Sweet Potato Bread Recipe (Quick Bread Loaf)

ByApril HarrisUpdated: August 25, 2026

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You won’t believe how delicious this homemade Sweet Potato Bread is! It may sound unusual, but this easy to make loaf is absolutely addictive. Gently sweet, this warmly spiced quick bread loaf is ideal for autumn breakfasts with a hot cup of tea or coffee or for lunchboxes, afternoon tea and snacks.

Perfect for using up leftover sweet potatoes, this recipe combines everyday ingredients with the cosy flavours of autumn, although I make it all year round!

Recipe Evolution

I first blogged this recipe over 14 years ago. Looking for something to make with an over-abundance of sweet potatoes, I adapted a recipe from my Betty Crocker Cookbook. It was a resounding success and I have been making it regularly ever since.

Back then, my idea of healthy eating was a bit different than it is now, so a few years ago, I reduced the sugar by a further half cup (100 grams) as well. Nobody actually noticed the change, and it made me feel a bit better about treating myself – a good thing because I really can’t resist Sweet Potato Bread!

Why You Will Love This Sweet Potato Bread

You won’t be able to resist this deliciously spiced, cut and come again loaf. Sweet Potato Bread is one of those breads that mellows with age and keeps really well. You can store it in a covered container or well wrapped in foil for a good four to five days at room temperature. The flavours get deeper day by day and the cake becomes even more moist.

The recipe makes two loaves, and the second loaf makes a wonderful foodie gift for a friend who needs a little pick me up or even as an autumnal hostess gift.

Another thing to love – although this loaf contains sugar and white flour, sweet potatoes are very good for you so this is a wholesome treat.

Storage and Freezing of Sweet Potato Bread

If you aren’t planning to give the second loaf away, this Sweet Potato Bread freezes well. Only freeze the whole loaf if you plan to use it all at once. If you prefer to eat a slice or two at a time, slice the loaf before freezing and slide a little piece of waxed or greaseproof paper between each slice. Wrap well or place in a freezer bag. Then you can easily break off and thaw a slice or two at a time when you fancy a treat.

Love Your Leftovers

I almost always use leftover sweet potatoes in this recipe, but it is so tasty I have been known to peel, boil and mash sweet potatoes just to make this bread. You can also scoop the middles out of baked sweet potatoes and mash gently with a fork. Be sure the sweet potatoes are completely cool when they go into the mixture though!

Do you put butter in your baked sweet potatoes when you mash them? Don’t worry, you can still use the leftovers in the cake if you have used just a bit of butter. If you have put a lot of butter, just leave out a tablespoon or so of the oil.

Variations on Sweet Potato Bread

You can really use your imagination with this warmly spiced quick bread, so feel free to mix up the dried fruit and nuts. While I suggest raisins, dried cranberries and pecans, you could also use sultanas or another chopped dried fruit like apricots or dates. You can also use walnuts or hazelnuts instead of pecans. And of course you can leave out the nuts entirely if you want or need to.

Serving Sweet Potato Bread

Serve Sweet Potato Bread simply sliced or spread with butter for breakfast or at tea time. You can lightly warm or toast the slices first if you like.

I also like to serve it as a dessert with whipped cream or ice cream. Garnish with a little sprinkle of ground ginger.

Sweet Potato Bread – Printable Recipe

Created by: April J Harris