Sweet potato bread pudding is a delightful dessert that combines the comforting flavors of sweet potatoes with the richness of custard-soaked bread. This dish is not only a perfect way to use leftover bread but also a celebration of fall flavors, making it an ideal comfort food, especially during the cooler months. You’ll find that each bite of this pudding is a warm hug that leaves you feeling satisfied and content.
Why We Love This Sweet Potato Bread Pudding Recipe
There’s something truly special about sweet potato bread pudding. First, the combination of sweet potatoes and bread creates a unique texture that is both soft and hearty. The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes pairs perfectly with warm spices, resulting in a dessert that is exceptionally flavorful.
Moreover, sweet potato bread pudding is versatile. You can serve it as a cozy dessert after dinner or enjoy it as a sweet breakfast treat. It’s an ideal choice for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or a family dinner where you want to impress everyone with a home-cooked dish. The aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes is enough to make anyone’s mouth water, creating a perfect atmosphere for sharing and enjoying.
When paired with toppings like ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of whiskey butter sauce, this bread pudding becomes an indulgent experience you won’t forget.
Ingredients About Sweet Potato Bread Pudding
To create this delectable sweet potato bread pudding, you need the following ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups milk: Whole milk adds a rich creaminess to the custard.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: This brings in the necessary sweetness with a hint of caramel flavor.
- 1/4 cup maple syrup: Adding natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 4 eggs: These act as a binding agent, contributing to the custard-like texture.
- 2 cups sweet potato, cooked and pureed: This is the heart of the recipe, giving flavor and moisture.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Essential for warmth and spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a slight kick that complements the cinnamon.
- 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg: This enhances the flavor profile with its sweet and spicy notes.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/2 pound brioche or challah, cubed (7-8 cups): Provides a rich and fluffy base for the pudding.
Optional for serving:
- Ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Whiskey butter sauce
- Caramel sauce
How to Make Sweet Potato Bread Pudding Directions
To prepare this wonderful sweet potato bread pudding, follow these steps:
- Prepare the Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk, brown sugar, maple syrup, eggs, sweet potato puree, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Use a whisk to blend all the ingredients until smooth and well-combined.
- Add Bread Cubes: Add the cubed brioche or challah to the mixture. Gently stir the bread into the custard mixture, ensuring that every piece gets coated. Take your time to make sure there are no dry pieces remaining. You want each cube to soak up the delicious flavors.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease an 8×8 square baking dish with nonstick spray. This will ensure that your bread pudding comes out easily after baking.
- Combine and Rest: Pour the bread mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly for even baking. If you have any leftover custard at the bottom of the bowl, pour it over the top. This will add extra moisture to the pudding. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and allow it to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. For even better flavor, you can let it sit in the refrigerator overnight.
- Preheat and Bake: When you are ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the plastic wrap and place the baking dish into the oven. Bake for about 35-40 minutes. The pudding should be set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the bread pudding from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This will help the pudding firm up a bit.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Bread Pudding
Serving sweet potato bread pudding is an opportunity to enhance its appeal with your favorite toppings. Here are several delightful ways to serve it:
- Classic Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream is always a hit. The creaminess complements the warmth of the pudding beautifully.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream provides a light contrast to the dense pudding.
- Whiskey Butter Sauce: If you’re looking for an adult twist, a drizzle of whiskey butter sauce enhances the flavors and adds a rich touch.
- Caramel Sauce: For those with a sweet tooth, caramel sauce is a fantastic addition that adds extra sweetness and a delicious gooey texture.
Additionally, you can garnish your pudding with a sprinkle of cinnamon or some toasted pecans for added crunch and flavor. Overall, how you serve this bread pudding can make it even more satisfying and enjoyable.
Expert Tips: Sweet Potato Bread Pudding
To achieve the best results for your sweet potato bread pudding, consider these expert tips:
- Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes: If possible, use fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned puree for more flavorful results. Roast or steam them until tender, then mash.
- Cube Bread Ahead of Time: To ensure even soaking, cut your bread into cubes the night before. Let them sit out overnight to dry slightly—this prevents them from becoming overly soggy.
- Customize Your Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your preference. If you love nutmeg, add a bit more, or experiment with additional spices like cloves or allspice.
- Check for Doneness: Every oven behaves differently, so it’s essential to check the pudding around the 35-minute mark. Insert a knife into the center; if it comes out clean, the pudding is ready.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the pudding to cool slightly before cutting will help it hold its shape when serving.
How to Store Sweet Potato Bread Pudding
If you happen to have leftovers, storing sweet potato bread pudding is straightforward:
- Refrigerate: Place any uneaten portions in an airtight container, and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Reheat Gently: When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, gently reheat individual portions in the microwave or the oven. If reheating in the oven, cover it with foil to prevent drying out.
- Freezing Options: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions too. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating when ready to eat.
Variation of Sweet Potato Bread Pudding
Sweet potato bread pudding is versatile, and there are numerous ways to put your twist on this classic recipe:
- Nut Variation: Add walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft pudding.
- Fruit Add-ins: Mix in some chopped apples or cranberries for added flavor and sweetness. This not only adds texture but also a fruity component to the dish.
- Nut Butter: Stir in a few tablespoons of nut butter into the custard for a creamy richness and a hint of nuttiness.
- Chocolate Chips: If you’re a chocolate lover, consider folding in some semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a delectable upgrade.
- Spice Variations: Experiment with different warm spices, such as cardamom or turmeric, to create a unique flavor profile.
FAQs
What makes sweet potato bread pudding special?
Sweet potato bread pudding stands out due to its combination of sweet potatoes and warm spices, providing a unique flavor and texture compared to traditional bread puddings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to utilize leftover bread!
Can I use any type of bread?
Absolutely! While brioche or challah are recommended for their richness, you can experiment with other types of bread like French bread, sourdough, or even whole wheat bread, depending on your preference.
How do I know when the pudding is done?
The pudding is done when the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Inserting a knife into the center should come out clean if it’s fully cooked.
Can I prepare the pudding in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the bread pudding a day ahead. Just cover it and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
What toppings go well with sweet potato bread pudding?
Sweet potato bread pudding pairs wonderfully with ice cream, whipped cream, caramel sauce, or a drizzle of whiskey butter sauce for an extra indulgent experience.
Sweet Potato Bread Pudding
Ingredients
For the custard mixture
- 1.25 cups whole milk Adds a rich creaminess to the custard.
- 0.25 cups brown sugar Brings sweetness with a hint of caramel flavor.
- 0.25 cups maple syrup Provides natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 4 pieces eggs Acts as a binding agent.
- 2 cups sweet potato, cooked and pureed The core ingredient providing flavor and moisture.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Essential for warmth and spice.
- 0.5 teaspoon ground ginger Adds a slight kick.
- 0.25 teaspoon grated nutmeg Enhances overall flavor profile.
- 0.25 teaspoon salt Balances sweetness.
- 0.5 pound brioche or challah, cubed (7-8 cups) Provides a rich and fluffy base for the pudding.
Optional for serving
- ice cream Enhances the flavor profile.
- whipped cream Adds a light contrast.
- whiskey butter sauce Adds an indulgent touch.
- caramel sauce Fantastic for sweet lovers.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, combine milk, brown sugar, maple syrup, eggs, sweet potato puree, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk until smooth.
- Add cubed brioche or challah to the mixture and stir gently until the bread is well-coated.
- Lightly grease an 8x8 square baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Pour the bread mixture into the baking dish, ensuring it's evenly spread. Cover with plastic wrap and let it sit for about 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate overnight.
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Remove the plastic wrap and bake the pudding for about 35-40 minutes, until set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Let the bread pudding cool slightly before serving.
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