Peaches AND Cream Cheese Loaf

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 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

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a standard bread loaf pan.
2. Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy.
3. Add Sugar and Eggs: Stir in the sugar, eggs, and lemon zest, and continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, until just combined.
6. Fold in Peaches: Gently fold the diced peaches into the batter to evenly distribute the fruit.
7. Bake: Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve: Let the loaf cool before slicing and serving.

Tips for the Best Peaches & Cream Cheese Loaf:

• Use Fresh Peaches: While canned peaches work perfectly, fresh peaches will add an extra layer of natural sweetness and freshness.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, so mix until just combined.
• Enhance the Flavor: Adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract can give the loaf an extra depth of flavor.
• Check for Doneness: Since ovens vary, test with a toothpick at the 50-minute mark.

How to Store and Freeze:

• Room Temperature: Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep it in the fridge for up to a week.
• Freezing: Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. The loaf can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Variations to Try:

• Nutty Addition: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture.
• Glazed Version: Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
• Chocolate Twist: Fold in white chocolate chips for a sweeter treat.
• Spiced Flavor: Increase the cinnamon for a more robust, spiced taste.

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