Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (225 g) mashed sweet potatoes (about 1 large potato)
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
  • Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Roast the sweet potato for 45-60 minutes until tender. Let it cool, then peel and mash.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potato, applesauce, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth.
  3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, spices, and salt.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  5. Pour the batter into a greased and flour-dusted loaf pan (or lined with parchment paper). Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.