If you are searching for a delightful treat that captures the cozy essence of fall, you have to try this Sweet Potato Pecan Bread Recipe. This loaf brings together moist, sweet mashed sweet potatoes with the warm embrace of cinnamon and nutmeg, all accented by crunchy, toasted pecans. Every bite offers a perfect balance of natural sweetness and spice, making it an ideal choice for holiday mornings or an inviting brunch with friends and family. Trust me, once you make this bread, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your seasonal baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a clear glass bowl filled with a baked oatmeal dish. The oatmeal has a golden brown color and a slightly rough texture that looks soft and moist. On top, one half of the oatmeal is covered with a thick layer of dark brown toasted pecans, adding a crunchy texture. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to baking a wonderfully textured bread full of flavor and warmth. Each item plays an important role, whether it’s adding moisture, sweetness, lift, or that irresistible nutty crunch.

2 cups mashed sweet potatoes: Provides moisture, natural sweetness, and a lovely orange hue that defines the bread’s character.
2 cups flour: The structural base that holds everything together while keeping the bread soft and tender.
¾ cup brown sugar: Adds a rich caramel-like sweetness that deepens the flavor profile beautifully.
½ cup oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender without weighing it down.
2 eggs: Bind the ingredients together and give the bread a light, airy crumb.
1 tsp cinnamon: Brings a warm, inviting spice that perfectly complements the sweet potatoes.
½ tsp nutmeg: Adds subtle depth and a hint of nutty spice.
1 tsp baking soda: Helps the bread rise and achieve that soft, fluffy texture.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a sweet, aromatic note.
½ cup chopped pecans: Contributes crunch and a buttery, toasted flavor that balances the sweetness.

How to Make Sweet Potato Pecan Bread Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure your bread has a smooth release once baked. This simple preparation step sets the stage for a perfectly shaped loaf.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Getting these ingredients well combined ensures your bread will be moist and flavorful throughout.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Incorporate the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and baking soda into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined — be careful not to overmix. This keeps the crumb tender and prevents any toughness.

Step 4: Fold in Pecans

Gently fold in the chopped pecans to distribute their crunch evenly without breaking them down too much. The pecans add that delightful texture contrast that elevates the entire bread.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place it in the oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the loaf’s top is golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Pecan Bread Recipe

A single slice of moist, golden-brown spiced cake sits on a white speckled plate, showing a crumbly texture with small chunks of nuts embedded throughout. The cake has a thin layer of light, slightly shiny white glaze around its sides, with whole nut pieces peeking through the glaze unevenly. A small piece is taken out from one edge, revealing its soft interior. The plate rests on a surface with a white marbled texture, and blurred pieces of the whole cake and a glass of milk are faintly visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Consider topping your warm slices with a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar to enhance the natural sweetness and spice. A dollop of whipped butter or cream cheese is also heavenly and melts beautifully into the soft bread.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with autumn-inspired sides like spiced apple butter, pumpkin soup, or a fresh cranberry compote. It’s perfect for a brunch table or even a light dessert after a comforting meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, slice the bread into bite-sized pieces and serve it on a platter alongside a variety of jams, nut butters, and cheeses. You can also toast thick slices and top them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or mascarpone for a decadent treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your Sweet Potato Pecan Bread Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week without losing its delightful moistness.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully. Slice it first for easy portioning, then place the slices between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag. When wrapped properly, it can keep well for up to 3 months without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To enjoy your bread warm, simply toast slices directly from the freezer or warm them in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10 to 15 minutes. This refreshes the texture and brings back that wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen.

FAQs

Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, canned sweet potatoes can work as a convenient substitute. Just be sure to drain and mash them well to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the bread’s texture.

What can I substitute for oil in this recipe?

If you prefer, you can replace the oil with melted butter for a richer flavor or use applesauce to lower the fat content, though the texture may be slightly less tender.

Is this bread gluten-free?

This recipe isn’t gluten-free as it uses regular flour. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends that are designed for baking, although you might need to adjust the moisture for the best results.

Can I add other nuts or dried fruits?

Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or dried cranberries would all pair beautifully with the flavors in this bread. Just be mindful of quantity so the texture remains balanced.

How can I make this bread sweeter?

If you prefer a sweeter loaf, consider increasing the brown sugar slightly or adding a streusel topping made from brown sugar, butter, and flour before baking for an extra special touch.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Potato Pecan Bread Recipe is truly one of those special finds that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Its inviting spices and tender crumb make every bite feel like a hug from the inside. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing this wonderful bread as much as I do—it’s one of those recipes that can brighten even the crispest fall mornings or holiday celebrations. Give it a try and watch it become an instant favorite in your home too!