This moist and fluffy sweet potato bread is a warm treat perfect for any time of day. Made with creamy sweet potatoes, it has a lovely hint of sweetness that you’ll enjoy.
Honestly, the smell while it bakes is simply heavenly! I love to slice it warm and spread a little butter on top—it’s like a hug for your taste buds! 🥰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: Use one medium sweet potato to get about one cup mashed. If you’re in a pinch, pumpkin puree or butternut squash puree work well as replacements for a similar flavor.
Flour: All-purpose flour is the base here, but if you’re looking for alternatives, try whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend. Just note that it may affect the texture slightly.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for controlling the salt in the recipe. If you want to reduce the fat, consider using applesauce or Greek yogurt instead—this can make the bread even healthier!
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, mixing 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice will give you a quick substitute.
How Do You Ensure Your Sweet Potato Bread is Fluffy?
Getting that perfect fluffy texture is all about careful mixing and measuring. Avoid overmixing your batter; mix just until everything is combined. This preserves air in the mixture for a lighter bread. Here are a few quick steps:
- Start by creaming the butter and sugar really well to capture air.
- Add eggs one at a time and mix thoroughly after each, which helps to incorporate more air.
- When mixing in dry ingredients and buttermilk, use a gentle folding motion.
- Make sure your baking powder and soda are fresh—they’re crucial for the bread to rise!
Also, if the top is getting too brown while baking, don’t hesitate to cover it lightly with foil to prevent burning. Enjoy your baking!
Moist and Fluffy Sweet Potato Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 cup mashed cooked sweet potatoes (about 1 medium sweet potato)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk or plain yogurt
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts or raisins (for texture)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful sweet potato bread will take approximately 15 minutes to prep, followed by about 55-65 minutes of baking time. After that, you’ll need about 15 minutes for cooling before it’s ready to be sliced and enjoyed! In total, plan for around 1.5 to 2 hours.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your loaf pan by greasing and flouring it, or you can line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potato:
Peel your sweet potato, then boil it in salted water or roast it in the oven until it’s tender. Once cooked, mash it smoothly and allow it to cool down to room temperature.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger (if using). This will ensure that all the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed. Set this mixture aside for later.
4. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until they become light and fluffy—this should take about 3-4 minutes. This is an important step for a fluffy texture!
5. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs to the butter-sugar mixture one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
6. Combine Sweet Potato:
Add your cooled, mashed sweet potato into the mixture and mix until fully combined. This step will make your bread moist and flavorful!
7. Combine Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk:
Now it’s time to add your dry ingredients and buttermilk. Do this in alternating parts, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until everything is just combined to keep the texture light and fluffy. Avoid overmixing!
8. Add Nuts or Raisins (if desired):
If you’d like some extra texture, gently fold in your choice of chopped nuts or raisins at this stage.
9. Pour and Smooth the Batter:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top with a spatula.
10. Bake:
Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too quickly, don’t hesitate to cover it loosely with foil for the last 15 minutes of baking.
11. Cool the Bread:
Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent sogginess on the bottom of the bread.
12. Slice and Enjoy:
After the bread has cooled, slice it into pieces. For an extra special treat, spread softened butter or cream cheese on warm slices. Enjoy your deliciously moist and fluffy sweet potato bread!
This recipe yields a delightful sweet potato bread with a tender crumb and warm spice notes that make it a comforting treat any time of year!
Can I Use Canned Sweet Potatoes Instead?
Yes! Canned sweet potatoes can be a convenient substitute. Just make sure to drain them well and mash them smoothly before adding them to the recipe.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. Just make sure that your baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature or toast for a quick treat!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to This Bread?
Definitely! You can customize your sweet potato bread by adding ingredients like chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even a swirl of cream cheese for extra flavor. Just be sure not to overload it to keep the texture nice!