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Home » Recipes » Desserts » Sweet Potato Banana Bread

Sweet Potato Banana Bread

By Taesha Butler May 3, 2021 (Updated November 30, 2022) 15 Comments

Servings8 servings
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Jump to Recipe
5 from 15 votes

Super moist texture, the perfect balance of natural sweetness, and studded with chocolate chips, this sweet potato banana bread is quick to become a favorite. Easy to make and lighter on sugar than most banana bread recipes. Perfect for a healthier dessert or fun snack option.

Sweet potato banana bread on a cooling rack with a slice cut from it.

Banana bread. It’s a classic. Through and through and loved by (pretty much) everyone.

It also not above being veggie-loaded.

Are you doubting me? My Carrot Banana Bread is, hands down, a reader favorite (their kids love it too!) and the perfect example of how adding veggies to a beloved, classic recipe can help you:

1) eat move veggies without even really noticing it

2) have a positive experience with a veggie that, maybe, you don’t think you are all that fond of and help you realize that maybe, in fact, you do like it in some ways…

How does this banana bread fit into the veggie-loaded approach?

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I talk a lot about the key to learning to love your vegetables is trying them in lots of different ways. I believe this. I have tried this. I live it every day. I am living proof. So is my daughter. And husband. And seeing how preschool students I had for many years who helped me cook up some of my first veggie-loaded recipes (like Oatmeal Green Smoothie Muffins) responded to vegetables after some time with the veggie-loaded approach made me a believer in this method.

And helping all of YOU and your crew love your veggies is my why behind every single recipe I create.

This bread is sweet and fluffy and full of banana goodness just like you want out of banana bread. But it also has sweet potatoes who are (true to their name) naturally sweet like bananas and also happen to be a vegetable.

But because sweet potatoes ARE a vegetable, some people automatically write them off.

Or some people are just downright iffy about the taste of them. My daughter being one. She is not big on sweet potatoes in their natural form. Sweet potato fries or roasted sweet potatoes at dinner do nothing for her. But in this bread. WOW, she loves sweet potatoes.

Process shots of how to make sweet potato banana bread.

But the veggie-loaded approach is about so much more than JUST getting your kid, your partner, or even you to eat more veggies. It is about teaching that veggies can be eaten in LOTS of different ways. Some ways you’ll love. Some ways you won’t. And that is okay!

The point of the veggie-loaded approach is to help you (or whoever you are trying to inspire to love their veggies) is open your mind to trying veggies in lots of ways and having a positive relationship with them instead of them feeling like a chore in your goal of being “healthy”.

The getting more veggies in is totally the goal, but the journey to that place is so much more important.

This sweet potato banana bread is so so so good because…

  • Perfectly sweet. Without overdoing it! Ripe bananas and the natural sweetness from the sweet potatoes bring the perfect balance that you only need a little honey or maple syrup. And the chocolate chips make it next level yum!
  • Moist. It almost melts in your mouth.
  • Easy to make! Blend up the wet ingredients for an extra smooth bread and dump it into your dry. Mix and bake. So easy!
  • Sweet potatoes. If you follow the veggie-loaded approach, this banana bread is a great way to not only add sweet potatoes to your diet, but to also give an iffy sweet potato eater a positive experience with those orange spuds! My daughter isn’t a fan of roasted sweet potatoes but loves this bread. She will hold onto the memory that she “sometimes likes sweet potatoes because I liked that sweet potato bread mom made” and be open to trying sweet potatoes in new and different place….even if she doesn’t like sweet potatoes in all ways, she is exploring ways she does like them.
  • Perfect as a healthier dessert or fun snack. Heck, you could even call it breakfast. Yum!
The batter for sweet potato banana bread in a bowl with a spoon and chocolate chips.

Tips and tricks for making this sweet potato bread

  • Make sure the bananas are ripe. For best results, your bananas should be brown and spotty. As bananas ripen they get sweeter and softer, making them perfect for banana baked goods…like these sweet potato bread!
  • Let the loaf cool in pan for at least 20 minutes. Baked goods continue to bake even after they are removed from the oven and will firm up as they sit. Removing this banana bread to early from the pan might make it lose its shape.
  • Use parchment paper to line your loaf pan. I love this brand because it is compostable and find its the best for leaving your loaf pan as clean as possible and easily peeling off of your sweet potato bread. Another option is generously grease your loaf pan with some spray or your favorite cooking oil so there is minimal sticking.
Sweet potato banana bread after backing in the loaf pan. Two hands are holding the loaf pan with a white tea cloth.

How to store this banana bread

I highly suggest storing this loaf in an airtight container or large bag (I use these) in your refrigerator. Because its are so moist and full of banana and sweet potato goodness, storing it in the refrigerator will keep fresh for as long as possible and prevent mold from eating your bread before you get to! Yikes 😬

Also, you can freeze this sweet potato bread. Either slice it so you can enjoy it by the slice whenever you want or freeze the loaf to defrost and share later on! I like to store this in a large freezer bag or freezer-safe large container.

To defrost, I like to take it out of the freezer and leave it on the counter to thaw overnight.

Suggested adaptations

  • Omit chocolate chips. Or just sprinkle a few on top for a boost of fun.
  • Add chopped nuts to the batter. I think chopped pecans or walnuts would be magical in this sweet potato banana bread.
  • Bake as muffins at the same temperature as directed for about 20-23 minutes.
  • Replace the sweet potato with butternut squash puree or even pumpkin puree. I find these three orange veggies very interchangeable in many recipes.
  • Sub banana with unsweetened applesauce if you are not a banana fan or simply don’t have any ripe fruits on hand.
  • Make it gluten free by replacing the flour with a gluten free cup-for-cup flour. I like this one.
Sweet potato banana bread on a cooling rack with 3 slices cut from it.

More sweet potato recipes that you simply must try!

  • Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes
  • Sweet Potato Peanut Butter Muffins
  • Healthy Blueberry Sweet Potato Bread
  • Easy Sweet Potato Cookies
  • Baked Apple Sweet Potato Oatmeal
  • Sweet Potato Apple Sausage Skillet
  • Sheet Pan Sausage and Veggies
  • Instant Pot Black Bean & Sweet Potato Chili

Did you try this sweet potato banana bread and now you’re hungry for more? 

Sign up so that my newsletter is delivered straight to your inbox. And be sure to follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all kinds of veggie-loaded living ideas!

A slice of sweet potato banana bread on a white plate with a fork and strawberries.
Print Recipe
5 from 15 votes

Sweet Potato Banana Bread

Super moist texture, the perfect balance of natural sweetness, and studded with chocolate chips, this sweet potato banana bread is quick to become a favorite. Easy to make and lighter on sugar than most banana bread recipes. Perfect for a healthier dessert or fun snack option.
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Keyword: banana bread, sweet potato bread, sweet potato recipe, veggie-loaded applesauce
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 207kcal
Author: Taesha Butler

Ingredients 

  • 3/4 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato can sub with canned sweet potato puree
  • 3/4 cup mashed ripe banana
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
  • 1/4 cup melted coconut oil or avocado oil
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar can sub lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup chocolate chips

Instructions 

  • Preheat an oven to 350 ℉ and line a loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it with extra oil to prevent sticking.
  • In a blender combine mashed sweet potato, mashed banana, maple syrup/honey, eggs, vanilla, oil, and vinegar and blend until smooth. Set aside.
  • In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Stir together and then pour the contents of the blender into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined and batter has a smooth consistency.
  • Fold in chocolate chips, reserving some for the top of the bread, if desired.
  • Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to spread the batter evenly throughout the pan. Top with a few reserved chocolate chips, if desired.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes.
  • Let loaf cool in pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire cooling rack. Slice into 8 pieces and enjoy!
  • Let cool completely and store in an air-tight container in fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for a month.

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice | Calories: 207kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 291mg | Potassium: 216mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1841IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 64mg | Iron: 1mg

The nutritional information is provided as an estimate only and may vary based on the product type, servings and other factors. If you are following a diet, please consult with a professional nutritionist or your doctor. Stay healthy!

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Filed Under: Breakfast, Desserts, Meal Prep, Vegetarian Tagged With: sweet potato

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Reader Interactions

    Leave a comment & rate this recipe Cancel reply

    Did you make this recipe? So good, right? It would mean the world to me if you left a comment and star rating so that more people can see how delicious veggie-loading can be. Plus, it helps me to see what recipes you are all loving so I can make more like them.

    Thanks for taking the time to share your feedback.

    Recipe Rating




    Comments

  1. Tiffany

    July 13, 2021 at 10:14 pm

    5 stars
    This may be the best bread I’ve ever made. Absolutely delicious! I used a bag of frozen cut up sweet potatoes that I cooked in the microwave and it worked perfectly. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Taesha Butler

      July 14, 2021 at 11:24 am

      Oh that is such a great hack! Thanks for sharing and I am so glad you enjoyed the bread!

      Reply
  2. Minda

    July 20, 2021 at 1:55 am

    5 stars
    Family approved (husband + 3 yr + 15 mo)! Would definitely make these again. I went the muffin route because it makes the perfect grab-n-go breakfast/snack. Per the notes, I cooked for just over 20-min and they came out great. Thanks for a delicious recipe.

    Reply
    • Taesha Butler

      July 24, 2021 at 2:57 pm

      Love it when the family loves it! Thanks for sharing and I am so glad this recipe was a success for you!

      Reply
  3. Eva

    December 31, 2021 at 6:51 pm

    5 stars
    I love this! The bread came out super tasty, perfect amount of sweetness (I replaced the sweet potato with pumpkin, and used about equal parts of raisins, cranberries and chocolate chips to make 1/3 cup) and perfectly moist but holds together (baked for 45 min). I love the versatility of your recipes. Seriously, TNN is one of my top favourite discoveries of the year : ) Wishing you and your family a happy new one!

    Reply
    • Taesha Butler

      January 1, 2022 at 4:18 pm

      Thank you so much, Eva! That warms my heart so much to hear. Happy New Year to you and your’s.

      Reply
  4. Kage

    February 13, 2022 at 3:38 pm

    5 stars
    I love this so much and will be baking this every few months! Instead of 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour I used 1 cup oat flour, 1/4 cup chickpea flour and 1/4 almond flour. The texture is definitely not as “bready” but the flavour is all there! Thank you 😀

    Reply
    • Taesha Butler

      February 13, 2022 at 5:26 pm

      Love the swaps you made, Kage! And s glad you loved it!

      Reply
  5. Kim

    April 21, 2022 at 12:29 pm

    5 stars
    SO good! Not overly sweet but cinnamon warms up the flavors. Love having both sweet potato and banana in it!

    Reply
    • Taesha Butler

      April 21, 2022 at 1:05 pm

      So glad you enjoyed it as much as we do!

      Reply
  6. Catherine Maxey

    September 28, 2022 at 11:20 am

    5 stars
    Great recipe. I used the applesauce option. Reduced oil to 2T and texture was still good. Baked as muffins for 20 minutes.

    Reply
  7. Jasmine

    February 28, 2023 at 7:27 am

    5 stars
    I made this at the weekend and it was amazing! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Taesha Butler

      February 28, 2023 at 8:40 am

      So glad you enjoyed it so much, Jasmine! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review!

      Reply
  8. Abby

    March 4, 2023 at 3:16 pm

    5 stars
    The bread was super moist and not overly sweet. I used half whole wheat flour and half oat flour and it turned out great. I’ll definitely be making this again!

    Reply
    • Taesha Butler

      March 5, 2023 at 8:48 am

      So glad you enjoyed it, Abby! Love the oat flour idea! I need to try that in my next batch.

      Reply

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Hi! I'm Taesha! I help busy people fall in love with healthy eating with my simple, family-friendly, veggie-loaded recipes. I believe vegetables can and SHOULD be delicious. Here, let me show you how!

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