This Peaches & Cream Cheese Loaf is a heavenly fusion of juicy peaches and rich, velvety cream cheese baked into a moist, tender loaf. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon treat, it carries the nostalgic comfort of homemade baking with the ease of using canned peaches. The soft crumb, fruity bursts, and creamy undertones make this loaf a true delight—one that had even the author’s daughter running for the recipe after just one bite!

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1 (15 oz) can sliced peaches, drained and diced

• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour

• 1½ cups granulated sugar

• ½ cup butter

• ½ tbsp lemon zest

• 2 eggs

• 1½ tsp salt

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• 1 cup milk

• Optional: Dash of cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a loaf pan.

2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese, butter, and sugar until smooth.

3. Add lemon zest, eggs, flour, salt, baking powder, and optional cinnamon. Mix until fully combined.

4. Stir in the milk to create a smooth batter.

5. Gently fold in the diced peaches.

6. Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan. Add extra sliced peaches on top for decoration, if desired.

7. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Let cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Nutrients (Estimated per slice, assuming 10 slices)

• Calories: ~290 kcal

• Carbohydrates: ~38 g

• Protein: ~4 g

• Fat: ~13 g

• Sugar: ~20 g

• Fiber: ~1 g

• Calcium: Moderate

• Vitamin C: Present from peaches and lemon zest

A Marriage of Fruity Brightness and Creamy Richness

The magic of this loaf lies in the balance of its core ingredients—peaches and cream cheese. The peaches bring a natural sweetness, a soft bite, and a juicy pop of fruit flavor in every slice. Whether you use canned peaches or fresh when in season, their presence brightens the loaf and cuts through the richness.

Cream cheese, on the other hand, adds a silky smoothness that makes the crumb extra tender. Unlike butter alone, cream cheese brings moisture and depth, resulting in a loaf that’s more than just a quick bread—it’s almost like a cross between coffee cake and cheesecake, but still simple enough to enjoy as a snack or breakfast option.

The two elements—sweet and creamy—work in harmony to deliver something greater than the sum of their parts. The flavor lingers on the tongue in the best way, and the texture keeps you coming back for another slice.

Perfect for All Occasions and All Ages

What makes this loaf especially wonderful is its versatility. It’s just sweet enough to be considered a treat, yet not too rich to enjoy with your morning coffee or afternoon tea. Kids love the soft texture and subtle peach flavor, while adults appreciate the slightly tangy cream cheese base and fragrant lemon zest.

It’s a loaf that travels well too, making it an excellent option for picnics, school lunches, brunch gatherings, or office snacks. You can dress it up with a drizzle of glaze or keep it rustic with a few slices of peach baked on top. No matter how you serve it, it always brings warmth and smiles.

And yes—it’s that kind of recipe. The one that has your daughter running into the kitchen asking for more after just one bite. It’s comfort food at its best, familiar and nostalgic, but with just enough flair to feel special.

The Ease of Canned Peaches with the Flavor of Summer

One of the highlights of this recipe is its accessibility. Using canned peaches allows you to enjoy this loaf any time of year, without sacrificing flavor. The convenience of pre-sliced, syrup-soaked fruit means you don’t need to peel or chop anything fresh, but still end up with perfectly tender peach pieces scattered throughout your loaf.

Despite their convenience, canned peaches still deliver that sun-ripened sweetness and soft bite that makes this recipe feel like summer in a slice. If you do happen to have fresh peaches on hand, they work beautifully too—just be sure they’re ripe and juicy for the best flavor.

This built-in flexibility makes the recipe a go-to favorite for last-minute baking sessions or spontaneous cravings. There’s no need to wait for peach season—you can bring that summery feeling to your table year-round.

Moist, Tender, and Never Dry

Thanks to the combination of cream cheese, milk, and butter, this loaf stays exceptionally moist for days. The crumb is soft and plush, never dry or crumbly, making it an ideal bake-ahead option. It slices cleanly once cooled and can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator, depending on your preference.

Adding milk to the batter thins it out slightly, ensuring the texture remains light and not overly dense. And because the cream cheese is beaten until smooth, it integrates seamlessly into the batter, contributing to that dreamy softness with every bite.

Even after a day or two, the loaf maintains its structure and flavor, making it a lovely option for meal prep, lunchbox additions, or quick snacks between meals.

Hints of Lemon and Cinnamon for Added Depth

While peaches and cream cheese are the stars of the show, subtle supporting players elevate this loaf to a whole new level. Lemon zest, added to the batter, brings a fresh brightness that enhances the natural sweetness of the peaches. It’s a small touch that makes a big impact, cutting through the richness and adding complexity.

Optional cinnamon adds a whisper of warmth that complements the peaches beautifully. This hint of spice brings a cozy undertone without overpowering the fruity or creamy elements. Whether you choose to include it or not, the loaf stands strong—but with it, you get just a bit more comfort in every bite.

A Nostalgic Recipe with Timeless Appeal

This loaf carries with it the comforting aroma and nostalgic feel of something that might have been served at grandma’s table—simple, warm, and made with love. It’s the kind of recipe that feels both timeless and adaptable. You can stick to the classic version or tweak it slightly to make it your own—adding chopped nuts, a crumb topping, or even a drizzle of icing for extra flair.

It’s also a recipe that invites sharing. Whether you’re baking for your family or gifting a loaf to a neighbor, it brings people together. There’s something inherently joyful about a baked good that tastes like it was made with care—and this loaf delivers that in every slice.

Make It Your Own with Easy Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basic loaf, it’s easy to play with the flavor profile. Swap peaches for nectarines or apricots, or add a handful of shredded coconut for a tropical twist. A swirl of peach jam through the batter adds extra fruitiness, and a light glaze with lemon juice and powdered sugar can dress it up for dessert.

For a more indulgent take, try baking the batter into mini loaves or muffins—perfect for gifting or portion control. You could also make a streusel topping from flour, butter, and sugar to add a bakery-style crunch on top.

There’s no wrong way to enjoy this loaf. Its forgiving nature makes it perfect for beginners, while its flavor and presentation keep seasoned bakers coming back for more.

Conclusion

Peaches & Cream Cheese Loaf is the kind of recipe that becomes a cherished favorite the moment you bake it. It’s simple yet rich, fruity yet creamy, and above all—deeply comforting. With the ease of canned peaches and the richness of cream cheese, it brings together the best of both worlds in a soft, moist loaf that’s as good with your morning coffee as it is with a scoop of ice cream for dessert.

Whether you’re baking for your family, sharing with friends, or simply treating yourself, this loaf delivers every time. It’s a recipe you’ll reach for again and again—because once you’ve had that first bite, you’ll know exactly why it’s the kind of dessert people remember and request by name.