Trying this out just turned machine on looks good.
When you think of comfort foods, sweet potatoes might top the list. Now, imagine transforming that earthy sweetness and vibrant color into a loaf of bread. Welcome to the world of Sweet Potato Bread! This delightful twist on traditional bread isn't just about the soft texture or the warm hues; it's about reinventing and celebrating an age-old staple, the sweet potato. Historically, sweet potatoes have been a resilient crop, nourishing countless generations across continents, from the terraced highlands of ancient Peru to bustling modern markets in Asia.
Sweet Potato Bread is the kind of food innovation we love: where tradition meets creativity. The blend of rich dark brown sugar, fragrant spices, and a hint of vanilla all come together to elevate the natural goodness of the sweet potato. And thanks to the trusty bread machine, the process is as effortless as it is rewarding. This bread serves as a beautiful reminder that sometimes, the most wholesome flavors come from the simplest ingredients. Ready to give your usual bread routine a sweet twist? Dive into the delicious world of Sweet Potato Bread and let your taste buds embark on a memorable journey.
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INGREDIENTS:
Bread Flour, Protein Matters: When selecting bread flour, aim for those with a higher protein content (typically around 12-14%). This protein, when hydrated, forms gluten, providing the elasticity and structure essential for bread. If you can't find bread flour, an alternative is all-purpose flour, but remember it may yield a slightly different texture due to its lower protein content.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Fresh Over Canned: Opt for fresh sweet potatoes, preferably those with a deep orange color which indicates high beta-carotene content, ensuring a richer flavor and vibrant color. Bake or steam the sweet potatoes instead of boiling to retain more nutrients and avoid excessive moisture. If you're in a pinch, canned sweet potatoes can be used, but ensure they are pure with no added syrups or preservatives.
Dark Brown Sugar: Choose dark brown sugar with a deep molasses flavor, which provides moisture and a richer taste. Ensure it is soft and moist when pressed. If you can only find light brown sugar, you can deepen its flavor by adding a teaspoon of molasses.
Butter: For the best taste and texture, use unsalted butter with a high-fat content, preferably around 82%. European-style butters often fall into this category and are known for their richer taste due to the higher fat content. Remember, unsalted butter lets you control the salt level in your bread.
Alternative Main Ingredients:
- Sweet Potato: If you don't have sweet potatoes on hand, butternut squash or pumpkin puree can serve as alternatives. The texture and sweetness levels are similar.
- Brown Sugar: In absence of dark brown sugar, light brown sugar or granulated white sugar can be used. The taste will slightly vary, with a less molasses-rich flavor.
MAIN STEPS:
Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Ensure the mashed sweet potatoes are smooth without any lumps. Lumpy puree could result in an uneven bread texture. If you're making the mash from scratch, roasting them will enhance the sweet flavor in contrast to boiling them. Also, avoid adding any extra moisture like milk or butter to the mash.
Yeast Activation: The water's temperature is crucial when working with active dry yeast. If too hot, it might kill the yeast, and if too cold, the yeast may not activate. Ideally, water should be between 100°F to 110°F (37°C to 43°C). If unsure, use a kitchen thermometer.
Butter: Ensure the butter is at room temperature, making it easier to integrate into the dough. Cold butter might not distribute evenly, leading to patches in the final bread.
SERVED WITH:
Starter: Butternut Squash Soup (USA): A creamy, velvety soup with a hint of sweetness that complements the flavors of sweet potato bread. This warming dish can be enhanced with spices like nutmeg or cinnamon.
Side Dish: Sauteed Kale with Garlic (Mediterranean): The slight bitterness of kale contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the bread. Garlic adds a pungent kick that balances the meal.
Main Course: Roasted Herb Turkey (Italian): A simple roasted Turkey seasoned with herbs such as rosemary and thyme. The richness of the Turkey pairs wonderfully with the earthy sweetness of the bread.
Salad: Arugula and Goat Cheese Salad (Italy): Peppery arugula leaves, soft goat cheese, toasted pine nuts, and a light vinaigrette dressing make this salad a refreshing counterpart to the hearty bread.
Dessert: Mascarpone and Fig Spread (Italy): Creamy mascarpone cheese topped with a sweet fig spread, served on a slice of sweet potato bread, turns the bread into a dessert toast.
Cake: Spiced Carrot Cake (UK): A moist carrot cake infused with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. While it might sound like a lot of sweetness, the spices in the carrot cake can complement the flavors in the sweet potato bread.
Drink: Chai Latte (India): A spiced milk tea made with a blend of aromatic herbs and spices. The spices in the chai, especially cardamom and cinnamon, will emphasize the sweet potato's sweetness and create a harmonious pairing.
ALTERNATIVES:
Side Dish: Sweet Potato Latkes (Israel): Grated sweet potatoes mixed with a bit of flour and egg, then pan-fried until crisp. These potato pancakes are a Hanukkah tradition, but they're delicious year-round.
Main Course: Purple Sweet Potato Gnocchi (Italy): Soft, pillowy dumplings made from Purple Sweet Potatoes, flour, and egg. Often served with sage-butter, cheese or a rich tomato sauce, this dish showcases the sweet potato's adaptability in savory meals.
Dessert: Sweet Potato Pie (USA): Similar to pumpkin pie but made with sweet potatoes. Its creamy filling is flavored with spices like nutmeg and cinnamon and set in a pie crust, offering a sweet end to any meal.
Snack: Sweet Potato Biscuits (USA): Combining flour, mashed sweet potato, and butter, these biscuits are soft, slightly sweet, and perfect with a smear of honey or jam.
Dessert: Sweet Potato Mochi (Japan): A confection where sweet potato paste is wrapped in a chewy rice cake layer. This treat, known as "imo manju", is often enjoyed during autumn when sweet potatoes are in season.
Soup: Sweet Potato and Coconut Soup (Thailand): This creamy soup blends the sweetness of sweet potatoes with the richness of coconut milk, flavored with a hint of Thai spices.
Beverage: Sweet Potato Latte (South Korea): Not a coffee-based latte, but a warm, frothy drink made from steamed milk and sweet potato puree. Often topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon, it's a comforting beverage enjoyed in cafes throughout Korea.
HISTORY:
The sweet potato, distinct from the regular potato, has roots in Central and South America, with evidence suggesting its cultivation began around 5,000 years ago. As explorers traversed the globe, sweet potatoes found their way to Europe, Africa, and Asia. The hardy nature of the tuber made it a favorite, as it could grow in diverse climates and soils.
As sweet potatoes spread across continents, various cultures began incorporating them into their culinary traditions. Given the natural sweetness and creamy texture when cooked, sweet potatoes seamlessly fit into the realm of baked goods. In North America, particularly the southern regions, sweet potatoes became a staple. They were used in pies, puddings, and, notably, breads.
In the Southern United States, sweet potatoes were not just a food item; they carried significant cultural and historical weight. Sweet potato cultivation became vital during times of economic hardship, especially during the Civil War, when other crops were scarce. The South's culinary identity became intertwined with this tuber, and dishes like sweet potato pie and bread became symbols of resilience, community, and tradition.
Sweet potato bread, in particular, was a practical solution to making the most of available resources. Bakers would incorporate mashed sweet potatoes into bread dough, adding moisture, sweetness, and a rich golden hue to the finished product. The bread was often spiced with flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, making it aromatic and flavorful.
Today, sweet potato bread has variations across the world. In Korea, for instance, there's a version called "goguma bbang," where the bread often has chunks of sweet potato embedded in it. In parts of Africa, where sweet potatoes are widely cultivated, they're integrated into various baked goods, including bread.
In the U.S., especially in the South, sweet potato bread remains a beloved treat. It's often considered a hybrid between bread and cake, enjoyed both as a breakfast item and a dessert. Some modern versions even incorporate ingredients like nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips.
One of the reasons sweet potato bread has remained popular is its nutritional profile. Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins (especially Vitamin A), minerals, and antioxidants. They also have a low glycemic index, making the bread a healthier alternative to other sweet breads.
TIPS:
Sweet Potato Quality: Use organic sweet potatoes for better flavor. Freshly harvested ones, as opposed to those that have been stored for long, will impart a richer, sweeter flavor.
Spice Variation: If you're feeling experimental, consider introducing other warm spices, such as ground cloves or allspice, for additional depth of flavor.
Sweet Potato Roasting: This method caramelizes some of the sugars on the outer layer, intensifying the sweet potato flavor in the bread.
Method: When roasting sweet potatoes, brush them lightly with olive oil and sprinkle some salt.
Sugar Variation: These sweeteners can provide a unique flavor depth, complementing the sweet potato's natural sweetness.
Method: Replace a portion of the dark brown sugar with maple syrup or molasses.
Recipe Information
Skill Level
|
Time 2h 15 Minutes |
Price |
Serves 6 People |
Healthiness |
Nutritional Information |
Ratings (Add Rating & Review) |
Reviews 07 Reviews |
Ingredients:
-
4 cups Bread Flour
1 cup Mashed Sweet Potatoes
0.5 cup plus 2 tablespoons Water
1.5 teaspoons Kosher Salt
0.33 cup Dark Brown Sugar
2 tablespoons Butter
2 tablespoons Dry Milk Powder
2 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
0.25 teaspoon Cinnamon
0.25 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
Optional:
Chopped Pecans
Raisins
Allergens
Dairy | Gluten |
Directions:
Preparing the Mashed Sweet Potato:
01 - Start by choosing 1 or 2 large sweet potatoes. They should feel firm and not have any soft spots.
02 - Clean them under running water. Use a scrub brush to get rid of dirt.
03 - You have two ways to cook the sweet potatoes:
- If boiling: Chop the sweet potatoes into chunks. Boil them in a pot until they're soft, which will take about 15-20 minutes.
- If roasting: Get your oven hot to 200°C (400°F). Make some holes in the sweet potatoes with a fork. Then, roast them in the oven for about 45-50 minutes.
04 - After they're cooked, wait a bit for them to cool. Then, take off the skin.
05 - Mash them up! Use a masher or fork. If you want them super smooth, you can blend them.
Photo: Uncut Recipes
06 - Keep the amount you need for the bread to the side. If there's any extra, you can keep it in the fridge or eat it later.
Making the Bread:
07 - Make sure all your ingredients are ready in front of you.
08 - Put the ingredients in your bread machine. Check the manual to see in which order.
09 - Pick the "white bread" setting on your machine. Also, choose the "light crust" option for a softer edge to your bread.
Optional Add-ins:
10 - If you like raisins or pecans, add them in when the machine says it's time. This makes the bread even tastier!
Photo: Uncut Recipes
Notes:
Bread Texture: The addition of sweet potatoes makes this bread more moist and slightly denser than regular white bread. Adjusting the water quantity slightly can change the bread's texture based on your preference.
Serving Suggestions: This bread is excellent for making French toast due to its sweetness and rich flavor. You can also slice and toast it, then spread with butter, jam, or honey for a morning treat.
Alternative Cooking Methods: If you'd like to bake this bread outside of the bread machine: Use the dough setting on the machine. Once the dough cycle is complete, remove the dough, shape it into a loaf, place it in a loaf pan, and let it rise for about 30 minutes. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-35 minutes or until it sounds hollow when tapped.
Vegetarian Alternative: This recipe is already vegetarian. If you're catering to vegans, consider using plant-based butter or oils as a substitute for the butter.
Dietary Considerations: For a dairy-free version, consider using water or almond milk in place of the dry milk powder, and substitute butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
Storing: Store the Sweet Potato Bread in an airtight container or bread box to keep it fresh for up to 3-4 days at room temperature.
Freezing: For longer storage, wrap the bread in plastic wrap, place it in a freezer bag, and freeze. It can be stored in the freezer for up to a month. Thaw overnight on the counter before serving.
Nutritional Information
( Per Portion )
Calories |
200 kcal (10%) |
Total Carbohydrate | 40g (15%) |
Cholesterol | 10mg (3%) |
Total Fat |
3g (5%) |
Saturated Fat | 2g (10%) |
Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.4g |
Monounsaturated Fat | 0.6g |
Trans Fat | 0g |
Fibers | 2g (8%) |
Protein | 5g (10%) |
Sugar | 6.5g (26%) |
Vitamin A |
2000 IU (40%) |
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) |
0.3mg (25%) |
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.2mg (15%) |
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 3mg (19%) |
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) | 1mg (20%) |
Vitamin B6 | 0.2mg (10%) |
Vitamin B7 (Biotin) | 6mcg (20%) |
Vitamin B9 (Folate) | 40mcg (10%) |
Vitamin B12 | 0.6mcg (25%) |
Vitamin C | 1mg (1%) |
Vitamin D | 0.5 IU (3%) |
Vitamin E | 0.5mg (3%) |
Vitamin K | 2mcg (2%) |
Choline | 15mg (3%) |
Carnitine | 10mg |
Calcium |
80mg (8%) |
Chloride |
80mg |
Chromium | 5mcg (10%) |
Copper | 0.1mg (10%) |
Fluoride | 0.02mcg (0.57%) |
Iodine | 15mcg (10%) |
Iron | 2mg (11%) |
Magnesium | 30mg (7%) |
Manganese | 0.6mg (30%) |
Molybdenum | 10mcg (20%) |
Phosphorus | 100mg (10%) |
Potassium | 250mg (5%) |
Selenium | 15mcg (20%) |
Sodium | 500mg (21%) |
Sulfur | 100mg |
Zink | 1mg (9%) |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is available for all ingredients in this recipe. Amount is based on available nutrient data collected from all over the internet.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption. |
Written by: Uncut Recipes | Disclaimer |
September 29, 2023
Thank you for sharing all amount conversions, I always struggle with cups measuraments.