Sweet Potato Bread is a moist, slightly sweet loaf with warm spices that make it perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. The natural sweetness and moisture of sweet potatoes add flavor and a tender texture, while cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla create a comforting, aromatic bread that’s great on its own or topped with a bit of butter.

Ingredients Overview

Sweet Potato: Mashed sweet potato provides sweetness, moisture, and a beautiful orange color. You can bake or steam the sweet potato before mashing.
Flour: All-purpose flour creates the perfect balance of structure and softness in this bread.
Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and depth to complement the sweet potato.

Oil: A neutral oil, such as vegetable or canola, keeps the bread moist.
Sugar: Both brown and white sugar add sweetness and a subtle caramel flavor.
Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients and help with the bread’s rise.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Sweet Potato: Cook and mash sweet potato, then let it cool.
Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, spices, baking powder, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients: Whisk together eggs, oil, sugars, and vanilla, then fold in mashed sweet potato.

Combine and Bake: Mix wet and dry ingredients until just combined, pour into a loaf pan, and bake.

Equipment

Mixing Bowls: For separating and combining wet and dry ingredients.
Loaf Pan: An 8×4-inch loaf pan works well for this recipe.

Whisk and Spatula: For mixing and folding the ingredients.
Potato Masher or Fork: For mashing the sweet potato.

Ingredients

1 cup mashed sweet potato (about 1 medium sweet potato)
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare Sweet Potato: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the sweet potato by baking, steaming, or microwaving it until tender. Mash it well and let it cool slightly.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold in the mashed sweet potato until well combined.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into a greased 8×4-inch loaf pan. Smooth the top, and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Presentation Ideas

Serve with Butter or Cream Cheese: A dollop of butter or a thin layer of cream cheese brings out the flavors.
Top with Maple Syrup Drizzle: Add a drizzle of maple syrup or honey for extra sweetness and shine.

Garnish with Chopped Nuts: A sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts on top adds crunch and a rustic look.

Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this bread vegan?
- Yes! Substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use a non-dairy oil or melted coconut oil.
How do I store sweet potato bread?
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
- Absolutely! Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
How do I ensure a moist texture?
- Don’t overmix the batter, and avoid overbaking to keep the bread soft and tender.
Can I use canned sweet potato?
- Yes, canned sweet potato purée works fine; just be sure it’s unsweetened and unseasoned.

Enjoy this flavorful Sweet Potato Bread as a cozy treat anytime you’re craving a taste of autumn!