Sweet Potato Cinnamon Bread is pure comfort, golden and inviting with a moist crumb, hearty sweet potatoes, and a swirl of cinnamon-sugar on top. Each bite wraps you in warmth, making your kitchen smell like a cozy autumn morning, even if it’s the middle of June. Whether you serve it for breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or as a gift, this bread always steals the spotlight and vanishes faster than you think. Once you discover how easy and rewarding it is to bake, I have a feeling it’ll become one of your treasured go-to recipes.

Sweet Potato Cinnamon Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Sweet Potato Cinnamon Bread relies on a handful of kitchen staples, each playing a starring role in both flavor and texture. It’s these everyday ingredients combined in just the right way that brings the magic and aroma to your loaf.

Sweet potatoes (mashed): These add moisture, lovely color, and a subtle earthy sweetness to every bite.
Butter (softened): Provides richness and creates that tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread while also helping the crust get just a bit crisp.
Eggs: Bind everything together and give the loaf a soft, fluffy lift.
Vanilla extract: Infuses your bread with a warm, inviting aroma and deepens the flavor.
All-purpose flour: The essential structure for your loaf; a classic pantry option for reliable results.
Baking soda: Gives your bread its airy rise so it stays light instead of dense.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and keeps the sweetness balanced.
Ground cinnamon: A key flavor you’ll notice in every bite, especially when paired with sweet potato.
Ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle, cozy undertone that makes this loaf taste like fall in bread form.
Extra granulated sugar (for topping): Sprinkled on top for a delightful sweet crunch.
Extra cinnamon (for topping): Creates that signature cinnamon swirl crust everybody loves.

How to Make Sweet Potato Cinnamon Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9.25 x 5.25-inch loaf pan and grease it generously, or better yet, line it with parchment paper for foolproof, easy release. This step ensures your Sweet Potato Cinnamon Bread comes out in one beautiful, golden loaf.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl—or your stand mixer if you love shortcuts—beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is the secret to a bread that’s tender and not heavy, so take your time and enjoy watching it transform into a pale, dreamy blend.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Sweet Potatoes

Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing gently on low speed so the batter stays smooth. Add the vanilla extract and mashed sweet potatoes, stirring until everything is thoroughly combined and the batter glows with gorgeous orange flecks.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make sure everything is evenly distributed so your Sweet Potato Cinnamon Bread bakes up perfectly—every bite will be filled with those comforting, aromatic spices.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing slowly just until everything is incorporated. Over-mixing can make your bread tough, so stop as soon as you don’t see streaks of flour. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and get ready for the magic.

Step 6: Cinnamon-Sugar Topping and Bake

In a small bowl, blend together the extra 1/4 cup sugar and teaspoon of cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the batter’s surface for a sweet and aromatic crust. Slide the pan into your oven’s center rack and bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Let the bread cool for at least 15 minutes on a rack—resist the urge to slice right away for best results!

How to Serve Sweet Potato Cinnamon Bread

Garnishes

For a beautiful finish, consider dusting your Sweet Potato Cinnamon Bread with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar, or top each slice with a pat of softened butter or cream cheese. A drizzle of maple syrup or a scattering of chopped toasted pecans brings an extra-special touch, making every slice look bakery-worthy.

Side Dishes

This lovely loaf pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee, chai, or spiced tea, making breakfast or afternoon snack time extra cozy. For brunch, serve it alongside yogurt, fresh fruit, or a savory egg scramble. The gentle sweetness means it won’t overpower your main dish but instead brings a delightful balance to your table.

Creative Ways to Present

To elevate your Sweet Potato Cinnamon Bread, try slicing it into thick cubes and serving on a platter as bite-sized nibbles at gatherings. You can also use it for French toast, cube it for bread pudding, or even thinly slice and toast it for stylish sweet crostini with honey and ricotta. It’s a true crowd-pleaser any way you plate it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover Sweet Potato Cinnamon Bread in a large zip-top bag or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 5 days, staying moist and flavorful thanks to the sweet potato.

Freezing

Sweet Potato Cinnamon Bread freezes very well! Once it’s completely cool, wrap the loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then again in foil or a freezer-safe bag. Your bread will stay fresh for up to three months. Just thaw a slice or two as needed for an instant homemade treat.

Reheating

To reheat, pop a slice in your toaster or microwave it for about 15-20 seconds—just enough to revive that fresh-baked aroma and texture. If reheating the entire loaf, let it come to room temperature first, then warm in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covered loosely with foil to prevent drying.

FAQs

Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just be sure to drain them well and mash until smooth. Avoid varieties packed in syrup, as they may add too much sweetness or moisture, but the flavor will still shine.

What’s the best way to mash sweet potatoes?

Roasting sweet potatoes brings out their natural sweetness and makes mashing easy. After roasting and peeling, simply mash with a fork or potato masher until smooth—no need for fancy equipment.

Can I make this Sweet Potato Cinnamon Bread gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute your favorite 1-for-1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may vary a bit, but the bread will still be deliciously moist and tender.

Can I reduce or swap out the sugar?

Feel free to reduce the sugar slightly or swap in coconut sugar or light brown sugar for a deeper, more caramel-like flavor. The cinnamon-sugar topping can also be adjusted or ommited if you prefer less sweetness.

Does this bread work with other add-ins?

Absolutely—chopped toasted pecans, walnuts, or even chocolate chips can be folded into the batter for a fun twist. Just keep extra additions to about 1/2 cup total to maintain the perfect texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a home-baked treat that’s both simple and impossible to resist, make a loaf of Sweet Potato Cinnamon Bread. It’s bursting with warmth, full of nostalgia, and guaranteed to win fans around your table. Don’t wait for a special occasion—try it soon and savor every cozy, fragrant slice!

Sweet Potato Cinnamon Bread Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 11 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delight in the warm, comforting flavors of Sweet Potato Cinnamon Bread with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat any time of day.

Instructions

Preheat the oven: To 350°F and grease a 9.25 x 5.25 inch loaf pan. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal after baking.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl or mixer until light and fluffy.
Add eggs and flavorings: Incorporate eggs one at a time at low speed, followed by vanilla extract and mashed sweet potatoes.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Mix wet and dry: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until just combined. Pour into prepared loaf pan.
Add topping: Mix topping sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over the batter.
Bake: For 55–65 minutes at 350°F. Check for doneness with a toothpick. Cool on a rack before slicing and serving. Store in a ziplock bag in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Notes

For added texture, consider folding in chopped nuts or dried fruit to the batter.
This bread is delicious served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American