Sweet Potato Bread (Moist, Spiced & Perfect for Thanksgiving)

Warm, sweet, and filled with cozy spices, this Sweet Potato Bread is the soft, tender loaf your kitchen needs this Thanksgiving. Its cinnamon-sugar topping adds a satisfying crunch, while the moist crumb makes every bite melt in your mouth. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, this bread tastes like a warm hug straight from the oven.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Bread

If you love soft, sweet loaves that make your kitchen smell like fall, this Sweet Potato Bread is a must-bake. It’s perfectly moist, with a light sweetness and hints of cinnamon and nutmeg that bring cozy comfort in every bite. You’ll only need one bowl and simple pantry ingredients, which means less mess and more flavor. The cinnamon sugar topping adds a lovely crunch, balancing the bread’s tender texture beautifully. It’s a great make-ahead recipe too, ideal for Thanksgiving mornings, afternoon snacks, or even wrapped up as a holiday gift. Once you try a slice, you’ll be baking it again before the week ends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Bread Batter

1½ cups sweet potatoes, mashed
½ cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Use canned or fresh sweet potatoes, either works. You can bake, mash, and freeze them ahead of time too. Adjust the topping’s sweetness if you prefer a lighter crust.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Prep Your Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9.25 x 5.25-inch loaf pan or line it neatly with parchment paper. Using clips can help keep it in place while pouring the batter.

Step 2 – Make the Wet Mixture

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one by one, mixing after each. Then stir in vanilla and the mashed sweet potatoes until smooth and creamy.

Step 3 – Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This helps everything mix evenly.

Step 4 – Mix and Pour

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix, or your bread may turn dense. Pour the thick batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly.

Step 5 – Add the Topping and Bake

Mix the topping sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle about three-fourths of it over the batter. Bake on the center rack for 55–65 minutes. It’s ready when a toothpick in the center comes out clean or the top springs back gently.

Step 6 – Cool and Serve

Let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring to a rack. Slice and enjoy it warm, or let it cool fully for easy slicing. Either way, it’s irresistible.

Recipe Tips & Notes

Fresh or canned sweet potatoes both give great results. If using canned, drain them first to avoid extra moisture. To keep parchment from shifting, clip the sides before pouring in the batter. If you like a stronger spice flavor, add a pinch more cinnamon or nutmeg. You can also adjust the topping—use the full mix for extra crunch or just half for a light dusting. This bread tastes amazing with a pat of butter, cream cheese, or apple butter. It’s soft, fragrant, and perfect for sharing at holiday brunches.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Store the cooled loaf in a ziplock bag or airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm in the oven until soft again. You can also make the batter a day ahead and refrigerate it overnight before baking.

Variations to Try

Try adding chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch, or drizzle a light glaze over the cooled loaf for a dessert-style version. Using brown sugar in the topping brings a caramel-like twist that pairs beautifully with the spices. You can even swap a bit of flour for whole wheat for a heartier loaf. Each tweak gives this Sweet Potato Bread its own festive charm, making it easy to fit your family’s taste.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy a warm slice for Thanksgiving breakfast with coffee or serve it as a sweet ending to your meal. It also pairs beautifully with seasonal spreads like maple glaze or apple butter. For a cozy afternoon treat, toast a slice and top with whipped cream cheese or butter, it’s pure comfort in every bite.

Related Recipes to Try

• Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole
• Caramel Apple Dessert Cups
• Pumpkin Protein Muffins
• Cinnamon Roll Cookies
• Sprinkle Buttermilk Bread
• Apple Crumble Cheesecake

Conclusion

This Sweet Potato Bread is everything you love about fall, warm, spiced, and perfectly moist. It’s quick to make, stores beautifully, and fills your kitchen with that cozy holiday scent. Whether you bake it for Thanksgiving morning or as a homemade gift, it’s bound to disappear fast. Share your loaf or keep it all to yourself, either way, it’s a slice of pure comfort. Don’t forget to check out more cozy baking ideas on Pinterest.

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