Name: Sweet Potato Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all purpose flour; 1 cup brown sugar (lightly packed); 3 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 cup milk; 1 cup sweet potato puree; ½ cup oil; 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup roughly chopped pecans

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 49 reviews

There is something incredibly cozy and comforting about this Sweet Potato Bread Recipe that makes it a true standout whenever I bake it. The natural sweetness of the sweet potato blends beautifully with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a moist, tender bread that feels like a hug in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a delicious breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a unique addition to your holiday table, this bread hits all the right notes with its rich texture, subtle sweetness, and delightful crunch from pecans. It’s a recipe I love sharing because it always brings smiles and that wonderful “made-from-scratch” feeling everyone appreciates.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with one thick, creamy layer of light brown batter with a slightly lumpy texture. On top of this batter, there is a pile of roughly chopped pecans scattered in the center, adding a rich, dark brown contrast with their irregular shapes and sprinkled pieces. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward and familiar, yet each one plays a crucial role in bringing this sweet potato bread to life. From the fluffy structure created by the baking powder to the earthy, creamy flavor of the sweet potato puree, every component works together to make your loaf irresistibly moist and flavorful.

2 cups all purpose flour: Provides the structure and base for the bread’s tender crumb.
1 cup brown sugar (lightly packed): Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the sweet potato.
3 teaspoons baking powder: Gives the bread a nice rise, ensuring a light texture.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Introduces warm, fragrant notes that make the bread feel cozy and inviting.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors.
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Brings subtle spice hints that perfectly pair with the cinnamon.
1 cup milk: Adds moisture while keeping the crumb tender and soft.
1 cup sweet potato puree: The star ingredient that gives this bread its signature moistness and natural sweetness.
½ cup oil: Contributes to the bread’s richness and keeps it fresh longer.
2 eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add to the bread’s fluffy texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a lovely sweet aroma.
½ cup roughly chopped pecans: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty contrast to the soft bread.

How to Make Sweet Potato Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) to create the perfect baking environment. Line an 8 1/2 inch by 4 1/2 inch baking tin with parchment paper—this little prep step ensures your bread won’t stick and comes out clean and beautiful every time. Trust me, this makes all the difference in presentation and ease!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, salt, and ground nutmeg. Whisking these together marries all the dry flavors and helps them evenly distribute throughout the bread, so every bite is perfectly spiced and sweet. This step sets the foundation for the delicious depth we’re building.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Grab another bowl and whisk together milk, the sweet potato puree, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. This smooth mixture brings the richness, moisture, and those luscious sweet potato flavors straight into the bread. Make sure everything is well combined so your batter is silky smooth.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Now for the magic moment: pour the wet ingredients into the dry, and gently mix until just combined. Resist the urge to over-mix because a lighter hand means a softer bread. At this point, fold in the chopped pecans for texture and a toasty nutty twist that takes this loaf up a notch.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Slide it into your preheated oven for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the bread has a lovely golden top. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes to settle, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Bread Recipe

The image shows six slices of light brown bread with a soft texture and visible chunks of pecans spread throughout. The slices are stacked slightly overlapping vertically on a white marbled surface. To the left, there is a small white bowl filled with pecans and a few loose pecans scattered beside it. On the right side, there is a small white bowl containing bright orange pumpkin puree. In the upper right corner, there is a white scalloped plate holding three silver forks. The whole scene is bright with a clean, cozy look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

This bread is wonderful on its own, but you can elevate it with simple garnishes like a light dusting of powdered sugar or a smear of cinnamon honey butter. These small touches add a little extra charm and flavor without overpowering the bread’s natural sweetness.

Side Dishes

Pair your sweet potato bread with fresh fruit, a cup of chai or coffee, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a delightful breakfast or snack combo. Its mildly sweet and warmly spiced profile works beautifully alongside savory cheeses or a drizzle of maple syrup as well.

Creative Ways to Present

Get creative by toasting slices and using them as a base for toppings like cream cheese and smoked salmon, nut butters with sliced bananas, or even dollops of whipped cream and fresh berries for a brunch centerpiece. It also makes fantastic mini sandwiches when cut into smaller squares.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Sweet potato bread stays moist and flavorful for several days when kept in an airtight container at room temperature. Wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in a sealed bag helps preserve freshness and prevents it from drying out.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the bread wrapped securely in plastic wrap and then foil or placed in a freezer bag. It freezes well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, pop slices in a toaster or warm them gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 to 10 minutes. This revives the softness and enhances the spices’ aroma, making each bite taste freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use canned sweet potato puree for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned sweet potato puree is a convenient alternative to homemade. Just make sure to use the plain puree without added sugars or spices to keep control over the flavor balance in your sweet potato bread recipe.

What if I don’t have pecans? Can I use other nuts?

Yes, feel free to swap pecans for walnuts, almonds, or even omit the nuts if you prefer. Just chop them roughly and fold in at the last step to maintain that delightful crunch and nutty contrast.

Is this bread gluten-free?

This particular recipe uses all purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as is. However, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking to create a gluten-free version, keeping in mind it might slightly alter the texture.

Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit?

Definitely! Chocolate chips, raisins, or dried cranberries can add interesting flavors and extras of sweetness or tartness. Just fold about a half cup in along with the pecans for a fun twist on this Sweet Potato Bread Recipe.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The best test is to insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a couple of moist crumbs, your bread is perfectly baked. If it’s wet batter, it needs more time in the oven.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Sweet Potato Bread Recipe a try because it’s one of those feel-good baked goods that instantly make your kitchen feel warm and inviting. It’s simple enough to whip up any day, yet special enough for holidays and gatherings. Once you taste this moist, spiced bread with its lovely nutty crunch, I know it will find a permanent spot in your recipe collection just like it has in mine.