Why We Love This Sweet Potato Pudding Recipe

This sweet potato pudding recipe is a cherished favorite, and it’s easy to see why. First and foremost, it boasts a rich and creamy texture that melts in your mouth with each bite. The combination of sweet potatoes, butter, and spices makes this dessert incredibly flavorful. Furthermore, it’s versatile enough to be served warm or at room temperature, making it ideal for any occasion.

The use of simple, staple ingredients means that you can whip this pudding up whenever you want. Plus, it freezes beautifully, allowing you to prepare it in advance for those busy days when you want something special but don’t have the time to bake from scratch. When you serve this dish to your guests or family, the smiles on their faces will affirm just how loved this sweet potato pudding truly is.

Ingredients for Sweet Potato Pudding

To make this delicious sweet potato pudding, here’s what you’ll need:

2 sticks unsalted butter
1 and 1/2 cups sugar
2 tablespoons flour
8 medium or large sweet potatoes
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon extract
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 cans (12 oz each) evaporated milk

These ingredients come together to create a dessert that’s bursting with flavor and texture. It’s important to use fresh, quality ingredients to achieve the best results in your pudding.

How to Make Sweet Potato Pudding Directions

Creating your own sweet potato pudding is a simple yet rewarding process. Start by gathering your ingredients and ensuring you have all the necessary tools on hand, including a large mixing bowl, a small bowl, an electric hand mixer, and a 9 x 13 inch baking dish.

Begin by placing the sticks of unsalted butter into a very large mixing bowl. Set this aside for now.
Next, take a small bowl and combine the sugar and flour. Mix them well and set this mixture aside.
In a large pot, boil the sweet potatoes with their skin on until they are fork-tender, which usually takes about 30 to 40 minutes. Once cooked, remove the skin from the sweet potatoes and transfer the potatoes to the bowl with the butter.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is perfect for baking your pudding to achieve that nice golden top and creamy center.
Using your electric hand mixer, blend the sweet potatoes and butter together until the mixture is smooth and free from lumps.
Add the eggs one by one while continuously mixing. This will ensure a light and airy pudding.
Incorporate the vanilla extract, lemon extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg into the mixture. The spices will elevate the flavor profile, adding warmth and depth to the pudding.
Gradually fold in the sugar and flour mixture until everything is fully combined.
Finally, stir in the evaporated milk, mixing until the pudding is smooth and creamy.
Pour the mixture into your pre-greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
Bake the pudding in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes to an hour. To check for doneness, gently shake the baking dish; if the center jiggles too much, continue baking.
Once ready, remove the pudding from the oven and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before serving.

This waiting period allows the pudding to firm up a bit, making it easier to slice and serve.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Pudding

Serving your sweet potato pudding can be as creative as you want it to be. You can enjoy it warm on its own for a cozy dessert, or elevate it with toppings. A dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped nuts can add an extra layer of texture to your serving.

If you’re planning to serve it for a special occasion, consider presenting it in individual ramekins for an elegant touch. This also allows your guests to help themselves without the mess of slicing. Pair your pudding with coffee or tea for a delightful end to your meal.

For a festive twist, consider adding seasonal spices or toppings, such as pecans or marshmallows, which complement the sweet potato beautifully. You could even drizzle some caramel sauce for that extra touch of indulgence.

Expert Tips: Sweet Potato Pudding

To ensure that your sweet potato pudding turns out perfectly, here are some expert tips:

Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: Use sweet potatoes that are firm and free from blemishes. You can use a variety of sweet potato, but orange-fleshed sweet potatoes yield the best flavor and texture for puddings.
Avoid Overmixing: While it’s important to mix your ingredients well, overmixing can lead to a denser pudding. Mix just until incorporated for the best results.
Check for Doneness: Every oven varies, so keep an eye on your pudding toward the end of the baking time. Adjust the time as needed to ensure you’re not overcooking.
Let It Rest: Giving the pudding time to set after removing it from the oven helps improve its texture and makes it easier to slice.

How to Store Sweet Potato Pudding

If you have leftovers, you can store your sweet potato pudding for future enjoyment. Allow the pudding to cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will last for about one week.

For longer storage, you can freeze the pudding. Wrap it securely and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Variations of Sweet Potato Pudding

While the classic sweet potato pudding recipe is delightful on its own, there are plenty of variations you can try to keep things interesting.

Nutty Sweet Potato Pudding: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the pudding mixture before baking for a delightful crunch.
Chocolate Sweet Potato Pudding: Stir in some cocoa powder or chocolate chips for a rich chocolate twist. The sweetness of the pudding will complement the chocolate beautifully.
Spiced Sweet Potato Pudding: Experiment with different spices such as cardamom or ginger to create a unique flavor profile in your pudding.
Salted Caramel Sweet Potato Pudding: Drizzle caramel sauce on top of the assembled pudding before it goes in the oven, or add a touch of sea salt to enhance the sweetness.

These variations allow you to customize your sweet potato pudding while keeping the original recipe’s essence intact.

FAQ

What is sweet potato pudding?
Sweet potato pudding is a baked dessert made primarily with sweet potatoes, butter, sugar, eggs, and various spices to create a creamy and rich dish.

Can I make sweet potato pudding ahead of time?
Absolutely! Sweet potato pudding can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just remember to let it cool completely before covering it.

What is the best way to reheat sweet potato pudding?
To reheat, simply place the pudding in an oven-safe dish and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through. You can also use a microwave, but the oven will give you a better texture.

How do I know when sweet potato pudding is done?
The pudding is done when it’s set but still slightly jiggles in the center. A gentle shake will help you determine its readiness.

Sweet Potato Pudding

A rich and creamy dessert made with sweet potatoes, perfect for any occasion, packed with flavor and nutrients.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

Oven
Large mixing bowl
Electric Hand Mixer
9 x 13 inch Baking Dish
Small Bowl

Ingredients

2 sticks unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 Tbsp. flour
8 medium or large sweet potatoes
3 large eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. lemon extract
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
2 cans evaporated milk (12 oz each)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, place the sticks of unsalted butter.
In a small bowl, combine sugar and flour, mixing well before setting aside.
Boil sweet potatoes with their skin on until fork-tender, about 30-40 minutes. Remove skin and transfer potatoes to the bowl with butter.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Blend sweet potatoes and butter with an electric mixer until smooth.
Add eggs one by one while mixing, then incorporate vanilla and lemon extracts, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Gradually fold in the sugar and flour mixture until fully combined.
Stir in evaporated milk until the mixture is smooth.
Pour the mixture into a greased 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, checking for doneness by gently shaking the dish; the center should jiggle slightly.
Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

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Notes

Store in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for up to two months.

Keyword Pudding, Sweet Potato

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