Sweet Potato Bread

Prep: 20 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Sweet Potato Bread offers a moist, flavorful loaf with natural sweetness from mashed sweet potatoes, complemented by warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Perfect for breakfast, snack, or teatime, it appeals to those who enjoy hearty, wholesome baked goods with a hint of spice and optional nuts or raisins for added texture.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup oil
  • 4 eggs
  • 2/3 cup water
  • 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
  • 3 1/2 cups flour
  • 3 cups sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 3/4 cup raisins or nuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Sift dry ingredients into a large bowl.
  2. Combine oil, eggs, water, and sweet potatoes in a separate bowl.
  3. Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and mix thoroughly.
  4. Pour the batter into 3 greased and floured 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pans.
  5. Bake in a 350°F oven for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of ginger or a pinch of cloves alongside the cinnamon and nutmeg. If you prefer a healthier version, you can substitute half of the sugar with applesauce or use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. For a nutty flavor, try incorporating chopped walnuts or pecans instead of raisins.

Serving Suggestions

Sweet Potato Bread can be served warm or at room temperature, making it a versatile addition to breakfast or brunch. Pair it with cream cheese or butter for a delightful spread. It also complements coffee or tea beautifully, and can be enjoyed alongside dishes like French Fried Okra or a fresh salad for a more substantial meal.

Storage & Reheating

Once cooled, wrap the Sweet Potato Bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the loaves by wrapping them well and placing them in a freezer-safe bag, where they can last for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw and warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sweet Potato Bread contains roughly 929 calories, with 9g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (55% of the Daily Value), calcium (28% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 929mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).

929 kcal 46% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.7g 17% DV
Total Fat 49.5g 63% DV
Carbs 94.8g 34% DV
Fiber 15.3g 55% DV
Sugar 7.6g 15% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 929mg 40% DV
Potassium 675.1mg 14% DV
Cholesterol 154.9mg 52% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 41.5mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 8.4mg 9% DV
Calcium 364.4mg 28% DV
Iron 3.7mg 20% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains 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, canned sweet potatoes can be used as a convenient alternative. Make sure to drain and mash them well before adding to the batter. Keep in mind that canned sweet potatoes may have added sugars, so you might want to reduce the sugar in the recipe slightly.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make Sweet Potato Bread gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend includes xanthan gum for better texture. Check that all other ingredients, particularly baking powder and vanilla, are gluten-free as well.

Can I add other ingredients to the bread?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your Sweet Potato Bread by adding ingredients like chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even shredded coconut. Just be mindful of the additional moisture or sweetness these ingredients may bring, and adjust the sugar or liquid accordingly.

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).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →