Fresh Raspberry and Peach Loaf: A Perfect Summertime Treat

Fresh Raspberry and Peach Loaf: A Perfect Summertime Treat

Fresh Raspberries with Fresh Peaches: A Delightful Blend of Flavors

There’s something truly magical about the summer months when the fruits are fresh and abundant. I always look forward to this season, especially because I can pick raspberries right from my garden. The golden raspberries I grow are the sweetest of all, and I love combining them with juicy, market-bought peaches. There’s nothing like gathering those plump, golden berries, knowing they’ll be part of something delicious. The combination of these two in a loaf seems like the perfect way to celebrate the season. This recipe captures the essence of summer, blending the unique sweetness of raspberries with the juicy goodness of peaches. The loaf itself is moist and tender, making it a joy to slice into, whether for breakfast or a mid-afternoon treat. It’s one of those bakes that feels like a celebration of all the best things about summer.


Did You Know?

Raspberries are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. They’re rich in vitamin C, which helps support a healthy immune system, and fiber, which aids in digestion. The vibrant color of raspberries comes from anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and protect your cells from damage. Including them in your diet, whether fresh or baked into treats like this loaf, is a sweet way to boost your health!


Yield: 10 Servings


Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar or coconut sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/4 cup grapeseed oil (or your preferred oil)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or your preferred yogurt)

Add-Ins:

  • 1 cup fresh raspberries
  • 1 cup chopped fresh peaches

Instructions

Preheat Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.


Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl, whisk together almond flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.


Mix Wet Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the sugar, applesauce, and grapeseed oil together until well combined.

Personal Tip: Gradually add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth mixture.


Combine Ingredients:

Stir in the vanilla extract and Greek yogurt until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Personal Tip: Gently fold in the raspberries and chopped peaches, being careful not to overmix to prevent the berries from breaking apart too much.


Bake:

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Personal Tip: Rotate the loaf pan halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.


Cool:

Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Personal Tip: Cooling the loaf completely before slicing will help it maintain its structure and make slicing easier.


Serve:

Once cooled, slice and serve. This loaf is perfect with a cup of tea or as a light dessert.


Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 220, Protein: 5g, Carbohydrates: 25g, Fat: 12g, Sugars: 10g


Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money

  1. Batch Prep: Double the recipe and freeze extra slices for a quick, ready-to-eat breakfast or snack.

  2. Seasonal Savings: Buy raspberries and peaches in season when they are cheaper and more flavorful. Freeze extras to use later.

  3. Yogurt Substitute: Substitute Greek yogurt with plain regular yogurt or a dairy-free alternative to suit dietary preferences.

  4. Alternative Sweeteners: Use honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute like Stevia instead of granulated sugar to adjust sweetness and reduce calories.

  5. Oil Options: Substitute grapeseed oil with coconut oil, olive oil, or canola oil depending on what you have available.

  6. Use Overripe Fruit: Slightly overripe raspberries and peaches are perfect for this recipe and can help reduce food waste.

  7. Bulk Buying: Purchase almonds in bulk and grind them yourself to make almond flour, saving money and ensuring freshness.

  8. Parchment Paper: Line your loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal and minimal cleanup.

  9. Even Baking: Rotate the loaf pan halfway through baking to ensure even cooking and prevent uneven browning.

  10. Keep Fruit Fresh: Store raspberries and peaches in the fridge to prolong their freshness until you're ready to use them.


Let's Learn A Little Bit About Varieties of Raspberries

Raspberries come in several varieties, each with its own unique flavor and characteristics. The most common varieties include red raspberries, which are sweet and tart; black raspberries, which have a richer, more intense flavor; and golden raspberries, which are milder and often sweeter. Some varieties, like the Heritage raspberry, are known for their ability to produce fruit twice a season, offering an extended harvest. Whether you’re picking them from your garden or buying them at a market, knowing the variety can help you choose the perfect raspberry for your needs.