Weekend Cabin-Style Sweet Loaf

Featured in: Weekend Bright-Brunch Recipes

This moist loaf combines roasted sweet potatoes with toasted pecans for a warmly spiced treat perfect on cozy weekends. The soft texture is balanced by a touch of maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg, bringing a delightful blend of flavors. Easy to prepare, it bakes to a golden crust and is perfect for breakfast or a snack. Variations like adding crystallized ginger or swapping pecans for walnuts enhance its rich character. Serve warm with butter or cinnamon cream cheese for extra comfort.

Updated on Tue, 09 Dec 2025 15:18:00 GMT
A warm slice of Weekend Cabin-Style Sweet Potato and Pecan Loaf, freshly baked and golden brown. Save on Pinterest
A warm slice of Weekend Cabin-Style Sweet Potato and Pecan Loaf, freshly baked and golden brown. | lemoncairn.com

A warmly spiced, moist loaf featuring roasted sweet potatoes and crunchy pecans—perfect for cozy weekends by the fire.

I love making this loaf on chilly weekends as it fills the house with warm spices and brings everyone to the kitchen.

Ingredients

  • Wet Ingredients: 1 cup (225 g) cooked, mashed sweet potato (from about 1 large sweet potato), 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil or melted butter, 1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk or milk, 2/3 cup (130 g) light brown sugar packed, 1/4 cup (60 ml) pure maple syrup, 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Dry Ingredients: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/4 tsp ground ginger, 1/8 tsp ground cloves
  • Add-ins: 1 cup (110 g) pecan halves or pieces toasted, 1/3 cup (60 g) golden raisins or dried cranberries (optional)

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x5-inch (23x13 cm) loaf pan with parchment paper.
Step 2:
Pierce the sweet potato with a fork roast at 400°F (200°C) until soft (about 45 minutes) then cool peel and mash until smooth.
Step 3:
In a large bowl whisk together the mashed sweet potato eggs oil or melted butter buttermilk brown sugar maple syrup and vanilla until thoroughly combined.
Step 4:
In a separate bowl whisk the flour baking powder baking soda salt cinnamon nutmeg ginger and cloves.
Step 5:
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined do not overmix.
Step 6:
Fold in pecans and optional raisins or cranberries.
Step 7:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top and sprinkle with a few extra pecans if desired.
Step 8:
Bake for 50–55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 9:
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes then lift out and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
This moist Weekend Cabin-Style Sweet Potato and Pecan Loaf shows a close-up of crunchy pecans on top. Save on Pinterest
This moist Weekend Cabin-Style Sweet Potato and Pecan Loaf shows a close-up of crunchy pecans on top. | lemoncairn.com

Sharing this loaf at the cabin always creates warm and happy family moments filled with smiles and second helpings.

Required Tools

9x5-inch (23x13 cm) loaf pan Mixing bowls Whisk Rubber spatula Parchment paper Wire rack

Allergen Information

Contains Eggs Milk (dairy) Tree nuts (pecans) Gluten (wheat). If using plant-based milk and oil can be made dairy-free. Always check labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Per slice based on 10 slices Calories: 265 Total Fat: 13 g Carbohydrates: 34 g Protein: 4 g

Enjoy a slice of homemade Weekend Cabin-Style Sweet Potato and Pecan Loaf, perfect for breakfast. Save on Pinterest
Enjoy a slice of homemade Weekend Cabin-Style Sweet Potato and Pecan Loaf, perfect for breakfast. | lemoncairn.com

This sweet potato pecan loaf is a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the warm flavors and comforting texture in every slice.

Recipe Questions & Answers

How do I roast the sweet potatoes properly?

Pierce sweet potatoes with a fork and roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 45 minutes until soft. Let cool before peeling and mashing smooth.

Can I substitute pecans with other nuts?

Yes, walnuts can be used as an alternative to pecans, providing a slightly different but complementary flavor and texture.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?

You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk or a dairy-free alternative mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar for a similar tang.

How can I add extra flavor to the loaf?

Adding 2 tablespoons of finely chopped crystallized ginger enhances the warm spice notes and adds a subtle zing.

What is the best way to store the loaf?

Wrap the loaf tightly and freeze for up to two months, or keep refrigerated and consume within a few days for freshness.

Weekend Cabin-Style Sweet Loaf

A warmly spiced loaf with roasted sweet potatoes and crunchy pecans, ideal for comforting weekend moments.

Prep Time
20 min
Time to Cook
55 min
Overall Time
75 min


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 8 Portions

Dietary details Meat-Free

What You Need

Wet Ingredients

01 1 cup cooked, mashed sweet potato (from about 1 large sweet potato)
02 2 large eggs
03 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
04 1/2 cup buttermilk or milk
05 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
06 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
07 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
03 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
06 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
08 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

Add-ins

01 1 cup pecan halves or pieces, toasted
02 1/3 cup golden raisins or dried cranberries (optional)

How to Make It

Step 01

Prepare oven and pan: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan; line with parchment paper.

Step 02

Roast and mash sweet potato: Pierce sweet potato with a fork and roast at 400°F until soft, about 45 minutes. Cool, peel, and mash until smooth.

Step 03

Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together mashed sweet potato, eggs, oil or melted butter, buttermilk, brown sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until uniform.

Step 04

Mix dry ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves in a separate bowl.

Step 05

Incorporate dry into wet: Gently fold dry mixture into wet until just combined, avoiding overmixing.

Step 06

Add nuts and dried fruit: Fold in toasted pecans and optional dried fruit evenly.

Step 07

Fill pan and smooth batter: Transfer batter to loaf pan, smooth surface, and optionally sprinkle with extra pecans.

Step 08

Bake the loaf: Bake 50–55 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 09

Cool before slicing: Cool loaf in pan 10 minutes, then remove to wire rack until completely cool before slicing.

Equipment Needed

  • 9x5-inch loaf pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire cooling rack

Allergy Alerts

Review ingredients for allergens and contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
  • Contains eggs, dairy, tree nuts (pecans), and gluten (wheat).
  • Use plant-based milk and oil to make dairy-free; verify all ingredient labels for allergens.

Nutrition Info (per serving)

Nutritional content is for informational use and is not a substitute for healthcare advice.
  • Calorie Count: 265
  • Total Fat: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Proteins: 4 g