Sweet Potato Banana Bread

Sweet Potato Banana Bread is a wonderfully moist, naturally sweet quick bread that brings together two beloved ingredients—ripe bananas and creamy sweet potatoes—into one wholesome, comforting loaf. This recipe is a delightful twist on classic banana bread, adding depth of flavor, extra moisture, and a subtle earthiness from the sweet potatoes. The result is a tender, soft crumb with warm spices and just the right balance of sweetness.

Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert, this bread feels indulgent while still being nourishing. It’s a fantastic way to use up overripe bananas and leftover sweet potatoes, transforming simple ingredients into a bakery-style treat that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s incredibly moist and flavorful without being overly sweet. The sweet potatoes add a natural creaminess and richness, while bananas bring familiar comfort and sweetness. It’s also versatile—you can make it healthier, more indulgent, or completely dairy-free with simple swaps, making it perfect for any occasion.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• Extra moist and soft texture
• Naturally sweet with less refined sugar
• Great way to use leftovers
• Freezes beautifully
• Perfect for all ages

Recipe Overview

• Course: Breakfast / Snack / Dessert
• Cuisine: American
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 55–60 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 10 slices
• Calories (Approx.): 190–220 kcal per slice

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup mashed sweet potato (cooked and cooled)
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• ½ cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
• ¼ tsp salt

Optional Add-Ins

• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• ½ cup chocolate chips or raisins

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven and prepare loaf pan
2. Mix wet ingredients
3. Combine dry ingredients
4. Fold batter together
5. Bake until golden and set

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare Sweet Potatoes

Mash cooked sweet potatoes until smooth and free of lumps. Allow to cool before mixing.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together mashed sweet potato, mashed bananas, sugar, oil or butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Step 5: Make the Batter

Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir just until combined. Fold in any optional add-ins.

Step 6: Bake

Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool

Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Banana Bread

• Serve warm with butter or honey
• Toast slices for a crispy edge
• Pair with coffee, tea, or milk
• Spread with cream cheese or nut butter

Recipe Tips

• Use very ripe bananas for best flavor
• Measure mashed sweet potato accurately
• Do not overmix the batter
• Tent loosely with foil if browning too fast
• Let bread cool before slicing for clean cuts

Variations (Detailed)

1. Healthy Version

Use whole wheat flour and replace sugar with honey or maple syrup.

2. Vegan Sweet Potato Banana Bread

Replace eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk and oil.

3. Gluten-Free Option

Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

4. Spiced Autumn Bread

Add cloves, ginger, or pumpkin spice blend.

5. Chocolate Swirl Bread

Swirl melted chocolate or cocoa batter into the loaf.

Freezing and Storage

Storage

• Store at room temperature for 2–3 days in an airtight container
• Refrigerate for up to 5 days

Freezing

• Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature

Special Equipment Needed

• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wire cooling rack

Conclusion

Sweet Potato Banana Bread is a comforting, flavorful, and incredibly moist quick bread that elevates classic banana bread to a whole new level. With its natural sweetness, warm spices, and soft texture, it’s perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert. Whether you enjoy it plain or dressed up with your favorite add-ins, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.