This soft and sweet bread is a cozy treat, made with tender sweet potatoes and a sprinkle of cinnamon. It’s perfect for breakfast or a snack with a warm cup of tea!
Baking this bread fills the kitchen with a lovely smell that makes it hard to wait! I love to enjoy a slice while it’s still warm, maybe with a bit of butter. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: Cooked sweet potatoes give this bread its moisture and flavor. If you’re short on time, canned sweet potatoes work well as a substitute; just drain them well. I recommend mashing fresh ones for a fresher taste.
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard here, but if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it has a binding agent like xanthan gum for the right texture.
Cinnamon: This spice is essential for flavor. If you want a twist, add a touch more nutmeg or even pumpkin pie spice. I personally love using Saigon cinnamon for an extra kick!
Butter: Unsalted butter is the best choice, as it allows you to control the saltiness. For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil or vegan butter. The texture will still be lovely!
Sugar: Granulated sugar is common, but you could also replace half with brown sugar for a deeper flavor. If you’re cutting back on sugar, try using honey or maple syrup, adjusting the liquid in the recipe accordingly.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure My Bread is Moist and Fluffy?
The key to a moist and fluffy sweet potato bread is proper mixing and baking. Here’s how you can do that:
- Start by creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This aeration makes your bread rise nicely.
- When adding the dry ingredients, mix gently. Overmixing can lead to a dense bread.
- Don’t skip the cooling time. Allowing it to cool in the pan helps maintain moisture.
- Use a toothpick to test doneness — if it comes out clean, you’re good to go!
Trust the process, and you’ll be rewarded with a lovely, warm loaf that’s perfect for any time of day!
Sweet Potato Cinnamon Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potatoes (about 1 medium sweet potato)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk (whole or your preferred type)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
- Cinnamon sugar or icing drizzle (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful bread takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and approximately 55-65 minutes to bake, plus a little cooling time. Overall, you’ll need about 1 hour and 20 minutes to enjoy your freshly baked sweet potato cinnamon bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or you can line it with parchment paper for easier removal later. Get excited because soon, your kitchen will smell amazing!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves (if using). This combination will add lots of flavor and structure to your bread. Set it aside for now!
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is important because it incorporates air, helping your bread to rise beautifully!
4. Add Eggs, Sweet Potatoes, Milk, and Vanilla:
Next, add your eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. Then, mix in the mashed sweet potatoes, milk, and vanilla extract until everything is thoroughly combined. You’ll love the vibrant color and natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes!
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, gradually add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. This will keep your bread tender.
6. Bake the Bread:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top for an even bake. Place it in the oven and let it bake for about 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your nose will tell you it’s almost ready!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps maintain moisture. After it’s cooled, you can dust it with powdered sugar or drizzle icing on top if you like. Slice and serve, and enjoy it with butter, cream cheese, or simply as it is!
This sweet potato cinnamon bread will be moist, tender, and warmly spiced, a perfect comforting treat for any time of day. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes or Canned?
You can use either! If you’re using fresh sweet potatoes, make sure to cook and mash them until smooth. For canned sweet potatoes, just drain them well and mash. Both will work great in this recipe!
How Do I Store Leftover Bread?
Store any leftover sweet potato cinnamon bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it completely before enjoying!
Can I Substitute the Butter for Oil?
Yes! You can substitute the unsalted butter with an equal amount of vegetable oil or melted coconut oil. This will keep your bread moist, but the flavor will be slightly different. Experiment to see which you prefer!
What Should I Do if My Bread is Too Dense?
If your sweet potato cinnamon bread turns out too dense, you might have overmixed it or incorporated too much flour. Make sure to spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off without packing it down next time. Don’t worry; it will still taste delicious!
