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Sweet Potato Bread Recipe

Sweet Potato Bread Recipe

This sweet potato bread is a delightful way to enjoy the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes, baked into a soft and tender loaf that’s perfect for any occasion.
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Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Sweet Potato Bread Recipe
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Rising time: 3 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 10 slces

Ingredients

For the Sweet Potato

  • 1 medium purple sweet potato
  • 1 tablespoon oil

For the Bread Dough

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup warm water
  • teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • teaspoons salt

Instructions

  • Start by preparing the sweet potato. Place it on a baking tray, coat it with oil, and use a fork to pierce it in a few spots. Roast the sweet potato in a preheated oven at 425°F for 45-50 minutes, or until it becomes tender when pierced with a fork.
  • Once the sweet potato is cooked, take it out of the oven, allow it to cool slightly, and peel it completely. Mash the flesh with a fork until smooth, then set it aside.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the warm water, sugar, and salt. Stir until dissolved. Add the active dry yeast to this mixture, stir, and let it sit in a warm area for about 10-15 minutes, or until it becomes frothy.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, or a large mixing bowl if doing it by hand, combine the flour, salt, mashed sweet potato, and unsalted butter. Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add it to the bowl.
  • Using the dough hook attachment on the stand mixer, knead the dough for about 5 minutes, until it forms a smooth, cohesive ball. If kneading by hand, continue kneading until the dough is soft and elastic.
  • Shape the dough into a ball, coat a clean bowl with a little oil, and place the dough inside. Cover and allow it to rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 60-70 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
  • Once the dough has risen, punch it down to remove any air bubbles. Knead it gently for a couple of minutes on a lightly floured surface.
  • Shape the dough into a rectangle about 8 inches wide. Starting from the shorter side, roll the dough into a tight log. Grease a 9x4-inch bread pan, place the dough log inside, and cover it. Let the dough rise for another hour, or until it has nearly reached the top of the pan.
  • Preheat your oven to 425°F. Once the dough has risen, lightly spray the top with oil. Bake for 22-24 minutes until golden brown.
  • Remove the bread from the oven, allow it to cool slightly in the pan before transferring it to a cooling rack. Once fully cooled, slice to your desired thickness and enjoy.

Notes

  • Use warm water (105-110°F) to bloom the yeast. Cold water won’t activate the yeast, and hot water will kill it, so ensure the temperature is just right.
  • Accurately measure the ingredients for this purple sweet potato bread. The recipe relies on precise science and proportions.
  • Make sure the ingredients are fresh. Expired yeast or flour can negatively affect the recipe’s outcome.
  • Sweet potatoes add moisture, color, and flavor to the bread, and any variety—white, orange, or purple—can be used.
  • Ensure the sweet potatoes are fully cooked and mashed smoothly. Pieces that aren't mashed well won’t blend evenly, affecting the bread's texture and color.
  • Use a bread pan that properly fits the dough. A pan that’s too large will produce a flat loaf, while a small pan may cause the dough to overflow as it rises and bakes.