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Image illustrates sweet potato bread.

Sweet Potato Bread

Sweet potato bread is a delightful twist on classic quick bread, combining the natural sweetness and moist texture of sweet potatoes with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. This recipe yields a tender, flavorful loaf that's perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert and great for the holidays! Easy to make and packed with nutrients, this sweet potato bread is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy it warm from the oven or toasted with a pat of butter for a comforting treat any time of the day!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 1 loaf

Equipment

  • 2 mixing bowls.
  • 1 whisk or hand mixer.
  • 1 spatula.
  • 1 loaf pan

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour.
  • 1 ½ cups sugar.
  • ½ tsp baking powder.
  • 1 tsp baking soda.
  • ½ tsp cinnamon.
  • ½ tsp nutmeg.
  • ¼ tsp salt.
  • ½ cups chopped pecans or walnuts.

Wet Ingredients

  • ½ cup vegetable oil.
  • 2 large eggs.
  • ⅓ cup water.
  • 1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potatoes.

Instructions
 

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

  • Baking vs. Boiling Sweet Potatoes
  • Baking is the preferred method for preparing sweet potatoes for bread. The dry heat concentrates their natural sugars, resulting in a richer flavor and smoother texture. Boiling can make the potatoes waterlogged, leading to a dense, gummy bread.
  • Mashing or Pureeing Sweet Potatoes
  • Once baked, you can either mash or puree the sweet potatoes. Mashing leaves more texture, while pureeing creates a silkier consistency. The choice is up to your preference, but be sure to mash or puree thoroughly to avoid lumps in the batter.

Adjusting Moisture Content

  • Sweet potatoes can vary in moisture content, which can affect the bread's texture. If your puree seems dry, add a splash of milk or orange juice to moisten it. Conversely, if it's too wet, you may need to reduce the liquid in the recipe slightly. Aim for a thick, yet spreadable consistency.
  • No matter which method you choose, taking the time to properly prepare the sweet potatoes will ensure a delectable sweet potato bread with the perfect texture and flavor. Just remember to taste and adjust as needed for the best results every time.

Make the Bread Batter

  • Mixing Dry Ingredients
  • Start by combining the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well-mixed and evenly distributed.
  • Incorporating Wet Ingredients
  • Next, prepare the wet ingredients in a separate bowl. Once the wet ingredients are combined, gently fold them into the dry ingredients using a spatula or wooden spoon.
  • Be careful not to overmix the batter at this stage, as this can lead to tough and dense bread.
  • Once the batter is prepared, you're ready to pour it into a loaf pan. Now is the time to add the streusel topping to the top of the batter before placing it into the oven if you want a streusel topping.

Bake the Sweet Potato Bread

  • After preparing the batter, it's time to bake your sweet potato bread to perfection. Here are the essential steps to ensure a delightful outcome.

Testing for Doneness

  • To ensure your sweet potato bread is fully baked, you'll need to perform a doneness test. Here are a few methods:
  • Toothpick or Cake Tester: Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, the bread is done.
  • Internal Temperature: Use an instant-read thermometer and insert it into the center of the loaf. The internal temperature should reach 200°F (93°C) for a perfectly baked sweet potato bread.
  • Visual Cues: Look for a golden-brown crust and a slightly domed top. The bread should also sound hollow when tapped gently on the bottom.

Finishing Touches

  • Once your sweet potato bread has finished baking and cooled, it's time to add the finishing touches. These final steps can elevate the taste and presentation of your homemade loaf.

Glazing or Topping Options

  • For a sweet glaze, you can mix together powdered sugar and a splash of milk or orange juice. Drizzle the glaze over the top of the bread while it's still slightly warm, allowing it to soak in and create a delightful sugary crust. Alternatively, you could sprinkle the top with a streusel topping made from flour, butter, brown sugar, and spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. However, the streusel topping should be added before the baking process.