Soft Sweet Potato Bread – Moist, Flavorful & Easy Homemade Loaf
Soft, moist, and naturally sweet, Soft Sweet Potato Bread is a comforting treat that transforms a humble vegetable into a warm and flavorful loaf. The natural sweetness of cooked sweet potatoes creates a tender texture while providing subtle earthy undertones that perfectly complement the richness of butter and the warmth of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. This bread isn’t just delicious—it’s nutrient-rich, packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a wholesome addition to breakfasts, snacks, or dessert.
Perfect for cozy mornings, afternoon tea, or gifting to friends and family, this bread combines traditional baking techniques with the nourishing benefits of sweet potatoes. Its soft crumb and lightly sweet flavor make it ideal for pairing with butter, cream cheese, or simply enjoying on its own. The versatility of Soft Sweet Potato Bread allows it to be enjoyed warm from the oven, toasted for breakfast, or sliced for sandwiches, making it a must-try recipe for home bakers of all levels.
Ingredients Needed
The following ingredients make 1 standard loaf. Calorie counts are approximate per ingredient portion.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet potato (cooked and mashed) | 1 cup | 180 |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups | 910 |
| Sugar | ½ cup | 400 |
| Unsalted butter (softened) | ¼ cup | 400 |
| Milk | ½ cup | 60 |
| Eggs | 2 large | 140 |
| Baking powder | 2 tsp | 10 |
| Baking soda | ½ tsp | 0 |
| Salt | ½ tsp | 0 |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp | 6 |
| Ground nutmeg | ¼ tsp | 1 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | 12 |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare sweet potato: Peel, boil, or roast the sweet potato until soft, then mash until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in milk, mashed sweet potato, and vanilla extract.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Pour into loaf pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy warm, toasted, or at room temperature.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Add-ins: Fold in chocolate chips, raisins, or chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture.
- Spice variations: Add cardamom, ginger, or allspice for a unique twist.
- Sugar alternatives: Replace sugar with maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar for natural sweetness.
- Dairy-free: Use plant-based milk and vegan butter to make the bread dairy-free.
- Moisture tip: Avoid overbaking to maintain a soft, moist crumb.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 12 g |
Serving Suggestions
- Spread with butter, cream cheese, or nut butter for a satisfying breakfast.
- Serve alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy snack.
- Use as a base for French toast or bread pudding.
- Slice and pack as a healthy snack for school or work.
Soft Sweet Potato Bread
8 slices
servings15
minutes50
minutes180
kcalIngredients
1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup sugar
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup milk
2 large eggs
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
- Mash the cooked sweet potato until smooth. Allow to cool slightly.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in milk, mashed sweet potato, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Avoid overmixing: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet to keep the bread soft and tender.
Add-ins: Fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture.
Dairy-free option: Use plant-based milk and vegan butter to make the bread dairy-free.
FAQs
1. Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly for texture.
2. Can I use canned sweet potato instead of fresh?
Absolutely. Just use plain mashed sweet potato (not sweetened) and drain any excess liquid before adding to the batter.
3. Can I make this bread dairy-free?
Yes. Use plant-based milk (such as almond, soy, or oat milk) and vegan butter to make it completely dairy-free.
4. How do I keep the bread moist?
Avoid overmixing the batter and do not overbake. Ensure the sweet potato is well-mashed and incorporated evenly.
5. Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?
Yes! Fold in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit for added flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Soft Sweet Potato Bread is a versatile, moist, and flavorful loaf that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the warmth of spices and the richness of butter. Ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, it’s both comforting and nourishing. Simple to make and easily customizable, this bread allows home bakers to enjoy a wholesome, nutrient-rich treat that delights family and friends alike. Whether eaten warm from the oven, toasted with butter, or paired with your favorite spreads, Soft Sweet Potato Bread is a must-try recipe that brings cozy, homemade goodness to any table.
