This nourishing loaf transforms late-summer peaches and buttery pecans into a comforting slice of warmth and vitality. It’s naturally sweetened with honey and coconut sugar, spiced with cardamom and cinnamon for depth and digestion, and anchored by whole wheat flour for fiber and sustenance.
Perfect for breakfast, tea time, or even as a mindful dessert, it balances softness and crunch in each bite. The peaches deliver vitamin C and skin-loving antioxidants; pecans add Omega-3s and protein; and the aromatic spices tie everything together with a nod to traditional desi baking.
🍞 INGREDIENTS:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1½ cups whole wheat flour (or blend of wheat and almond flour)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cardamom
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup coconut sugar or jaggery powder
- ¼ cup raw honey
- 2 eggs (room temperature)
- ⅓ cup olive oil or ghee
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (adds moisture and protein)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Mix-ins:
- 1½ cups peeled and diced fresh peaches (or canned, drained)
- ¾ cup chopped pecans (lightly toasted for extra aroma)
- Zest of 1 lemon or orange (optional, adds brightness)
Garnish (Optional):
- Sliced peaches and whole pecans for topping
- Sprinkle of cinnamon or turbinado sugar before baking
👩🍳 INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
- Grease and line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cardamom.
- Sift if needed to keep texture airy.
Step 3: Blend Wet Base
- In a large bowl, beat eggs with coconut sugar until fluffy.
- Add honey, oil or ghee, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Stir in citrus zest, if using.
Step 4: Combine & Fold
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Use a spatula to fold gently until just combined — don’t overmix.
- Fold in diced peaches and chopped pecans.
Step 5: Bake with Beauty
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top.
- Arrange peach slices and pecans on top if desired.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon or coarse sugar.
Step 6: Bake & Cool
- Bake for 55–65 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
- Let cool fully before slicing to preserve texture.
🧬 Functional & Cultural Highlights:
- Peaches: Vitamin C and fiber promote gut and skin health.
- Pecans: Protein and Omega-3s boost brain and heart function.
- Cardamom & Cinnamon: Digestive allies with antimicrobial properties.
- Greek Yogurt: Adds probiotics for gut balance.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Supports steady energy and satiety.
🫖 Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with warm masala chai, saffron milk, or turmeric tea.
- Toast slices and top with almond butter, ghee, or a drizzle of honey.
- Freeze slices for easy wellness snacks on busy days.