Sweet Potato Pone Bread
Overview
Sweet Potato Pone Bread is a beloved Southern treat that brings together the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the richness of molasses, butter, and a touch of dark rum. This recipe, generously shared by the legendary Mildred “Mama Dip” Council, brings an authentic, comforting flavor to your table. If you haven’t already, take the time to learn about this Southern treasure and pick up her cookbook—you won’t regret it!
This quick bread is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or as a delightful addition to any Southern-themed meal. The warm, spiced flavor, combined with a slightly sweet texture, makes it a great choice for any occasion.
Recipe Details
| Category | Quick Breads |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 1 hour |
| Prep Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Servings | 9 |
| Calories per Serving | 314.2 |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sweet potatoes | 2 medium |
| Butter | 6 tablespoons |
| Margarine | 1/2 cup |
| Brown sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Molasses | 1 tablespoon |
| Buttermilk | 1 cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Self-rising flour | 1 cup |
| Ground allspice | 1 teaspoon |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Raisins | 1/2 cup |
| Dark rum | 1 tablespoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 314.2 kcal |
| Fat Content | 9.7g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 5.5g |
| Cholesterol Content | 68.4mg |
| Sodium Content | 469.7mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 52.7g |
| Fiber Content | 2.5g |
| Sugar Content | 24.4g |
| Protein Content | 5.6g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Sweet Potato Mixture: Start by peeling and boiling the sweet potatoes until they are soft. Once cooked, mash them until smooth. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with the butter and brown sugar. Mix thoroughly until the butter melts and the sugar is well incorporated.
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Add Wet Ingredients: To the sweet potato mixture, add the molasses, buttermilk, and eggs. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are well combined.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the self-rising flour and ground allspice. Once combined, gradually add the dry ingredients to the sweet potato mixture, stirring continuously until just incorporated.
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Flavor the Batter: Add the vanilla extract, raisins, and dark rum to the batter. Stir gently to ensure that the raisins are evenly distributed and the rum infuses its rich flavor throughout the mixture.
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Bake the Bread: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×9-inch baking pan. Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and serve. This bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea and is sure to be a hit with family and friends!
Tips and Variations
- Sweet Potato Texture: Ensure that your sweet potatoes are thoroughly mashed for a smooth batter. If you prefer a bit more texture, leave a few small lumps in the sweet potatoes.
- Raisins: If you’re not a fan of raisins, you can substitute them with other dried fruits like cranberries, currants, or even chopped dates.
- Vegan Option: For a vegan version, substitute the butter and margarine with plant-based alternatives, and replace the eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water equals 1 egg).
- Make it Spicier: For an added kick, feel free to experiment with additional spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy twist.
This Sweet Potato Pone Bread brings the warmth and flavor of the South straight to your kitchen. Perfect for any time of day, this moist and flavorful bread is sure to become a favorite for years to come.
