Sweet Potato Bread

Sweet Potato Bread is a delightful twist on traditional quick breads, combining the natural sweetness and moistness of cooked sweet potatoes with warm spices and crunchy pecans. This bread is perfect for breakfast, snacking, or even as a comforting dessert. The soft texture and rich flavor make it a crowd-pleaser that feels like a cozy hug in every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newbie in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and yields consistently delicious results.

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Sweet Potato Bread stands out because it uses cooked sweet potatoes, which add incredible moisture and subtle sweetness without the need for excessive sugar. This recipe balances the sugars perfectly with brown and granulated sugar, while the warm cinnamon and nutmeg provide a comforting aroma and depth of flavor. The pecans add a wonderful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft crumb. Plus, it’s made with simple pantry staples and easily adaptable to your preferences. It’s a great way to highlight sweet potatoes beyond just roasting or mashing, making it an excellent choice for fall or anytime you crave something wholesome and tasty.

Ingredients

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil (or sunflower or corn oil)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup water
• 1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ cup pecans, roughly chopped

How To Make Sweet Potato Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Sweet Potatoes

Begin by cooking your sweet potatoes until they are soft and tender. You can boil, steam, or roast them. Once cooked, peel and mash until smooth. Measure out 1 cup of mashed sweet potato and set aside.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and water, then stir in the mashed sweet potato until fully combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sifting helps to keep the bread light and ensures even distribution of the spices and leavening agent.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients into Wet

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense. The batter should be thick but scoopable.

Step 5: Fold in Pecans

Fold the roughly chopped pecans into the batter, ensuring they are evenly dispersed without overworking the mixture.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy plain, with butter, or your favorite spread!

Expert Tips

• Use freshly cooked sweet potatoes for best flavor and moisture. Avoid canned sweet potato puree as it may be too watery.
• Sift your dry ingredients to avoid lumps and create a lighter texture.
• Don’t overmix the batter; stir just until combined to keep the bread tender.
• If you prefer a nuttier flavor, toast the pecans lightly before folding them into the batter.
• Check your bread at 50 minutes, but if it isn’t done, continue baking and check every 5 minutes to avoid over-baking.
• Let the bread cool completely before slicing to ensure clean slices and avoid crumbling.

Variations and Customizations

• Add-ins: Mix in chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or raisins for extra bursts of flavor.
• Spices: Experiment with adding ginger, cloves, or allspice for a different spice profile.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup.
• Sweeteners: Swap out granulated sugar for coconut sugar or honey, adjusting liquid quantities slightly if needed.
• Nuts: Replace pecans with walnuts, almonds, or omit nuts altogether for a nut-free version.
• Frosting: Top with a simple cream cheese frosting or a cinnamon glaze for a special treat.

How to Store Leftovers

To keep your Sweet Potato Bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze slices individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen slices at room temperature or toast them directly from frozen for a quick snack.

FAQ

Can I use canned sweet potato instead of cooked fresh sweet potato?

Freshly cooked sweet potatoes are best because they have the ideal moisture content and flavor. If you use canned sweet potato puree, make sure it is unsweetened and drain any excess liquid to avoid a soggy bread. Adjust flour slightly if the batter seems too wet.

Is it possible to make this bread vegan?

Yes! Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg, let sit for 5 minutes) and use a plant-based oil. Also, ensure your sugar is bone-char free if that is a concern.

Can I add more spices to make the bread spicier?

Absolutely! Feel free to increase cinnamon or nutmeg quantities or add other warm spices like ground ginger, cloves, or allspice to suit your taste preferences.

What’s the best way to toast leftover sweet potato bread?

Slice the bread and toast it in a toaster or toaster oven until lightly crisp. You can also warm slices in a pan with a little butter for a richer flavor.

Conclusion

Sweet Potato Bread is a wonderfully moist, flavorful quick bread that brings out the best of sweet potatoes with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. The addition of pecans adds texture and a delightful crunch, making every bite satisfying. This recipe is easy to follow and adaptable, ensuring it fits your kitchen style and dietary needs. Whether you enjoy it fresh from the oven or toasted with your favorite spread, it’s a versatile bread that’s sure to become a staple in your baking rotation. Give it a try and savor the comforting flavors of sweet potatoes in a deliciously soft loaf!