Sweet potato bread is a delightful treat that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with warm spices. This recipe not only creates a comforting loaf but also adds a unique twist to your baking routine. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert, sweet potato bread is sure to please your taste buds.
This simple yet flavorful bread is perfect for any season, bringing warmth to those chilly mornings or giving a cozy feeling during the holidays. The ingredients are common enough that you’ll likely have most of them at home, making this recipe both accessible and enjoyable to make.
Why Make This Recipe
Sweet potato bread is an excellent choice for several reasons. First, it incorporates sweet potatoes, which are packed with vitamins and minerals. They offer a delicious sweetness that depends less on added sugar, making this bread a healthier alternative to traditional quick breads. Additionally, the spices in the recipe—like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger—create a warming flavor that makes this bread particularly inviting.
Another reason to make sweet potato bread is its versatility. You can enjoy it plain, use it as a base for sandwiches, or even serve it as a dessert with icing. Plus, it’s an easy recipe that doesn’t require advanced baking skills. Families can gather around the kitchen, and everyone can lend a hand from peeling the sweet potatoes to measuring ingredients. It’s a wonderful way to create lasting memories.
Equipment Needed for Sweet Potato Bread
To successfully make sweet potato bread, having the right equipment on hand is essential. The following items will make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable:
- 9-inch by 5-inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Toothpick (for testing doneness)
- Cooling rack
Having everything prepared ahead of time will help streamline the process and ensure you don’t miss any steps in creating this lovely loaf of bread.
What You Need to Make Sweet Potato Bread
Here’s a detailed list of ingredients for making sweet potato bread:
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 2 large eggs
- 2 Tbsp. sour cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup mashed sweet potato (from canned sweet potato or a 10-oz. cooked sweet potato)
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp. ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp. ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1 cup pecans
- 1/2 cup golden raisins
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 4 to 6 tsp. whole milk, plus more as needed
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted
These ingredients come together to create a moist and flavorful bread that everyone will love. Make sure to gather everything beforehand so you can smoothly move through the cooking process.
How to Cook Sweet Potato Bread Step by Step
To begin, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven warms up, coat a 9-inch by 5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray. This step is crucial to ensure that your bread doesn’t stick to the pan later.
In a large bowl, use a whisk to combine the eggs, sour cream, and granulated sugar until they are fully mixed together. The mixture should look smooth and creamy. After that, incorporate the mashed sweet potato into the egg mixture. Make sure there are no lumps, as this will ensure a uniform texture in your bread.
Next, you will add the warm spices—cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, cloves—and the kosher salt to the bowl. These ingredients not only add flavor but also fill your kitchen with a delightful aroma. Mix everything well until combined.
Now, drizzle the vegetable oil into the bowl and whisk it thoroughly with the other ingredients. This adds moisture to the bread, giving it that lovely tenderness everyone loves.
After mixing the wet ingredients, it’s time to fold in the dry ones. Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and baking powder. With a rubber spatula, gently combine these dry ingredients with the wet ones until just combined. Take care not to overmix; this could make the bread dense.
Once everything is nearly combined, it’s time to add the pecans and golden raisins. Gently fold them into the batter using your spatula until evenly distributed. These ingredients add texture and enhance the bread’s flavor profile.
Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Be sure to smooth the top for an even bake. Once the batter is in the pan, place it in your preheated oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready.
After baking, set the loaf on a rack and allow it to cool completely in the pan. While the bread cools, you can make the icing. In a small bowl, mix together powdered sugar with 4 teaspoons of milk. Add up to 2 teaspoons more milk slowly until the icing reaches a barely runny consistency.
When the bread has cooled, carefully remove it from the loaf pan and place it on a cutting board. Drizzle the icing all over the top of the loaf, letting it drip down the sides to create a tantalizing effect. Finally, sprinkle chopped, toasted pecans on top for added crunch.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Bread
When ready to serve sweet potato bread, slice it into thick, generous pieces. The icing will create a delightful sheen on the slices. You can enjoy it as is or spread a little butter or cream cheese on top for an extra touch of richness. This bread can be savored at breakfast, as a mid-morning snack, or even as a delightful dessert with a warm beverage.
Warm slices of sweet potato bread pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. The spices and sweetness of the bread complement the warmth of these drinks, making for a cozy treat. For a more indulgent experience, pile warm slices high with whipped cream or your favorite spread.
What to Serve with Sweet Potato Bread
Sweet potato bread can stand alone, but it also pairs well with several accompaniments. You might consider serving it alongside a fruit salad or yogurt for breakfast. This combination provides a refreshing contrast to the dense bread and adds a healthy touch.
If enjoyed as a dessert, consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. These additions will enhance the sweet flavor while providing a creamy texture that balances the bread.
For those who love savory flavors, cheese platters with various cheeses can complement the sweetness of the bread. The salty flavors from cheeses like cheddar or goat cheese create an interesting balance.
How to Store Sweet Potato Bread
Proper storage is key to keeping your sweet potato bread fresh. Once it has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This creates an airtight seal to help maintain its moisture.
If you plan on consuming the bread within a couple of days, store it at room temperature in a cool, dry place. However, if you wish to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. This allows you to pull out slices one at a time as needed.
When you want to enjoy frozen sweet potato bread, simply let it thaw at room temperature or pop it into the microwave for a quick warm-up. Thawed bread tastes just as delightful as when it was fresh out of the oven.
Tips to Make Sweet Potato Bread
For the best results when making sweet potato bread, try these helpful tips. First, ensure your ingredients are at room temperature. This includes eggs, sour cream, and any other chilled ingredients. Room temperature items blend more easily, resulting in a smoother batter.
Another suggestion is to use fresh spices rather than old ones. Spices can lose their potency over time, diminishing the flavors in your bread. Fresh spices will impart a more vibrant taste.
For those who enjoy a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the vegetable oil with melted butter. This can add depth and complexity to the bread without sacrificing moisture.
Finally, don’t hesitate to experiment with the mix-ins. You can add chocolate chips, cranberries, or even pumpkin seeds for an interesting texture. This is a versatile recipe that can change with the seasons.
Variation
Sweet potato bread can be customized to suit personal tastes. If you’re in the mood for something tropical, consider folding in some crushed pineapple or coconut flakes into the batter. These additions can transform the flavor profile and make it feel more festive.
For those who enjoy a nutty crunch, try substituting half of the pecans with walnuts or hazelnuts. This will give the bread a different texture and flavor that might surprise your taste buds.
You can also adjust the spices according to what you love most. If you’re a fan of cardamom, for example, feel free to add a pinch of it to the mixture, enhancing the aroma and flavor further.
Best Time to Make Sweet Potato Bread
Sweet potato bread shines during the fall when sweet potatoes are in season. It’s perfect for those chilly evenings when you want something warm and comforting. Many people also love to bake this bread around the holidays, where it adds a wonderful aroma and taste to family gatherings.
However, sweet potato bread is enjoyable year-round. It can make for a lovely weekend baking project or a delightful surprise to bring to a potluck or gathering anytime.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your sweet potato bread turns out perfectly, keep a few common mistakes in mind. One is overmixing the batter. This can lead to a dense bread, so mix until just combined to keep it light and airy.
Another mistake is not measuring the sweet potato correctly. Too much or too little can affect the bread’s sweetness and moisture. Always ensure you use the right amount stated in the recipe.
Lastly, keep an eye on the baking time. Ovens can vary, and while the recipe suggests 60 to 70 minutes, your bread may need a little less or more time. Always check for doneness with a toothpick.
Nutritional Notes
Sweet potato bread includes several wholesome ingredients, making it a healthier option compared to many other sweet breads. Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamins A and C. They contribute to improved digestion and overall health.
While the bread does contain sugar and carbs, it also provides healthy fats from pecans and essential nutrients that make it a balanced treat. If you’re watching your sugar intake, consider reducing the amount or using natural sweeteners.
FAQs
Can I use fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned?
Yes! If using fresh sweet potatoes, cook them until tender, then mash them. This will give you similar results as canned sweet potatoes.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour. Ensure that the baking powder is also gluten-free.
How can I tell when the bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your bread is done. If there is wet batter, it needs more time in the oven.
Conclusion
Baking sweet potato bread is not just about creating something delicious to eat; it’s an opportunity to gather together and share a wonderful experience. Whether it’s the comforting aroma wafting from the oven or the joy of sharing slices with loved ones, this bread brings warmth and happiness into any home. With its simple ingredients and easy steps, anyone can create this delightful treat. Enjoy a slice of sweet potato bread today and savor its unique flavor!
Sweet Potato Bread
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and coat a 9-inch by 5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate the mashed sweet potato into the egg mixture until there are no lumps.
- Add the ground spices and salt to the bowl, mixing well until everything is combined.
- Drizzle in the vegetable oil while whisking until thoroughly combined.
- Fold in the flour and baking powder with a rubber spatula until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the pecans and golden raisins until evenly distributed.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow the loaf to cool completely on a rack before icing.
- Mix powdered sugar with 4 teaspoons of milk, adding more milk as necessary until it reaches a runny consistency.
- Drizzle the icing over the cooled loaf and sprinkle with toasted chopped pecans.
- Slice the bread and serve it plain or with butter or cream cheese.
