A Moist Heritage Loaf Filled with Sweet Potatoes and Warm Spices
Sweet potatoes have long been a cherished ingredient in African American and Southern cooking, finding their way into everything from pies and casseroles to breads and cakes. Sweet Potato Nut Bread transforms this beloved root vegetable into a moist, flavorful quick bread enhanced with warm spices, crunchy nuts, and optional raisins. It’s a comforting loaf that’s equally at home on a holiday dessert table or enjoyed with a cup of coffee for breakfast.
Featured in The Black Family Reunion Cookbook, this Heritage Recipe celebrates the creativity of home bakers who turned simple pantry staples into delicious family favorites. The natural sweetness of mashed sweet potatoes keeps the bread tender while cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla create a rich aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Crisco Shortening
- 1-1/4 cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup cold mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 medium sweet potatoes)
- 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1-1/4 teaspoons nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
Makes: One loaf
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease one 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the Crisco Shortening and sugar on low speed until blended. Increase the mixer speed to medium and continue beating until well mixed.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the mashed sweet potatoes until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, nutmeg, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the sweet potato mixture, alternating with the water and mixing on medium-low speed until combined.
- Stir in the chopped nuts, vanilla, and raisins, if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Pro Tips & Suggestions
- Use freshly mashed sweet potatoes for the richest flavor and best texture.
- Choose pecans for a classic Southern touch, or walnuts for a slightly heartier bite.
- Soak the raisins in warm water for a few minutes before adding them to keep them extra plump.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing for cleaner cuts and a better texture.
- Enjoy toasted with butter or cream cheese, or serve alongside coffee or hot tea for a comforting breakfast or afternoon snack.
About the Creator
The National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW) compiled The Black Family Reunion Cookbook to preserve African American culinary traditions, treasured family recipes, and the stories that accompany them. Through recipes and food memories contributed by families across the United States, the cookbook celebrates the importance of gathering around the table while honoring Black history, heritage, and community.
The cookbook’s Heritage Recipes highlight timeless baked goods that reflect the resourcefulness and creativity of home cooks, preserving recipes that continue to connect families through generations of shared meals and celebrations.
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 treasured collection of heritage recipes, regional specialties, and family food memories that celebrate African American cooking traditions and the joy of sharing meals across generations.
