Sweet Potato Banana Bread is a delicious way to combine ripe bananas and cooked sweet potatoes into one soft, moist homemade loaf. Naturally sweetened with maple syrup or honey, this easy banana bread also features warm cinnamon, whole wheat flour, and chocolate chips for a little extra sweetness in every slice.
The mashed sweet potato gives the bread a wonderfully moist texture, while ripe bananas add natural sweetness and familiar banana bread flavor. Everything comes together with a blender and one mixing bowl, making preparation simple and convenient.
Whether you enjoy a slice for breakfast, serve it as an afternoon snack, or save a piece for dessert, this sweet potato banana bread is a lovely recipe to keep in your baking collection.
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Banana Bread
- Moist and tender texture: Mashed sweet potato and ripe banana work together to create a soft, moist loaf.
- Naturally sweetened: Maple syrup or honey adds sweetness without relying on a large amount of granulated sugar.
- Made with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour gives the bread a hearty texture and makes it a satisfying homemade baking option.
- Chocolate chips in every bite: Chocolate chips add little pockets of sweetness that complement the banana and cinnamon.
- Simple preparation: The wet ingredients are blended together before being combined with the dry ingredients in one bowl.
- Versatile serving option: Enjoy a slice for breakfast, as a snack, or as a simple homemade dessert.
Sweet Potato Banana Bread Ingredients
You only need a handful of everyday ingredients to make this easy sweet potato banana bread. Each ingredient contributes to the loaf’s flavor, sweetness, or texture.
Sweet Potato and Banana
- Cooked and mashed sweet potato: This is one of the key ingredients responsible for the bread’s moist texture. You can also use canned sweet potato puree.
- Mashed ripe banana: Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture. They also give the bread its familiar banana flavor.
Natural Sweeteners and Wet Ingredients
- Maple syrup or honey: Either option adds sweetness and helps balance the flavors of the sweet potato and banana.
- Coconut oil or avocado oil: Melted coconut oil or avocado oil provides moisture and richness.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds acidity to the wet mixture. Lemon juice can be used as a substitute.
- Vanilla extract: Gives the bread a pleasant vanilla aroma and complements the banana flavor.
- Eggs: Help bind the ingredients together and give the loaf structure.
Dry Ingredients
- Whole wheat flour: Forms the structure of the bread and gives it a hearty texture.
- Cinnamon: Adds warm spice that pairs naturally with sweet potato and banana.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Help the loaf rise as it bakes.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings the other flavors together.
- Chocolate chips: Add sweet chocolate flavor throughout the bread. You can also reserve a few to sprinkle over the top before baking.
Helpful Tips for Making Sweet Potato Banana Bread
A few simple preparation details can help you get the best results from this recipe.
- Use ripe bananas: Ripe bananas are easier to mash and naturally sweeter than underripe bananas.
- Measure the sweet potato carefully: Use 3/4 cup of cooked and mashed sweet potato. If using canned puree, measure the same amount.
- Blend the wet ingredients until smooth: Combining the sweet potato, banana, eggs, oil, and other wet ingredients in a blender creates an evenly mixed base.
- Avoid overmixing the batter: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix until well combined and smooth. Avoid unnecessary mixing.
- Reserve some chocolate chips: Set aside a few chocolate chips to sprinkle over the loaf before baking for an attractive finish.
- Prepare the loaf pan properly: Line the pan with parchment paper or grease it with extra oil to help prevent sticking.
- Allow the bread to cool: Let the loaf rest in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire cooling rack.
How to Make Sweet Potato Banana Bread
This sweet potato banana bread comes together in a few simple steps using a blender, a mixing bowl, and a loaf pan.
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Loaf Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it with extra oil to prevent the bread from sticking. Set the prepared pan aside while you make the batter.
Step 2: Blend the Wet Ingredients
Add the following ingredients to a blender:
- 3/4 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato
- 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
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
Blend everything until smooth and evenly combined. Set the mixture aside.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Stir the ingredients together so the baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Step 4: Make the Batter
Pour the blended wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients.
Mix until everything is well combined and the batter has a smooth consistency. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Add the chocolate chips and gently fold them into the batter.
If you want chocolate chips on top of the finished loaf, reserve a few before mixing them into the batter.
Step 6: Transfer the Batter to the Loaf Pan
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan.
Use a spatula to spread it evenly throughout the pan. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips over the top, if desired.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
Place the loaf pan in the preheated 350°F oven.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the bread is baked through.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
Transfer the loaf to a wire cooling rack and allow it to cool before slicing.
Cut into 8 slices and enjoy!
Variations and Substitutions
One of the convenient things about this recipe is that it includes a few ingredient alternatives.
- Use canned sweet potato puree: If you don’t have cooked sweet potato ready, canned sweet potato puree can replace the mashed sweet potato.
- Choose maple syrup or honey: Both options work as the sweetener in this recipe.
- Change the oil: Use melted coconut oil or avocado oil, depending on what you have available.
- Replace apple cider vinegar: Lemon juice can be used instead.
- Adjust the chocolate chips: You can fold all the chocolate chips into the batter or reserve a few for decorating the top.
These options allow you to prepare the recipe with ingredients you already have without changing its basic method.
Serving Suggestions
Sweet potato banana bread is delicious served on its own, making it an easy option for breakfast or a quick snack.
Here are a few simple ways to enjoy it:
- Serve a slice alongside your regular breakfast.
- Enjoy a piece as an afternoon snack.
- Add a slice to a homemade brunch spread.
- Serve it as a simple dessert when you want something sweet without preparing a complicated recipe.
The chocolate chips make each slice feel like a little treat, while the banana, sweet potato, and cinnamon give the bread a warm homemade flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned sweet potato puree instead of fresh sweet potato?
Yes. The recipe specifically allows canned sweet potato puree as a substitute for cooked and mashed sweet potato. Use the same quantity: 3/4 cup.
Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Yes. Honey and maple syrup are both listed as options in this recipe. Use 1/4 cup of either one.
How ripe should the bananas be?
Use ripe bananas that are soft enough to mash easily. Ripe bananas are naturally sweeter and blend smoothly with the sweet potato.
Can I make sweet potato banana bread without chocolate chips?
Chocolate chips add sweetness and chocolate flavor, but you can leave them out if you prefer. The recipe’s other ingredients and preparation method remain the same.
How do I know when the banana bread is ready?
Bake the loaf at 350°F for 35–40 minutes. The recipe gives this as the baking window. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This sweet potato banana bread is easy to prepare ahead and store for later.
- Refrigerator: Allow the loaf to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze the bread for up to 1 month.
- Individual slices: Slice the loaf into 8 pieces before freezing if you prefer to take out individual portions.
- Before storing: Make sure the bread has cooled completely before placing it in an airtight container.
Freezing individual slices can make it easier to enjoy a portion whenever you want homemade banana bread without preparing a fresh loaf.
Make This Sweet Potato Banana Bread for Breakfast or Snacking
If you love homemade banana bread, this sweet potato banana bread is a delicious variation worth trying. Mashed sweet potato, ripe banana, warm cinnamon, and chocolate chips come together to create a moist loaf with plenty of flavor.
It’s simple to prepare, easy to store, and perfect for breakfast, afternoon snacking, or a homemade dessert. Save this recipe and enjoy a slice whenever you’re craving something sweet and comforting.
Sweet Potato Banana Bread (Moist, Easy & Made with Chocolate Chips)
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.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato (can substitute 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 substitute 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 the oven: Preheat an oven to 350°F and line a loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it with extra oil to prevent sticking.
- Blend the wet ingredients: In a blender, combine the mashed sweet potato, mashed banana, maple syrup or honey, eggs, vanilla, oil, and vinegar. Blend until smooth and set aside.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Stir together.
- Make the batter: Pour the contents of the blender into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined and the batter has a smooth consistency.
- Add the chocolate chips: Fold in the chocolate chips, reserving some for the top of the bread, if desired.
- Fill the loaf pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly throughout the pan. Top with a few reserved chocolate chips, if desired.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes.
- Cool and serve: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire cooling rack. Slice into 8 pieces and enjoy!
Notes
- Sweet potato: Cooked and mashed sweet potato can be replaced with canned sweet potato puree.
- Sweetener: Use either maple syrup or honey.
- Oil: Coconut oil can be replaced with avocado oil.
- Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can be replaced with lemon juice.
- Storage: Let the bread cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Store in the freezer for up to 1 month.
- Nutrition: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the ingredients and brands used.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American



