Harvest Bread
Harvest Bread offers a moist, flavorful loaf combining the sweetness of yams and the warmth of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Perfect for fall gatherings or cozy mornings, its nutty pecan crunch adds texture. A delightful treat for those who enjoy hearty, spiced baked goods with a seasonal twist.
Ingredients
- 3 cups sugar ⓘ
- 3/4 cup shortening ⓘ
- 4 eggs ⓘ
- 2 cups mashed, cooked yams ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz) can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed ⓘ
- 3 1/2 cups flour ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons baking soda ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Combine sugar, shortening, and eggs in a mixer bowl.
- Beat until smooth.
- Add mashed yams and orange juice concentrate; mix well.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the batter, 1/3 at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in chopped pecans.
- Spoon the batter into 4 greased and floured coffee cans.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 45 minutes or until loaves test done.
- Remove from oven and transfer to wire racks to cool.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsalted butter. If yams are unavailable, sweet potatoes work well as a substitute. To enhance the spice profile, add a dash of ginger or cardamom. Ensure that the pecans are toasted for added depth. This bread can also be made in a traditional loaf pan if coffee cans are not available.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Harvest Bread with a spread of cream cheese or butter for a delightful breakfast or snack. It pairs beautifully with a warm cup of chai tea or coffee. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside Sweet Potato Casserole for a holiday feast. It also makes a great addition to a brunch table with other baked goods like Garlic Rolls.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Harvest Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature or warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Harvest Bread contains roughly 253 calories, with 2g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (82% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 790mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh yams instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh yams! Just peel, cube, and boil them until tender before mashing. This will give your Harvest Bread a fresher taste and texture. Ensure you measure the mashed yams accurately for the best results.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
To check if the bread is done, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready. If it has wet batter on it, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes and test again.
Can I add other nuts or fruits to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds, or add dried fruits like cranberries or raisins to enhance the flavor and texture. Just be cautious with the quantity to maintain the bread's structure.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).