Peach, Coconut and Hazelnut Loaf

Indulge in the delicate sweetness of our Peach and Hazelnut Loaf, a treat that encapsulates the essence of summer in every slice. This moist and flavorful loaf marries the rich aroma of roasted hazelnuts with the lusciousness of ripe yellow peaches, resulting in a culinary masterpiece that’s both comforting and vibrant. With the nutty crunch of hazelnuts and the juicy burst of peaches, this loaf offers a journey of textures and tastes that’s perfect for any occasion. Baked with love, this recipe showcases the marriage of ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors that is bound to be a delightful addition to your table.

PREP 15 MINS

COOK 10 MINS

MAKES 1 LOAF

INGREDIENTS:

• 125g butter, softened
• 2/3 cup caster sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 yellow peaches, stone removed, finely diced
• 1½ cups self-raising flour
• ½ cup plain flour
• 1/2 cup desiccated coconut
• 1/3 cup roasted hazelnuts, finely chopped

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F). Grease a 6-cup capacity (20cm x 10cm x 7cm deep base measurement) loaf pan and line it with baking paper, extending the paper about 5cm above the pan’s edge.
2. Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter, caster sugar, and vanilla until the mixture turns pale and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Gently fold in the sour cream, diced peaches, and desiccated coconut using a large metal spoon.
4. Sift the self-raising flour and plain flour over the batter, and gently fold until the ingredients are combined.
5. Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Sprinkle the finely chopped roasted hazelnuts over the batter, pressing them gently into the mixture.
6. Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the loaf to stand in the pan for about 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

TIPS:

• Softening Butter: Ensure that the butter is softened to room temperature before beating. This ensures a smooth and creamy texture in the batter.
• Sour Cream’s Magic: The addition of sour cream contributes to the loaf’s moistness and richness. Opt for full-fat sour cream for the best results.
• Perfect Peach Selection: Select perfectly ripe peaches with a lovely aroma. Their sweetness and juiciness will shine through in the loaf.
• Flour Folding: When folding the sifted flours into the batter, do so gently to avoid overmixing. Overmixing can result in a dense texture.
• Nuts and Timing: Sprinkle the chopped hazelnuts over the loaf batter and press them gently. This helps them adhere to the loaf as it bakes. Check for doneness using a skewer, which should come out clean when inserted into the center.
• Cooling and Slicing: Allow the loaf to cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps the loaf settle and makes it easier to slice without falling apart.

Slice into this Peach and Hazelnut Loaf and enjoy the harmony of flavors and textures that come together to create a truly delightful treat. The combination of fresh peaches, nutty hazelnuts, and the moistness of the sour cream ensures that every bite is an experience in itself. Whether you’re enjoying it as a morning indulgence or an afternoon delight, this loaf is a testament to the magic that happens when simple ingredients are combined with care and creativity.