Sweet potato pudding is a timeless dessert loved across many cultures. Whether it’s the comforting Southern version or the more tropical Jamaican style, this dish is an excellent choice for gatherings, holidays, or even as a weekday treat. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients like vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants.
This guide will take you through the essential ingredients, detailed preparation steps, and some creative twists you can add to make the perfect sweet potato pudding. Along the way, I’ll highlight internal links to related recipes, offering opportunities to expand your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients for Sweet Potato Pudding
Here’s what you’ll need for the most traditional sweet potato pudding:
- 2 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and mashed or grated
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cups whole milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free option
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup melted butter or coconut oil for a vegan option
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup raisins, pecans, or marshmallows
Why Sweet Potato Pudding Is Special
The combination of sweet potatoes, spices, and butter or coconut milk creates a rich and flavorful dish that melts in your mouth. Plus, sweet potatoes are highly nutritious, loaded with vitamins and antioxidants. For a more detailed look at the health benefits of sweet potatoes, check out this nutritional guide.
Different regions have their takes on this dessert. For example, the Southern version leans towards a creamy custard, while the Jamaican style is dense and textured thanks to grated sweet potatoes. If you’re interested in trying other similar recipes, the sweet potato cheesecake pie offers a fantastic twist on this dessert.
Southern Sweet Potato Pudding Recipe
The Southern style of sweet potato pudding is creamy and comforting, with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s an ideal dish for Thanksgiving or any other holiday.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs mashed sweet potatoes
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Boil or bake the sweet potatoes until soft, then mash them.
- In a mixing bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, milk, eggs, butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Stir until smooth, then pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 45-60 minutes until the top is golden and a knife comes out clean.
For those who love baked dishes, you might enjoy exploring this baked rice pudding recipe for another classic dessert.
Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding Recipe
Jamaican sweet potato pudding is bold, dense, and full of rich, spiced flavors. This version uses grated sweet potatoes and coconut milk to bring out tropical notes.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs grated sweet potatoes
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter or coconut oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Peel and grate the sweet potatoes finely.
- Mix the grated sweet potatoes, coconut milk, sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt in a large bowl.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes until set.
For a decadent alternative, try sweet potato cheesecake brownies for a fusion of rich flavors and textures.
Vegan Sweet Potato Pudding Recipe
For those who follow a vegan diet, this version substitutes dairy and eggs with plant-based alternatives like coconut milk and flax eggs.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs mashed sweet potatoes
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup maple syrup or agave
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 3 flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare flax eggs by mixing ground flaxseed with water and letting it sit for 10 minutes until it thickens.
- In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, coconut milk, maple syrup, flax eggs, coconut oil, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Stir well and pour into a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 45-60 minutes or until set and golden.
For other comforting vegan recipes, you can explore Mexican street corn pasta salad, which pairs well as a side dish.
Sweet Potato Pudding Variations and Twists
Sweet potato pudding can be easily customized to suit your taste or dietary preferences:
- Top it with marshmallows: Add a layer of marshmallows before baking to create a sweet, fluffy topping.
- Add crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
- Infuse different flavors: A splash of bourbon, rum, or maple syrup can add a unique twist to your pudding.
- Experiment with spices: Swap cinnamon and nutmeg for cloves or ginger to enhance the flavor profile.
For another dessert variation that combines similar flavors, try this pecan pie muffins recipe, which brings in the crunchy sweetness of pecans.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Sweet potato pudding can be stored in the fridge for up to five days. Make sure to cover it well to prevent drying.
- Freezing: You can freeze the pudding for up to three months. Wrap it tightly in plastic and then in foil before freezing.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave or bake the entire dish at 300°F for 15-20 minutes.
If you’re a fan of make-ahead desserts, check out this banana bread cinnamon rolls recipe, another great option for prepping in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make sweet potato pudding ahead of time?
Yes! Sweet potato pudding can be made in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer. Reheat it before serving for the best results.
What if I want it less sweet?
You can reduce the sugar by up to half, or swap it out for natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! Canned sweet potatoes are a great time-saver. Just make sure to drain and mash them before using.
How can I make it gluten-free?
Most sweet potato pudding recipes are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check any toppings like marshmallows or sprinkles to ensure they’re gluten-free.
Conclusion
Sweet potato pudding is an adaptable, flavorful dessert that can be tailored to suit your preferences. Whether you go for the Southern version with mashed sweet potatoes or the Jamaican-style pudding with coconut milk, this dish will surely be a crowd-pleaser. With its rich flavors and versatility, this is a must-try dessert for any season.
For more classic dessert ideas, don’t miss out on this ultimate guide to butterscotch pie!