If you are on the hunt for a delightful twist on classic quick breads, then the Sweet Potato and Pecan Bread Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. This bread perfectly balances the natural sweetness and creamy texture of mashed sweet potatoes with the rich crunch of toasted pecans. It’s a luscious, moist loaf that boasts a warm cinnamon hint and a tender crumb, making it ideal for breakfast, snack time, or even a comforting dessert. Every bite feels like an autumn hug, bringing cozy vibes straight to your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a clear glass bowl on a white marbled surface filled halfway with an orange-brown mixture, which looks soft and slightly lumpy. On top of the mixture, there is a thick layer of whole and chopped dark brown pecans, mostly covering one side of the bowl. The textures clearly show the smooth mix underneath and the rough, crunchy nuts layered in contrast. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Sweet Potato and Pecan Bread Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component brings a unique element, from moisture and sweetness to texture and spice, creating a harmonious loaf that’s as tasty as it is inviting.

Mashed sweet potato: Provides natural sweetness, moisture, and a beautiful orange hue.
Oil or melted butter: Adds richness and keeps the bread tender.
Brown sugar: Enhances depth of sweetness with a molasses note.
Eggs: Bind everything together while lending structure.
Vanilla extract: Boosts the aromatic warmth and complements the sweet potato.
Flour: Forms the base of the bread’s soft crumb.
Baking powder and baking soda: Work together to ensure the bread rises perfectly.
Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
Cinnamon: Adds gentle spice and a cozy warmth.
Chopped pecans: Bring a satisfying crunch and nutty richness.

How to Make Sweet Potato and Pecan Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare your oven and pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and generously grease a loaf pan. This simple step ensures your bread will bake evenly and release effortlessly after baking.

Step 2: Combine the wet ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed sweet potato, oil (or melted butter), brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. This mixture forms the moist, sweet base of the bread that will keep every bite tender.

Step 3: Incorporate the dry ingredients

In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually stir these dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined—overmixing can make the bread dense, so stop as soon as there are no visible flour pockets.

Step 4: Fold in pecans

Gently fold the chopped pecans into the batter to distribute their nutty crunch evenly without breaking them up too much. This step adds texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft crumb.

Step 5: Bake to perfection

Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake in your preheated oven for about 50 to 60 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it.

Step 6: Cool and slice

Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. Cooling is crucial as it allows the bread to set fully, making slicing neat and easy.

How to Serve Sweet Potato and Pecan Bread Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a single slice of pumpkin bread with visible small chunks of nuts inside. The bread is moist with an orange-brown crumb and is lightly coated on the edges with a thin layer of pale glaze that drips slightly down the sides. The slice lies flat on a plain, off-white ceramic plate with some crumbs scattered around it. In the background, more slices of the pumpkin bread and a glass of milk are softly blurred on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light spread of softened butter or a drizzle of maple syrup enhances the naturally sweet and nutty flavor of this bread. If you want to get fancy, a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a touch of honey pairs perfectly with the warmth of cinnamon and pecans.

Side Dishes

Serve this bread alongside a cup of hot coffee or creamy chai tea for a cozy morning treat. It also complements savory soups or a sharp cheddar cheese plate, balancing out richer, heartier flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the bread thin, toasting it, and layering with cream cheese and fig jam for an elegant appetizer. Or, use thicker slices as a base for a decadent French toast brunch—it’s a fantastic way to showcase this recipe’s moist texture and sweet pecan crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This bread keeps wonderfully at room temperature when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. It will stay soft and flavorful for up to three days, perfect for nibbling throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, slice the cooled bread and freeze it in a sealed plastic bag with parchment paper between slices. It freezes beautifully for up to three months without sacrificing taste or texture.

Reheating

To enjoy your stored bread, simply toast the slices or warm them gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. This refreshes the bread’s tender crumb and brings out the toasted pecan aroma anew.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of nut in the Sweet Potato and Pecan Bread Recipe?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds make excellent substitutes if pecans aren’t on hand. Each will bring its own unique flavor and crunch to the bread.

Is it necessary to peel the sweet potatoes before mashing?

While peeling ensures a smoother texture, you can leave the skins on if you prefer a bit of rustic texture and extra nutrients—just be sure to mash them very well.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend designed for baking should work well. Just keep in mind that texture might vary slightly depending on the blend used.

What is the best way to mash the sweet potatoes for this recipe?

Boil or steam your sweet potatoes until tender, then mash thoroughly with a fork or potato masher to avoid lumps, which ensures the bread stays ultra-moist and even-textured.

Can I add spices other than cinnamon to this bread?

You can! Nutmeg, ginger, or allspice are wonderful additions that pair beautifully with sweet potato and pecans, enhancing the bread’s warm and cozy flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

Giving the Sweet Potato and Pecan Bread Recipe a try means inviting a slice of comfort and warmth into your home with every loaf. It’s a genuinely satisfying treat that’s simple to make yet full of character, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring quietly with a cup of tea. Once you bake it, you’ll understand why this recipe holds such a special place on many kitchen tables!