A Historic Heritage Bread Rooted in African American Tradition
Rich with cornmeal, sweet potatoes, and molasses, Soul Bread is a treasured Heritage Recipe that reflects generations of African American ingenuity and resourcefulness. Dense, moist, and lightly sweet, this old-fashioned bread combines simple pantry staples into a loaf that has long been enjoyed as both an everyday staple and a comforting dessert.
Featured as a Heritage Recipe in The Black Family Reunion Cookbook, Soul Bread honors the enduring traditions of Southern Black cooking, where cornmeal, sweet potatoes, and molasses became foundational ingredients passed down through generations. Its slow baking method creates a distinctive texture and deep, earthy flavor that makes this loaf unlike modern quick breads.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cornmeal
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1½ cups boiling water
- 1 small sweet potato
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1¼ cups molasses
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
Makes: One loaf
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, sugar, and salt. Carefully pour in the boiling water and beat with an electric mixer until the mixture is well blended.
- Boil the sweet potato until tender, then peel and mash it. Add the mashed sweet potato to the cornmeal mixture and beat for about 10 minutes.
- Stir in the cold water, all-purpose flour, and molasses. Beat until smooth.
- Cover the batter and let it rest overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 250°F. Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan.
- Stir the baking soda into the rested batter, then pour it into the prepared pan.
- Bake for approximately 3 hours.
- Remove the loaf from the oven. Cover the pan tightly with foil to steam the bread and let it cool for at least 1 hour before removing it from the pan.
Pro Tips & Suggestions
- Allow the batter to rest overnight to develop the bread’s signature flavor and texture.
- Use fresh mashed sweet potato rather than canned for the most authentic taste.
- Bake low and slow at 250°F to achieve the traditional dense crumb.
- Wrap leftovers tightly to keep the bread moist for several days.
- Serve with butter, cane syrup, or apple butter for a classic Southern presentation.
About the Creator
The National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW) compiled The Black Family Reunion Cookbook to preserve African American culinary traditions through family recipes, regional specialties, and cherished food memories. Throughout the cookbook, Heritage Recipes like Soul Bread recognize historic dishes that tell the story of resilience, creativity, and community while celebrating the lasting influence of African American foodways.
The Black Family Reunion Cookbook | National Council of Negro Women
Where to Find This Recipe
This recipe is adapted from The Black Family Reunion Cookbook: Recipes & Food Memories by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. The cookbook is a remarkable collection of heritage recipes, family favorites, and regional dishes that preserve the rich culinary traditions of African American families and celebrate the joy of gathering around the table.
