Peaches & Cream Cheese Loaf

This moist, tender loaf is swirled with sweet cream cheese and studded with juicy peaches — a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Ingredients

Cream Cheese Swirl:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 egg yolk

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Loaf Batter:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• ½ tablespoon lemon zest

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

• 1 cup milk

• 1 (15 oz) can sliced peaches, drained and diced (or about 1 ½ cups fresh peeled/diced peaches)

Optional Topping:

• 2 tablespoons turbinado or coarse sugar for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line with parchment paper.

2. Make the cream cheese swirl: In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla; beat until combined. Set aside.

3. Make the batter: In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in lemon zest.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using).

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.

6. Gently fold in diced peaches.

7. Assemble: Pour half the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the batter, spreading gently. Top with remaining batter. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the layers together (don’t overmix). Sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.

8. Bake for 60–75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (avoiding the cream cheese swirl). If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil.

9. Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips

• For easier slicing, chill the loaf for 1–2 hours after cooling.

• Fresh peaches can be used when in season—peel, pit, and dice about 2 medium peaches.

• Try adding ¼ teaspoon almond extract to the batter for extra depth of flavor.

• Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze individual slices for up to 2 months.

Enjoy this sweet, creamy, fruity loaf with a cup of coffee or tea! 🍑🍞