Introduction
This delicious sweet potato bread is a delightful treat that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with warm spices, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert, this moist and flavorful bread is sure to please.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 cup mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 medium sweet potatoes)
1¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup light olive oil (or any neutral cooking oil)
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup whole milk
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon ground allspice
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Icing:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk (plus more if needed)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice.
3. In a large bowl, combine the sugar, oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and mashed sweet potatoes. Mix until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
5. Stir in the milk until the batter is smooth. If using nuts, fold them in at this point.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. For the icing, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If the icing is too thick, add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a drizzling consistency.
10. Once the bread is completely cooled, drizzle the icing over the top.
11. Let the icing set before slicing and serving.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan using cooking spray or a light coating of oil.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together 1¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves, and ¼ teaspoon of ground allspice until well combined.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar, ½ cup of light olive oil (or any neutral cooking oil), 2 large eggs (at room temperature), 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 cup of mashed sweet potatoes. Mix these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
Step 5: Add Milk and Nuts
Stir in ¼ cup of whole milk to the batter until it becomes smooth. If you are using nuts, fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans at this point.
Step 6: Pour and Smooth the Batter
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top for an even bake.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when ready.
Step 8: Cool the Bread
Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Prepare the Icing
In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. If the icing is too thick, add more milk a teaspoon at a time until it reaches a drizzling consistency.
Step 10: Drizzle the Icing
Once the bread has cooled completely, drizzle the icing over the top using a spoon or a piping bag for more precision.
Step 11: Let the Icing Set
Allow the icing to set before slicing and serving the bread.
Notes
Ingredient Substitutions
You may substitute light olive oil with any neutral flavored cooking oil if preferred.
Storage Tips
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Nuts Option
Nuts are optional; feel free to omit them if you prefer a nut-free bread.
Serving Suggestions
This bread pairs well with coffee or tea, making it an excellent addition to brunch or a cozy afternoon snack.
Cook techniques
Prepping Sweet Potatoes
To prepare your sweet potatoes, peel them and boil or steam until tender. Once cooked, mash them until smooth for a creamy texture in your bread.
Measuring Flour
When measuring flour, spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This prevents you from adding too much, which could make your bread dense.
Mixing Wet Ingredients
Combine sugar, oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and sweet potatoes until smooth. This ensures an even distribution of ingredients for a consistent flavor throughout the bread.
Combining Dry and Wet Ingredients
When mixing dry ingredients into the wet mixture, do it gradually. Stir until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can lead to a tough texture.
Baking and Testing for Doneness
Bake the bread at 325°F (163°C). Use a toothpick inserted into the center to check for doneness; it should come out clean without any batter clinging to it.
Cooling and Icing
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. This prevents the bottom from becoming soggy. Drizzle the icing over the completely cooled bread for the best finish.
FAQ
Can I use other types of oils?
Yes, you can use any neutral cooking oil, such as canola or vegetable oil, in place of light olive oil.
How do I know if my sweet potatoes are done?
They are done when a knife easily pierces through. They should be tender but not mushy.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
You can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may result in a denser texture. Consider mixing it with all-purpose flour for better results.
What if I don’t have baking powder?
You can make a substitute by using 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice for every teaspoon of baking powder needed.
How can I store the bread after baking?
Store the cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate it for up to a week. It can also be frozen for longer storage.
Conclusion
This sweet potato bread offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a perfect snack or breakfast option. The warm spices complement the natural sweetness of the potatoes, while the optional nuts add a satisfying crunch. Enjoy it fresh or with a drizzle of icing for an extra touch of sweetness!
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chocolate Chip Sweet Potato Bread
Add a cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a rich, decadent twist on this recipe.
Cranberry Orange Sweet Potato Bread
Incorporate dried cranberries and a teaspoon of orange zest for a refreshing, tangy flavor.
Maple Glazed Sweet Potato Bread
Replace the icing with a simple maple glaze made from powdered sugar and maple syrup for a unique twist.
Sweet Potato Banana Bread
Mash one ripe banana and add it to the batter for additional moisture and a subtle banana flavor.
Spiced Pumpkin Sweet Potato Bread
Substitute half of the sweet potatoes with pumpkin puree and increase the spices for a fall-inspired bread.
Pineapple Coconut Sweet Potato Bread
Mix in crushed pineapple and shredded coconut for a tropical flavor combination.
