Barb's Irresistible Sweet Potato Bread
This delightful Sweet Potato Bread, inspired by my sister Barb's cherished recipe, brings a warm, homey flavor that captivates all who taste it. It's a special creation that holds a memorable place in my heart; I made it for my husband on our first date, and he couldn’t resist finishing an entire loaf on the way home! Moist, rich, and bursting with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, this quick bread is perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a comforting dessert. With hints of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, it’s a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of fall any time of the year.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
white sugar
2 cups (measured)
vegetable oil
1 cup (measured)
eggs
3 (beaten)
mashed canned candied yams or sweet potatoes
2 cups (mashed)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (measured)
flour
3 cups (measured)
baking powder
1/4 teaspoon (measured)
baking soda
1 teaspoon (measured)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (measured)
cinnamon
1 teaspoon (measured)
ginger
1 teaspoon (measured)
ground cloves
1 teaspoon (measured)
chopped walnuts
1 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease two standard loaf pans.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, mashed sweet potatoes (or candied yams), and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined and the mixture is smooth.
3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and ground cloves until well combined.
4
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined; do not overmix.
5
Carefully fold in the chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 75 minutes or until a thin knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
8
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Barb's Irresistible Sweet Potato Bread?
It is a moist and rich quick bread made with sweet potatoes, fall spices, and walnuts, inspired by a cherished family recipe.
Who created this sweet potato bread recipe?
The recipe was inspired by the author's sister, Barb, and has become a sentimental family favorite.
What is the story behind this recipe?
The author made this bread for her husband on their first date, and he enjoyed it so much that he finished an entire loaf on the drive home.
How many loaves does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield two standard loaves of sweet potato bread.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) for the best results.
Can I use canned yams for this bread?
Yes, the recipe specifically suggests using mashed canned candied yams or sweet potatoes.
How long does the bread need to bake?
The bread should bake for approximately 75 minutes.
How do I know when the sweet potato bread is finished baking?
The bread is done when a thin knife or toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
What spices are included in this recipe?
This recipe uses a blend of cinnamon, ginger, and ground cloves to create a warm fall flavor profile.
Do I need to grease the loaf pans?
Yes, you should grease two standard loaf pans before pouring in the batter to prevent sticking.
What type of oil is used in this bread?
The recipe calls for one cup of vegetable oil to ensure a moist texture.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe requires two cups of white sugar.
Are there nuts in Barb's Sweet Potato Bread?
Yes, the recipe includes one cup of chopped walnuts for added texture and flavor.
Can I leave the walnuts out?
Yes, if you prefer a nut-free bread, you can omit the chopped walnuts during the folding step.
Should the eggs be beaten before adding them?
Yes, the three eggs should be beaten before being mixed with the other wet ingredients.
What is the best way to cool the bread?
Allow the loaves to cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
What type of leavening agents are used?
This recipe uses both baking powder (1/4 teaspoon) and baking soda (1 teaspoon).
How do I combine the wet and dry ingredients?
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
Is it okay to overmix the batter?
No, you should avoid overmixing to maintain the proper texture of the quick bread.
When should I add the vanilla extract?
The vanilla extract should be mixed in with the sugar, oil, eggs, and mashed sweet potatoes.
Can I serve this for dessert?
Absolutely! While it is great for breakfast or snacks, its rich and sweet flavor makes it a perfect comforting dessert.
How much flour is needed?
The recipe calls for three cups of flour.
What makes the bread so moist?
The combination of vegetable oil and two cups of mashed sweet potatoes ensures a very moist loaf.
Can I use fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh sweet potatoes as long as they are cooked and mashed to the required two-cup measurement.
What size loaf pans should I use?
The recipe is designed for two standard loaf pans.
Is this recipe considered easy to bake?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy baking' recipe and is a standard quick bread method.
What is the texture of the bread?
The bread is moist, rich, and slightly dense with a crunch from the chopped walnuts.
What are the primary flavor notes?
The primary flavors are sweet potato, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and vanilla.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Is this bread seasonal?
While it features fall flavors, it is a delicious treat that can be enjoyed any time of the year.