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There’s something magical about the combination of sweet potatoes and jam swirled into a soft, moist loaf of bread. This Jam Swirled Sweet Potato Bread is not only gluten-free but also packed with warm spices and a fruity twist that makes it perfect for breakfast, snacking, or even dessert. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is simple, foolproof, and utterly delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This bread is a game-changer for anyone looking for a gluten-free treat that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. The sweet potato puree keeps it incredibly moist, while the jam swirl adds a burst of fruity sweetness in every bite. Plus, it’s versatile—you can use any jam you love, from classic strawberry to tangy raspberry or even a spiced orange marmalade.
Key Ingredients
The star of this recipe is, of course, the sweet potato puree, which adds natural sweetness and a velvety texture. Maple syrup enhances the depth of flavor, while Cup4Cup flour substitute ensures a perfect gluten-free crumb. The jam swirl is what makes this bread extra special—choose your favorite flavor to customize it to your taste.
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Jam Swirled Sweet Potato Bread:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sweet potato puree | 6 oz (3/4 cup) |
| Maple syrup | 3 tablespoons |
| Sugar | ¾ cup |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground cinnamon | ½ teaspoon |
| Grapeseed or canola oil | ⅓ cup |
| Cup4Cup flour substitute (or all-purpose flour) | 1½ cups |
| Baking powder | ¼ teaspoon plus ⅛ teaspoon (scant) |
| Baking soda | ¼ teaspoon |
| Water | 3 oz |
| Jam of your choice | 3½-4 oz |
Helpful Tools
Having the right tools makes baking so much easier! Here are three essentials for this recipe:
1. Loaf Pan (9×5 inches) – A good-quality loaf pan ensures even baking.
2. Parchment Paper – Helps with easy removal and cleanup.
3. Whisk & Mixing Bowls – For smooth, lump-free batter.
Pro-Tips for the Best Jam Swirled Sweet Potato Bread
1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Eggs and sweet potato puree should be at room temperature for even mixing.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter – Stir just until combined to keep the bread tender.
3. Choose a Thick Jam – Use a certified gluten-free jam or one with simple ingredients (Fruit, Sugar, Pectin, Lemon Juice). Avoid jams with “Glucose-Fructose Syrup” unless the source is specified (corn/beet vs wheat). A thicker jam (like strawberry or blackberry) works better than a runny one.
4. Check for Doneness – The bread is ready when the top is golden, and a skewer comes out clean.
5. For More Gluten-Free Inspiration – Check out 101GlutenFree for more amazing recipes!
How to Make Jam Swirled Sweet Potato Bread
Follow these simple steps for a perfect loaf every time:
- Preheat & Prep – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together the sweet potato puree, maple syrup, sugar, eggs, salt, vanilla, cinnamon, and oil until smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients – Gently whisk in the flour, baking powder, and baking soda until just combined. Stir in the water.
- Layer the Batter – Pour about two-thirds of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. [Expert Note: A thicker base prevents the jam from sinking to the bottom.]
- Prepare the Jam – Warm the jam slightly (in a pot or microwave) until it’s runny but not boiling. Drizzle it over the batter and swirl gently once with a knife.
- Add Remaining Batter – Top with the remaining batter and smooth the surface.
- Bake – Bake for 40 minutes. Check the top: If it is browning too fast, tent loosely with aluminum foil and bake for an additional 10-20 minutes. [Expert Note: The toothpick must come out clean (avoiding jam spots) or the center will be gummy.]
- Cool & Serve – Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes. [Expert Note: GF bread is fragile when hot; 5 minutes is not enough time to set.] Then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Variations to Try
1. Nutty Twist – Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch.
2. Spiced Up – Mix in a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a warmer flavor.
3. Citrus Burst – Use orange marmalade and add zest for a bright, tangy kick.
Jam Swirled Sweet Potato Bread: A Gluten-Free Delight
- Total Time: 75
- Yield: 1 loaf (10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Jam-Swirled Sweet Potato Bread is a moist, flavorful gluten-free loaf that perfectly bridges the gap between breakfast and dessert. Earthy sweet potato puree provides a tender crumb, while a ribbon of tart jam adds a beautiful pop of color and sweetness. It’s a comforting bake that stays soft for days.
Ingredients
— Wet Ingredients —
¾ cup (6 oz) sweet potato puree (canned or homemade)
2 large eggs, room temperature
¾ cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons maple syrup
⅓ cup grapeseed oil (or canola/vegetable oil)
3 oz (6 tablespoons) water
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
— Dry Ingredients —
1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (Cup4Cup or similar)
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon plus ⅛ teaspoon baking powder
Scant ¼ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
— The Swirl —
3 ½ to 4 oz jam of your choice (cranberry, pomegranate, or raspberry work best)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan generously and line the bottom with a strip of parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweet potato puree, maple syrup, sugar, eggs, salt, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and oil until smooth and well combined.
3. Add the gluten-free flour, baking powder, and baking soda to the wet mixture. Whisk gently until just combined and no streaks of flour remain.
4. Stir in the water until the batter is smooth. (The batter may be slightly thinner than standard quick bread batter; this is normal).
5. Pour about half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out to cover the bottom.
6. Stir your jam to loosen it up, then drizzle or spoon it evenly over the bottom layer of batter. You can swirl it slightly with a knife if desired, but a simple layer works well too.
7. Top with the remaining batter, smoothing it over the jam layer gently.
8. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes. Gluten-free flours often take longer to hydrate and bake through than wheat flour. The bread is done when the top is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edges and invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Flour Note: If your gluten-free flour blend does not contain xanthan gum, add ½ teaspoon to the dry ingredients. If using a blend like Bob’s Red Mill without binders, you may want to add a flax egg (1 tbsp flax meal + 3 tbsp water) to help structure.
Sweet Potato Puree: You can roast a sweet potato and mash it, or use plain canned sweet potato puree (not yam pie filling).
Jam Selection: A tart jam provides the best contrast to the sweet, earthy bread. Cranberry, raspberry, or blackberry are delicious choices.
Storage: Wrap tightly and store at room temperature for 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 60
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 190
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 35
FAQ
Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace the Cup4Cup flour substitute with all-purpose flour for a non-gluten-free version.
How do I store this bread?
Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Can I make this bread vegan?
Try substituting the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) and use a vegan-friendly jam.
Final Thoughts
This Jam Swirled Sweet Potato Bread is a must-try for anyone who loves a moist, flavorful loaf with a fruity twist. Whether you enjoy it toasted with butter or as a sweet snack, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
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