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Sweet Potato Bread stands out as a wonderfully moist, dense quick bread that perfectly balances natural sweetness with warm autumn spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Beyond its comforting flavor profile, this recipe offers key nutritional benefits: it’s rich in vitamin A thanks to the sweet potatoes, provides a moderate amount of protein and fiber, and contains healthy fats from vegetable oil and pecans.
The use of mashed sweet potato adds natural moisture and subtle sweetness, reducing the need for excess sugar.
This bread is a fantastic choice for everyday baking because it’s straightforward to prepare—no yeast or long rising times—and can easily double as breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Plus, its adaptable ingredients make it meal-prep friendly, especially when baked as muffins for on-the-go enjoyment.
Overall, it’s a satisfying, wholesome treat that fits beautifully into balanced eating and seasonal menus.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
9×5 Inch Loaf Pan
Essential for shaping your bread into the classic loaf form, this pan ensures even baking and perfect crust development. Beyond this recipe, it’s a versatile tool for all types of quick breads, pound cakes, and meatloaf.
Mixing Bowls (Set of 2)
One for wet ingredients and one for dry, these bowls keep your ingredients organized and make the mixing process clean and efficient. High-quality mixing bowls are indispensable for any kitchen prep.
Whisk
Perfect for combining sugars, eggs, and liquids smoothly, a whisk aerates your batter slightly for a tender crumb. A good whisk is a staple for emulsifying dressings and sauces too.
Parchment Paper
Lining the loaf pan with parchment prevents sticking and helps with easy removal of the bread. This reusable and heat-resistant paper is a kitchen lifesaver for baking cakes, roasting veggies, and more.
Toothpick or Cake Teste
For checking doneness, a toothpick lets you know when your bread is perfectly baked. This simple tool is a must for all your baking endeavors to avoid over or undercooking.
Sweet Potato Bread
Equipment
- 1 × 9×5 inch loaf pan
- 2 × Mixing bowls
- 1 × Whisk
- Parchment paper (enough to line the pan)
- 1 × Toothpick or cake tester
Ingredients
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light or dark brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil or sunflower/corn oil
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup water
- 1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato homemade or canned
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour sifted
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup roughly chopped pecans
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Set your oven to 350°F (180°C). If using a fan oven, reduce temperature to 160°C. Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal after baking.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and homogenous. Then, gently fold in the mashed sweet potato until fully incorporated.
- Mix Dry Ingredients Separately: In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This ensures even distribution of the leavening and spices throughout the batter.
- Incorporate Dry Into Wet: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding carefully with a spatula or spoon. Mix just until you no longer see streaks of flour; avoid over-mixing to maintain a tender texture.
- Add Pecans: Fold the chopped pecans gently into the batter. They add delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the bread.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top lightly. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center— it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before lifting it from the pan and slicing.
Notes
- You can replace all or part of the oil with unsweetened applesauce for a lighter version with less fat.
- Using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose will make the bread denser and more rustic in texture.
- For convenience, canned sweet potato puree works well, or cook fresh sweet potatoes by boiling or steaming and then mashing them smooth.
- Expect the batter to be somewhat loose and wet — this is normal and key to a moist bread.
- This recipe can be adapted to muffins; reduce baking time to about 20-25 minutes, checking with a toothpick.
- The bread has a gentle sweetness balanced by warm spices and crunchy pecans — perfect for autumn mornings or festive occasions.
Chef’s Secrets for Moist Bread
Achieving the perfect moistness and tender crumb in sweet potato bread comes down to a few key techniques.
First, be sure to use cooked and well-mashed sweet potatoes; this adds natural moisture and subtle sweetness without making the bread heavy.
When mixing your wet and dry ingredients, avoid over-mixing once the flour is added—overworked batter can lead to a tougher texture.
Folding in pecans last helps maintain their crunch and distribute them evenly.
For a lighter version, substitute some or all of the oil with unsweetened applesauce, which also adds moisture while reducing fat.
Lastly, test doneness carefully—pulling the bread out too early results in underbaked dough, while overbaking dries it out.
Using parchment paper in your loaf pan is another tip that guarantees easy removal and keeps the crust perfectly golden.
Serving Suggestions That Impress
Sweet potato bread is wonderfully versatile and pairs well with both sweet and savory accompaniments.
For a simple breakfast, serve slices toasted with a spread of butter or cream cheese.
It also shines with nut butters like almond or peanut butter for added protein and richness.
During the holidays, complement the warm spices in the bread with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup.
For a satisfying snack or light dessert, try pairing it with a cup of chai tea or spiced coffee.
If you want to elevate it further, layer slices with sliced turkey and greens for a unique sandwich twist.
Storage Tips for Freshness
To keep your sweet potato bread fresh and moist, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
Wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or foil also helps prevent drying.
If you want to keep it longer, slice the bread and freeze it in a resealable freezer bag, separating slices with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Frozen bread slices thaw quickly at room temperature or can be toasted directly from frozen.
Avoid refrigerating the bread as this tends to dry it out faster.
Always cool the bread completely before storing to avoid condensation that could lead to sogginess or mold.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use canned sweet potato puree?
Absolutely! Canned sweet potato puree is a convenient and time-saving option that works just as well as homemade mashed sweet potatoes. Just be sure to use plain puree without added sugars or spices.
Q2: Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. However, results may vary, and the texture might be slightly different. Adding a binder like xanthan gum can help improve structure.
Q3: How can I reduce the sugar content?
You can cut down on both granulated and brown sugar by up to half without significantly affecting taste, thanks to the natural sweetness of the sweet potato. Consider adding spices like cinnamon to enhance flavor.
Q4: Can I substitute nuts or omit them?
Certainly! Pecans add a lovely crunch and flavor, but you can swap them for walnuts or almonds. If you prefer nut-free, simply omit them—your bread will still be delicious and moist.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat leftover bread?
For a freshly baked taste, warm slices in a toaster or oven at low heat for a few minutes. This helps revive the bread’s moisture and crispness without drying it out.
This recipe is inspired by littlesunnykitchen and has been carefully refined to enhance clarity, streamline preparation steps, and ensure accurate results. We’ve also included health benefits, nutritional highlights, and Must-Have Tools to help you get the best results every time you cook.
