Sweet Potato Bread is one of those recipes I always come back to. It’s moist, fluffy, and naturally sweet, making it a healthier twist on classic quick breads. This is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert.
Contents
Sweet Potato Bread Recipe
Sweet potato bread is a soft and flavorful loaf made with mashed sweet potatoes, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and just the right amount of sweetness.
The sweet potatoes not only add flavor, but also keep the bread tender and moist, giving every bite a rich, satisfying texture. It’s popular in the fall and winter.
The bread can be enjoyed with both sweet and savory spreads. For a comforting breakfast, a slice pairs well with cream cheese, nut butters like cashew or pecan, or a drizzle of honey. It also goes great with fresh fruit, adding a burst of freshness to your morning routine.
For brunch or an afternoon snack, the bread matches up nicely with a cup of chai tea, hot coffee, or even a tall glass of cold milk. If serving at a gathering, it’s a delicious side with a bowl of chili or alongside roasted chicken, balancing savory mains with its subtle sweetness.
When looking for a dessert option, sweet potato bread is delicious topped with cinnamon butter, or even a homemade marshmallow glaze for a festive touch. It’s also wonderful next to a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or with a mug of spiced cider on a chilly evening.
For more creative pairings, the bread can be enjoyed with cheese boards, especially with sharp cheddar or creamy brie, or served as part of a holiday breakfast spread alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon.
Here’s how to make the simple sweet potato bread:
Sweet Potato Bread
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed cooked sweet potato (about 1 medium)
- ¼ cup milk or buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, beat together sugars, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in mashed sweet potato.
- Add dry ingredients alternately with milk, mixing gently until just combined (do not overmix).
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a less sweet, more breakfast-style bread, reduce to 50 g brown sugar only (¼ cup) and omit white sugar.
- For natural sweeteners, replace both sugars with ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup and reduce milk to 2 tbsp.
- Stir in ½ cup chopped pecans, walnuts, raisins, or chocolate chips for extra flavor.
- Keeps moist up to 4 days at room temperature, 1 week refrigerated, or freeze up to 2 months.
SIMILAR RECIPES:
Variations
The Sweet Potato Bread comes in many versions. Here are some of them:
- Nutty Sweet Potato Bread features toasted pecans or walnuts folded into the batter for toasty crunch and extra flavor.
- Vegan Version uses plant-based milk and a flaxseed “egg” to create a tender, dairy-free loaf.
- Gluten-Free Bread substitutes gluten-free flour for a loaf that’s soft, moist, and safe for those with gluten sensitivity.
- Spiced Chocolate Sweet Potato Bread adds cocoa powder and chocolate chips to the batter, making the bread rich and perfect for chocolate lovers.
- Honey-Glazed Sweet Potato Bread is brushed with warm honey right after baking, giving a glossy, sweet finish.
- Savory Version omits extra sugar and replaces it with shredded cheese, herbs, and even a sprinkle of black pepper for a great side to soups or stews.
- Mini Sweet Potato Muffins uses the same batter, scooped into muffin tins for perfectly portioned breakfast treats or snacks.
- Marshmallow-Topped Sweet Potato Bread is finished with a marshmallow glaze or marshmallow bits baked on top, perfect for holidays or when you want a nostalgic twist.