This sweet potato bread is wonderfully moist and fluffy, making it perfect for breakfast or a snack. The sweetness from the potatoes gives it a lovely flavor that everyone will enjoy!
I love to spread a little butter on a warm slice—so comforting! This recipe is easy to follow, and trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing while it bakes. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: This is the star of the show! You need about one medium sweet potato, boiled or roasted, and mashed. If you don’t have sweet potatoes, butternut squash or pumpkin puree can work as great substitutes.
All-Purpose Flour: Regular flour is perfect for this recipe, but if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it includes a binding agent like xanthan gum.
Butter: I prefer unsalted butter, as it allows me to control the salt in the recipe. If you want a dairy-free version, coconut oil or a plant-based butter can be a good alternative.
Buttermilk: Instead of buttermilk, you can use plain yogurt or milk mixed with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to make your own buttermilk substitute.
Eggs: If you’re looking for an egg-free option, try using flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water equals one egg) or unsweetened applesauce.
What’s the Key to Achieving a Moist and Fluffy Bread?
The technique for this recipe is all about mixing. When you combine ingredients, do so gently to avoid overmixing, which can lead to dense bread. Here’s how to get that perfect texture:
- Start with softened butter and cream it well with sugar. This helps to incorporate air, making the bread light.
- When adding your dry ingredients, alternate with the buttermilk mixture. This keeps the batter moist without overmixing.
- Check for doneness with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, your bread is ready. If it’s slightly sticky, give it a few more minutes.
Following these tips will help you achieve that perfect Moist and Fluffy Sweet Potato Bread everyone will love!
Moist and Fluffy Sweet Potato Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato (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
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk or plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup milk
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or lemon juice (to thin the glaze)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful sweet potato bread will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 55-65 minutes to bake. Plus, allow some time for it to cool before adding the glaze and slicing. So, in total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 30 minutes to enjoy this wonderful treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, take a 9×5 inch loaf pan and either grease and flour it or line it with parchment paper. This will help the bread come out easily later!
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger (if you’re using it). Make sure these ingredients are well blended, and then set the bowl aside—this will be the dry mix for our bread.
3. Creaming Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon to beat these together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step adds air into the mixture, which is key for that fluffy texture!
4. Adding the Eggs:
Now, add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. This helps to incorporate them fully into the mixture. After the eggs are mixed in, stir in the vanilla extract until everything is just combined.
5. Incorporating the Sweet Potato:
Next, mix in the cooked and mashed sweet potato. Make sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter for that delicious flavor.
6. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add the dry mix to the wet ingredients. Alternately add the dry flour mixture and the buttermilk (or yogurt) and milk to the butter mixture. Start with some dry, then buttermilk, then dry again, and so forth, finishing with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
7. Pouring the Batter:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth out the top so it’s even.
8. Baking the Bread:
Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick in the center of the loaf—if it comes out clean, it’s ready!
9. Cooling:
Once done, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, gently transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Making the Glaze:
While the bread is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar with enough milk or lemon juice to achieve a nice drizzle consistency. If it’s too thick, add more liquid, a little at a time.
11. Drizzling the Glaze:
Once the bread has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the top to add a lovely finishing touch!
Now you’re all set to enjoy your Moist and Fluffy Sweet Potato Bread! Whether for breakfast or as a sweet snack, it’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Canned Sweet Potato Instead of Fresh?
Yes, canned sweet potato puree works great in this recipe! Just make sure to choose a brand that doesn’t contain added sugars or spices. A cup of canned sweet potato will give you the same delicious flavor and moisture.
Can I Make This Bread Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure your blend contains a binding agent like xanthan gum for the best texture. Follow the package instructions for measurements, as they may vary by brand.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, you can freeze it! Just wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Can I Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips?
Definitely! You can stir in some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, or even chocolate chips to add extra flavor and texture. Just fold them into the batter gently before pouring it into the loaf pan.
