Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Bread is a delightful, healthy baking recipe perfect for any time of day. This moist and flavorful bread offers a wholesome twist on a classic, making it a fantastic addition to your healthy baking repertoire. You’ll love how easy it is to create this cozy treat.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Sweet Potato Puree: Use canned or homemade.
- Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup for natural sweetness.
- Pecans: Toasted or raw. Walnuts are a great substitute.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Adds a healthy touch. All-purpose flour can also be used.
- Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg for warmth.
Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¾ cup sweet potato puree
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped pecans, plus extra for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Servings: 10-12 slices
- Calories per serving: Approximately 210-230
- Tools Needed: Loaf pan, mixing bowls, whisk, spatula.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a standard loaf pan (9×5 inches), or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This ensures your healthy baking creation won’t stick.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make sure everything is well combined to distribute the leavening agents evenly.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, combine the sweet potato puree, maple syrup, applesauce, plant-based milk, olive oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough bread.
5. Fold in Pecans
Gently fold in the ½ cup of chopped pecans. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter. This adds a lovely crunch to your healthy baking recipe.
6. Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the remaining chopped pecans on top if desired. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Serve
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slicing it once fully cooled helps maintain its structure and moisture.
Variation Ideas:
- Cranberry Orange: Add ½ cup dried cranberries and 1 tablespoon orange zest.
- Chocolate Chip: Fold in ½ cup dark chocolate chips for a sweet treat.
- Ginger Spice: Add ½ teaspoon ground ginger and ¼ teaspoon ground cloves for extra warmth.
- Seed Blend: Incorporate a mix of pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds for added texture.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. You can also freeze individual slices for up to 2 months; just thaw at room temperature or warm slightly before enjoying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I use canned sweet potato puree?
Yes, canned sweet potato puree works perfectly for this healthy baking recipe. Just make sure it’s 100% sweet potato with no added sugar.
What if I don’t have plant-based milk?
You can use regular dairy milk if that’s what you have on hand.
Can I make this gluten-free?
You can try a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but results may vary in texture.
How do I know if my sweet potato puree is thick enough?
It should be similar in consistency to pumpkin puree. If it’s too watery, cook it down slightly or add a bit more flour.
Can I omit the nuts?
Absolutely! The bread will still be delicious without the pecans.
Is this bread very sweet?
It has a moderate sweetness from the maple syrup and sweet potato, making it suitable for a healthy snack or breakfast.
