Sweet potato bread is a delightful treat that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with traditional baking ingredients. This bread not only provides an incredibly soft texture but also infuses a subtle warm flavor profile, making it perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even as a dessert.
Why We Love This Sweet Potato Bread Recipe
There are so many fantastic aspects of this sweet potato bread. First of all, it’s undeniably easy to make! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, you will find this recipe straightforward. The combination of wet and dry ingredients creates a batter that requires minimal effort, and the result is nothing short of heavenly.
One of the benefits of using sweet potatoes is that they are packed with vitamins, fiber, and other nutrients. Instead of reaching for a heavy cake or sugary snack, this sweet potato bread serves as a wholesome option that still satisfies your sweet tooth. Additionally, the unique blend of spices — cinnamon and nutmeg — will transport you to a cozy, autumnal kitchen, regardless of the season.
Another reason to fall in love with this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize the ingredients, mix in your favorite nuts or even dried fruits, or serve it in numerous ways. This flexibility makes sweet potato bread an excellent option for a variety of tastes and preferences. You may even find yourself making it a regular part of your baking repertoire!
Ingredients for Sweet Potato Bread
To create this tempting sweet potato bread, gather the following ingredients:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or sunflower or corn oil)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup pecans (roughly chopped)
How to Make Sweet Potato Bread Directions
Making sweet potato bread is a wonderfully simple process. You’ll start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C), or 160°C for fan ovens. This step ensures that your bread will bake evenly.
Next, prepare your loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper. This prevents the bread from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. With your oven preheating, move to the mixing stage. In a large bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, water, and the delightful mashed sweet potato. Whisk these ingredients thoroughly, allowing all the flavors to meld together harmoniously.
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sifting is important here; it helps to aerate the flour and incorporate the dry ingredients evenly. When the dry mix is ready, fold it gently into the wet mixture. It’s essential that you avoid over-mixing; just combine until there are no dry patches of flour visible.
Once the batter is created, fold in the roughly chopped pecans. They add a delicious crunch and contrast beautifully against the soft texture of the bread. Carefully pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top for even baking.
Now, it’s time to bake! Place the loaf pan in the oven and allow it to bake for about 50 to 60 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. After baking, allow the bread to cool completely on a rack. Once cooled, you can remove it from the pan and slice it for serving. The aroma that fills your kitchen while baking is truly unbeatable!
How to Serve Sweet Potato Bread
Sweet potato bread is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. You can enjoy it plain, fresh out of the oven, or spread a little butter on top. The slight sweetness of the bread pairs wonderfully with a drizzle of honey or a smear of cream cheese, allowing you to experiment and find your favorite method.
If you’re in the mood for a delightful breakfast, consider toasting a slice and pairing it with a cup of your favorite coffee or tea. The warm, spiced flavor of the bread complements a morning beverage exceptionally well. For a more luxurious treat, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top before toasting.
Sweet potato bread also makes an excellent snack. It’s perfect for packing in lunchboxes or serving to guests at gatherings. Consider cutting it into smaller, bite-sized pieces for easy nibbling. Whether enjoyed with friends or relished in solitude, every bite is a joyful experience.
Expert Tips: Sweet Potato Bread
Creating the perfect sweet potato bread is about refining your technique. Here are some expert tips to help you achieve the best result:
Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes: Ensure that your sweet potatoes are cooked then mashed well before adding them to the mixture. The texture will significantly influence the final bread. Avoid using canned sweet potato, as it can be overly watery.
Measuring Flour: When measuring flour, it’s easy to pack it too tightly. To prevent this, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for consistent results.
Avoid Overmixing: It’s easy to get excited and mix too vigorously, but remember that a gentle fold is best. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture.
Test for Doneness: Oven temperatures can vary. Use the toothpick method to check if your bread is done; this step will ensure you avoid underbaking or overbaking.
Experiment with Add-ins: Don’t hesitate to play around with your recipe! You can incorporate chocolate chips or dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for a different flavor profile.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can perfect your sweet potato bread and impress everyone with your baking skills.
How to Store Sweet Potato Bread
Proper storage is crucial to keep your sweet potato bread fresh and delicious. First, allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack before storing it. If you cover the bread while it’s still warm, condensation can build up, leading to a soggy texture.
To store, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will generally last for about 3 to 5 days at room temperature. If you want to extend its lifespan, consider storing it in the refrigerator, where it can last up to a week.
For longer storage, you can freeze sweet potato bread. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it at room temperature or gently heat slices in the toaster.
Variation of Sweet Potato Bread
While this classic recipe is delightful on its own, you could easily modify it to fit your culinary creativity. Here are some variations that you might want to try:
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that your baking soda and other ingredients also comply with a gluten-free diet.
Vegan Sweet Potato Bread: Replace the eggs with flax seeds or applesauce. For each egg, use one tablespoon of flaxseeds mixed with three tablespoons of water. Allow this mixture to sit for a few minutes to thicken.
Spiced Variations: Introduce additional spices, such as ginger or cloves. You might even play with the measurements of cinnamon and nutmeg to customize the flavor to your preference.
Nut-Free Variation: Simply omit the pecans if anyone has nut allergies. You could substitute them with sunflower seeds or leave them out entirely for a smoother texture.
Feel free to experiment with these variations, and you may just discover a new favorite way to enjoy sweet potato bread!
Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Potato Bread
What makes sweet potato bread different from regular bread?
Sweet potato bread is unique due to its moist texture and natural sweetness from the sweet potatoes. It provides a delightful contrast to typical bread recipes, which often use white flour and sugar.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes for this recipe?
While you can, it’s generally better to use fresh sweet potatoes for optimal flavor and texture. Canned sweet potatoes can contain added sugars and may lead to a wetter batter.
How can I tell when sweet potato bread is done baking?
You can test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready.
Can I add different nuts or fruits to the recipe?
Absolutely! You can customize your bread by adding your favorite nuts or dried fruits. Just remember to adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences.
How do I make sweet potato bread more decadent?
For a richer flavor, consider adding chocolate chips or a cinnamon glaze. You could also enhance the texture by mixing in shredded coconut or other sweet additions.
Chocolate Bread
Equipment
- 9×5 inch Bread Pan
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Oven
Ingredients
- ½ cup Dutch process cocoa
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 6 Tbsp. dark brown sugar
- 6 Tbsp. granulated sugar
- 1½ tsp. baking powder
- ¾ tsp. baking soda
- ¼ tsp. salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (divided)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×5 inch bread pan with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together cocoa, flour, both sugars, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix buttermilk, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Fold in ½ cup of the chocolate chips and transfer the batter to the prepared pan. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of chocolate chips on top.
- Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan before slicing.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!