Maple Sweet Potato Bread: A Wholesome Teatime Delight
Indulge in the comforting warmth of a freshly baked loaf of Maple Sweet Potato Bread—perfect for a wholesome breakfast, an energizing snack, or a delightful dessert. This recipe blends the earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes with the natural richness of maple syrup, creating a moist, flavorful bread that’s complemented by the crunch of pecans and chia seeds. The addition of cinnamon and nutmeg brings out a cozy, spiced aroma, making it a perfect bake for chilly mornings or cozy afternoons with tea.
Whether you’re looking for a nutritious start to your day or a decadent treat to share with friends and family, this Maple Sweet Potato Bread delivers on both taste and texture. Its unique combination of whole wheat flour, instant oats, and maple syrup ensures it’s as wholesome as it is delicious, while the sweet potato base contributes to the bread’s velvety texture. Chia seeds and pecans lend a satisfying crunch, rounding out every slice with an extra burst of flavor.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: Continental
- Course: Dessert
- Diet: Eggetarian (Can be made vegan with flax meal egg replacer)
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (7-inch pan)
Ingredients for Maple Sweet Potato Bread
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 1 cup |
| Whole Wheat Flour | 1/4 cup |
| Baking Soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Cinnamon Powder (Dalchini) | 1/2 teaspoon (ground) |
| Nutmeg | 1/2 teaspoon (ground) |
| Instant Oats (Oatmeal) | 1/4 cup (powdered) |
| Sweet Potato | 200 grams |
| Whole Egg | 1 (or flax meal egg replacer) |
| Brown Sugar (Demerara Sugar) | 3/4 cup (firmly packed) |
| Milk | 1/3 cup |
| Maple Syrup | 1/4 cup |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1/3 cup |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Chia Seeds | 2 tablespoons |
| Pecans (roughly chopped) | 1/4 cup |
Instructions for Maple Sweet Potato Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potato Puree
To begin, you’ll need to prepare the sweet potato puree. Start by peeling and cutting the sweet potatoes into small chunks. Heat a teaspoon of olive oil in a wok over medium heat. Add the sweet potato chunks and stir fry them until they become tender and golden. Cover the wok to allow the potatoes to cook through from the inside. Once softened, remove from heat and let the sweet potatoes cool slightly.
Next, blend the sweet potatoes in a blender with a small amount of water until smooth and creamy. Set this puree aside for use in the batter.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
While the sweet potatoes cool, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Prepare a 7-inch loaf pan by greasing it with butter and lining the bottom with parchment paper. This will ensure the bread slides out easily once baked.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sifting helps remove any clumps and ensures an even distribution of the dry ingredients. Once sifted, add the brown sugar and powdered oats, and stir everything together until well combined.
Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the egg (or flax meal egg replacer), milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If you prefer, you can use an electric hand blender for this step to achieve a fluffy texture. Add the sweet potato puree, maple syrup, and olive oil to the wet ingredients. Blend again using the hand blender at medium speed until the mixture is fully combined and has a smooth consistency.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Beat the mixture until the flour is completely incorporated, and the batter is thick and smooth. Make sure to scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are well mixed.
Step 6: Add the Crunch
Now, fold in the chopped pecans and chia seeds. These additions give the bread its delightful texture and extra nutrition. Stir gently until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
Pour the prepared batter into the greased loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If you notice that the top is browning too quickly, you can cover it with aluminum foil and continue baking.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the Maple Sweet Potato Bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Afterward, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is important as it allows the texture to set perfectly.
Slice and serve the bread as a quick breakfast with a side of fresh fruit, or enjoy it as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The Maple Sweet Potato Bread is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for any time of day.
Tips and Variations
- Vegan Option: Replace the whole egg with flax meal egg replacer (1 tablespoon of flax meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water).
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of brown sugar or maple syrup to suit your preferred level of sweetness.
- Nuts and Seeds: Feel free to add other nuts like walnuts or almonds, or experiment with additional seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a unique flavor.
- Spices: If you like a spicier bread, try adding a pinch of ginger or cloves to the dry ingredients for extra depth of flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 240 |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 33g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 15g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
This Maple Sweet Potato Bread not only delivers a moist and flavorful treat but also packs a punch in terms of nutrition. The combination of sweet potatoes, oats, and pecans offers a hearty, satisfying experience with each bite. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or toasted with a smear of butter, it’s a versatile recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.
So, what are you waiting for? Get baking and indulge in the warmth and comfort of Maple Sweet Potato Bread today!
