Southern Sweet Potato Pecan Bread
Sweet potato pecan bread offers a moist, flavorful treat blending the natural sweetness of mashed sweet potatoes with warm spices and crunchy pecans. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack, it combines comforting textures with aromatic spices for a deliciously satisfying baked good.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Grease the bottom only of an 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2-inch loaf pan.
- Stir together sifted flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Add sugar, beaten eggs, vegetable oil, and milk; stir until well combined.
- Fold in mashed sweet potatoes, chopped pecans, and raisins.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also replace half of the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile. If you're out of sweet potatoes, pumpkin puree is a great substitute. Make sure to sift the flour to avoid lumps in the batter.
Serving Suggestions
This bread is delightful served warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese. It pairs beautifully with Garlic Mashed Potatoes for a comforting meal. For a sweeter touch, serve it alongside a fruit salad or a dollop of whipped cream. A cup of spiced tea or coffee complements it perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, wrap the Southern Sweet Potato Pecan Bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply slice and warm in the microwave or toaster oven.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Sweet Potato Pecan Bread contains roughly 573 calories, with 7g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (34% of the Daily Value), calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1386mg per serving (60% 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 canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes for convenience. Just make sure to drain and mash them well to eliminate excess moisture, which could affect the batter's consistency.
What can I substitute for pecans if I have a nut allergy?
If you have a nut allergy, you can substitute the pecans with rolled oats for added texture or sunflower seeds for a similar crunch without the nuts.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Additionally, the top should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched. If it's browning too quickly, you can cover it with aluminum foil.
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).