This Sourdough Peach Cobbler Loaf brings together the best of both worlds: the subtle tang of sourdough discard and the sweet, juicy burst of fresh peaches, all baked into a delightful, easy-to-slice loaf. It’s a fantastic way to use up that sourdough discard while creating a treat that feels both comforting and a little bit special.

Sourdough Peach Cobbler Loaf: Easy Sourdough Discard Recipe 16

Perfect for a summer breakfast, a casual dessert, or an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee, this recipe is designed for simplicity without sacrificing flavor. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, making it an ideal choice for busy days when you crave something homemade and delicious.

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
Time Needed From Start To Finish
How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This Sourdough Peach Cobbler Loaf is a game-changer for anyone looking to incorporate sourdough discard into their baking without committing to a full-blown bread project. It’s incredibly forgiving, making it perfect for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike. The recipe is designed to be fast and family-friendly, meaning you won’t spend hours in the kitchen, but you’ll still produce a treat that tastes like it took all day. It’s an excellent way to use up an abundance of summer peaches, transforming them into a warm, inviting dessert or a sweet breakfast item. This loaf is particularly wonderful for potlucks, brunches, or simply as a comforting snack at home. The combination of the slightly tangy sourdough and the sweet peaches creates a balanced flavor profile that appeals to nearly everyone, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients for this Sourdough Peach Cobbler Loaf is straightforward, focusing on common pantry staples and fresh produce. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the accessibility of its components. You won’t need any exotic flours or hard-to-find items, just a few key ingredients to bring this delicious loaf to life.

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus 2 tablespoons for topping
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sourdough discard (unfed, 100% hydration)
1/2 cup milk (any kind)
1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, plus 1 tablespoon for greasing
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen peaches, peeled and diced (about 2 medium peaches)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For simple substitutions, if you don’t have fresh peaches on hand, frozen diced peaches work perfectly – just make sure they’re thawed and drained well to avoid excess moisture. You can use plant-based milk alternatives like almond or oat milk if preferred. For the butter, margarine or a neutral oil like canola can be used in a pinch, though butter does lend a richer flavor. If you’re out of vanilla extract, a tiny pinch of almond extract can offer a different but equally pleasant aroma.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

This recipe is designed for efficiency, delivering a delicious homemade treat without requiring a significant time commitment.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 45-55 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 60-70 minutes

This timeline includes gathering your ingredients, mixing the batter, and the full baking duration. The hands-on time is minimal, allowing you to get other things done while your delicious peach cobbler loaf bakes to golden perfection.

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Creating this Sourdough Peach Cobbler Loaf is a simple process, even for beginners. Follow these steps for a perfectly baked, tender loaf.

Prepare Your Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with 1 tablespoon of melted butter or cooking spray. Lightly dust it with flour, tapping out any excess. This ensures your loaf won’t stick.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps and everything is evenly distributed.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the sourdough discard, milk, 1/4 cup melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth. The mixture should be uniform in color and consistency.
Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are perfectly fine and help keep the loaf tender. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture.
Fold in Peaches: Gently fold in the diced peaches. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
Transfer to Pan and Top: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. In a small bowl, mix the remaining 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar with 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the top of the batter. This creates a lovely, slightly crisp, and flavorful crust.
Bake the Loaf: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, and the edges should be pulling slightly away from the pan.
Cool Before Slicing: Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving. This prevents the loaf from crumbling and allows it to set properly.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This Sourdough Peach Cobbler Loaf is wonderfully versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes and occasions. For a kid-friendly twist, you can add a handful of white chocolate chips along with the peaches – the sweetness pairs beautifully. If you’re looking to enhance the “cobbler” feel, consider adding a streusel topping instead of just cinnamon sugar. A simple streusel can be made by combining 1/4 cup cold butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup flour, and a pinch of cinnamon, then crumbling it over the batter before baking.

For serving, this loaf is fantastic on its own, perhaps with a dusting of powdered sugar. For a more decadent dessert, serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a simple peach glaze (made from powdered sugar and a touch of peach juice) would also elevate it for a special occasion. It’s also perfect for a buffet-style brunch, sliced and arranged on a platter, allowing guests to serve themselves. Consider pairing it with a fruit salad or a yogurt parfait for a balanced spread.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even simple recipes can have their pitfalls. Being aware of these common mistakes can help ensure your Sourdough Peach Cobbler Loaf turns out perfectly every time.

Overmixing the Batter: This is a very common mistake in quick bread recipes. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, leading to a tough, dense loaf instead of a tender one. Mix only until the wet and dry ingredients are just combined, and a few lumps are visible.
Not Draining Frozen Peaches: If using frozen peaches, they release a lot of water as they thaw. If you don’t drain them thoroughly, this extra moisture can make your loaf soggy and prevent it from baking through properly. Thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels.
Opening the Oven Door Too Early: Resist the urge to check on your loaf too frequently, especially during the first 30 minutes of baking. Opening the oven door can cause a sudden drop in temperature, which might make the loaf sink in the middle.
Not Greasing and Flourishing the Pan Properly: A poorly prepared pan is the leading cause of loaves sticking. Ensure you grease every corner and side of the pan, and then lightly dust with flour, tapping out the excess. Parchment paper slings can also be used for extra assurance.
Slicing While Hot: While tempting, slicing the loaf immediately after it comes out of the oven can cause it to crumble and fall apart. The loaf needs time to set and firm up as it cools. Allow it to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

Proper storage is key to keeping your Sourdough Peach Cobbler Loaf fresh and delicious.

For optimal freshness, store the cooled loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you live in a very humid climate or want to extend its life, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be aware that refrigeration can sometimes slightly alter the texture, making it a bit firmer.

To make it ahead, you can bake the loaf completely, let it cool, and

FAQs

Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.