the loaf from becoming too dense?
Avoid overmixing your batter. Gently fold ingredients until just combined, and make sure your baking powder is fresh.
Can I make this ahead of time for an event?
Definitely. Bake it the day before, store it tightly wrapped at room temperature, or refrigerate for longer freshness. It tastes even better the next day.
Conclusion
There’s something truly special about baking from the heart, and this Peaches & Cream Cheese Loaf is one of those recipes that delivers both comfort and flavor with every slice. It’s the kind of treat that feels homemade in the best way—warm, buttery, fruity, and just the right amount of indulgent. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weekend brunch, sharing it as a thoughtful gift, or simply craving something sweet and satisfying, this loaf is always a good idea.
With simple ingredients, a straightforward method, and a flavor that keeps you coming back, it’s easy to see why this recipe has become one of my favorites. I hope it becomes one of yours, too. For more easy fruit-forward bakes, don’t miss the peach cream cheese cupcakes or my banana bread spring classic.
Let’s keep making something amazing together—one delicious loaf at a time.
