Southern Sweet Potato Bread Recipe: A Delightful Southern Treat

Southern Sweet Potato Bread is a beloved delicacy in the Southern United States, known for its rich, moist texture and sweet, spiced flavor. This bread is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this delightful Southern treat.

Ingredients:

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

southern sweet potato bread

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cooked, mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 medium sweet potatoes)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-ins:

  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries

southern sweet potato bread

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. Cook and Mash Sweet Potatoes:

  • Peel and cube the sweet potatoes.
  • Boil them in a pot of water until tender, about 15 minutes.
  • Drain and mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. Measure out 1 cup for the recipe.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients:

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt.

4. Mix Wet Ingredients:

  • In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well until smooth and well combined.

5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:

  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
  • Fold in the optional add-ins like chopped nuts or dried fruit if using.

6. Bake the Bread:

  • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.

7. Cool and Serve:

  • Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
  • Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips for the Best Southern Sweet Potato Bread:

  1. Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes: Freshly cooked and mashed sweet potatoes give the best texture and flavor.
  2. Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in a dense loaf. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
  3. Add Toppings: For extra flavor, sprinkle some chopped nuts or a cinnamon-sugar mixture on top before baking.
  4. Store Properly: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Conclusion:

Southern Sweet Potato Bread is a delightful and comforting treat that embodies the flavors of the South. Its moist, spiced, and sweet profile makes it a perfect addition to any meal or a delightful standalone snack. Try this recipe and enjoy a slice of Southern hospitality in every bite!




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