- Organic Sweet Potatoes (for natural sweetness and moisture)
- Fresh Cherries (dried or fresh, depending on your preference, for tartness and texture)
- All-Purpose Flour (essential for structure)
- Baking Powder (a leavening agent to help bread rise)
- Baking Soda (works alongside baking powder to ensure better rising)
- Salt (enhances flavors; use kosher or table salt, about 1/2 teaspoon)
- Eggs (two large eggs for binding and richness)
- Brown Sugar (for moistness and natural sweetness; light or dark works well)
- Butter (softened, one quarter-cup for moisture and flavor)
- Vanilla Extract (a teaspoon to add depth of flavor)
- Ground Cinnamon (one teaspoon for a classic spice blend)
- Nutmeg (optional, a pinch for warmth and complexity)
- Almond Milk (or any plant-based milk for moisture; use unsweetened if you prefer not to add extra sugar)
Incorporate these ingredients into your recipe for cherry sweet potato bread by following best practices in baking. Ensure to properly measure all dry ingredients using a scale or precise measuring cups for consistency. For more detailed SEO optimization, consider including meta descriptions and alt tags with keywords like "cherry sweet potato bread," "baked goods," "sweet potatoes," "cherries," "baking recipes," etc., when posting this list on your website or blog.
Indulge in the delightful flavors of cherry sweet potato bread with this easy-to-follow recipe! This holiday baked good is not only delicious but also packed with warmth and nostalgia, perfect for sharing with family and friends. By following these detailed steps, you'll create a tender loaf that's both sweet from the natural sugars of the sweet potatoes and tangy from the cherries.
**Ingredients:**
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom (optional)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 cup mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 medium-sized ones)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dried cherries or canned cherry halves
**Step-by-Step Guide:**
#### Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray. Alternatively, line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
#### Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and optional spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cardamom) until well blended.
#### Step 3: Prepare Wet Ingredients
- In another small bowl, mix together the beaten egg, melted butter, mashed sweet potatoes, and vanilla extract until smooth.
#### Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; this can lead to a tough bread.
- Fold in the dried cherries or canned cherry halves gently into the batter.
#### Step 5: Bake the Bread
- Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top with a spatula.
- Place the pan on the center rack of your preheated oven.
- Bake for approximately 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
#### Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice into portions and serve. This cherry sweet potato bread is perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack!
**Conclusion:**
This recipe combines the rich flavor of sweet potatoes with the burst of tartness from cherries, creating a delightful holiday treat that's sure to become a family favorite. Use this guide to make your homemade cherry sweet potato bread and enjoy its warmth on chilly evenings or during festive gatherings.
By following these steps and using SEO-friendly keywords, you can optimize your content for search engines while providing valuable information to those looking to bake this delicious treat. Happy baking!