Peaches And Cream Cheese Loaf

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup diced peaches (fresh or canned, drained)
• 1/4 cup peach preserves
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional, for garnish)
• Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream, and mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Stir in the diced peaches, peach preserves, and lemon juice until evenly combined.
7. Gently fold the cream cheese and peach mixture into the batter until swirled throughout, being careful not to overmix.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans on top for added crunch and flavor.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs attached.
10. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Once cooled, dust the top of the loaf with confectioners’ sugar for a decorative touch.
12. Slice and serve your Peaches and Cream Cheese Loaf as desired. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea.

Nutritional Information (per serving):