Southern Sweet Potato Bread

Prep: 15 min Cook: 50 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Sweet potato bread with warm spices and nutty crunch, offering a moist, flavorful treat perfect for breakfast, snack, or holiday gatherings. Rich, comforting, and versatile.

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Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup mashed cooked sweet potatoes
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon grated orange rind
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts
  • 3 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 tsp. salt with flour

Instructions

  1. Grease a loaf pan.
  2. Cream the butter; add brown sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
  3. Add eggs, mashed sweet potatoes, milk, and orange rind; beat until thoroughly combined.
  4. Add flour, nutmeg, allspice, and chopped nuts; mix thoroughly until smooth.
  5. Turn batter into the prepared pan.
  6. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes.
  7. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
  8. Remove from pan to a cake rack.
  9. Cool before slicing.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider browning the butter before creaming it with the sugar. You can substitute the chopped nuts with chocolate chips for a sweeter twist. If you have leftover sweet potatoes, this is a great way to use them up. For a vegan version, use applesauce instead of eggs and a plant-based butter alternative.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this sweet potato bread warm or at room temperature, sliced thick and spread with butter or cream cheese. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. Consider serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad for a delightful brunch option.

Storage & Reheating

Store the Southern Sweet Potato Bread wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze slices for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Southern Sweet Potato Bread contains roughly 600 calories, with 7g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (25% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 520mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).

600 kcal 30% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.2g 14% DV
Total Fat 27.8g 36% DV
Carbs 90.2g 33% DV
Fiber 6.3g 23% DV
Sugar 29.6g 59% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 519.6mg 23% DV
Potassium 830.2mg 18% DV
Cholesterol 20.2mg 7% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 10.3mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 8.2mg 9% DV
Calcium 320.3mg 25% DV
Iron 2.9mg 16% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes for convenience. Just make sure to drain them well and mash them before adding to the batter. This will help maintain the right consistency in the bread.

How can I make this bread gluten-free?

To make this Southern Sweet Potato Bread gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the baking powder you use is also gluten-free, and you should have a delicious result.

What can I add for extra flavor?

You can enhance the flavor by adding spices like cinnamon or ginger. Dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries could also be mixed in for added sweetness and texture. For a citrusy touch, a splash of lemon juice can brighten the flavor.

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).

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