Are you craving the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread? Do you love the subtle sweetness of sweet potatoes? Then you're in for a treat! This old-fashioned sweet potato bread recipe is the perfect blend of simple homemade cooking and irresistible deliciousness. It's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a cozy evening, and makes a wonderful addition to any meal or brunch spread. This recipe offers a healthy twist on classic bread, making it a guilt-free pleasure you can enjoy again and again. Whether you’re looking for quick dinner ideas or simply a comforting homemade treat, this sweet potato bread will hit the spot.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mashed cooked sweet potato (about 1 medium)
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk recommended for best flavor)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This ensures your bread bakes evenly and releases easily.
Prepare the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potato, milk, melted butter, egg, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. This creates a base for your delicious bread.
Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Thoroughly mixing the dry ingredients prevents lumps in your final product.
Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to a tough bread.
Add nuts (optional): Stir in the chopped pecans or walnuts, if desired. Nuts add a wonderful crunch and flavor to the bread.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and enjoy: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the bread to set properly.
Cooking Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Bread:
- Use good quality sweet potatoes: The flavor of your bread will be directly impacted by the sweetness of your potatoes.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough bread.
- Check for doneness: Start checking the bread for doneness around 50 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Let it cool completely: Allowing the bread to cool completely ensures a better texture and easier slicing.
Variations:
- Spiced Sweet Potato Bread: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom for an extra warming spice.
- Cranberry Sweet Potato Bread: Fold in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries for a festive twist.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Elevate your bread with a simple cream cheese frosting.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Around 250-300
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Fiber: 2-3g
- Protein: 4-5g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
This easy recipe for old-fashioned sweet potato bread is a perfect addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. Enjoy the deliciousness of homemade cooking! This recipe is a great example of how simple ingredients can create incredibly satisfying and flavorful food.