Moist Sweet Potato Pudding Recipe

Sweet potato pudding is a beloved dessert that embodies warmth, comfort, and rich flavor. This moist and custard-like dish is a staple in many Southern homes, especially during the holiday season. The combination of naturally sweet, creamy sweet potatoes with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg makes it irresistible. In this article, we’ll explore the perfect sweet potato pudding recipe, its ingredients, variations, and tips for making it extra special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Creamy Texture – The pudding has a soft, smooth consistency that melts in your mouth.
• Naturally Sweet and Flavorful – Sweet potatoes provide a natural sweetness, complemented by warm spices.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether for holidays, potlucks, or a simple weeknight treat, this pudding is always a hit.
• Easy to Customize – Add nuts, spices, or different toppings to make it your own.

Ingredients Needed for Moist Sweet Potato Pudding

To make the best sweet potato pudding, you’ll need:

Main Ingredients

• Sweet Potatoes (2 medium-sized, about 2 cups mashed) – The star ingredient that provides natural sweetness and a velvety texture.
• Sugar (1 cup, or to taste) – Adds extra sweetness and enhances the flavor.
• Butter (¼ cup, melted) – Gives the pudding a rich and creamy mouthfeel.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon) – Infuses a deep, aromatic flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon (½ teaspoon) – A warm spice that complements the sweetness of the potatoes.
• Ground Nutmeg (¼ teaspoon) – Adds a touch of earthy warmth.
• Salt (¼ teaspoon) – Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.

Wet Ingredients

• Eggs (2 large, beaten) – Help to bind the ingredients together and create a custard-like texture.
• Whole Milk (½ cup) – Provides moisture and a smooth consistency.
• Heavy Cream (¼ cup) – Adds extra richness and depth.

Dry Ingredients

• Baking Powder (1 teaspoon) – Helps the pudding rise slightly for a lighter texture.
• All-Purpose Flour (½ cup) – Gives the pudding some structure while keeping it soft.

Optional Add-Ins

• Crushed Pecans or Walnuts (½ cup, optional) – Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Sweet Potato Pudding

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a 2-quart casserole dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

• Pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork and microwave for 8-10 minutes until tender.
• Alternatively, bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 45-60 minutes until soft.
• Once cooked, remove the skins and mash the potatoes until smooth. You should have about 2 cups of mashed sweet potatoes.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

• In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
• Stir well until everything is incorporated.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Dairy

• Add the beaten eggs, whole milk, and heavy cream to the mixture.
• Whisk until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder.
• Gradually add this to the sweet potato mixture, stirring until fully combined.

Step 6: Add Optional Ingredients

• If using nuts, fold in crushed pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch.

Step 7: Bake the Pudding

• Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
• Smooth the top with a spatula.
• Bake for 45-50 minutes until the pudding is set and lightly golden.
• To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, it’s ready.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

• Let the pudding cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
• It will firm up slightly as it cools.
• Serve warm or at room temperature with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Pudding

• Adjust the Sugar – If your sweet potatoes are naturally very sweet, reduce the sugar to ¾ cup or less.
• Extra Creamy Texture – Substitute half-and-half for milk or add an extra tablespoon of butter.
• Spice it Up – Add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves for a more complex flavor.
• Make it Ahead – This pudding can be made one day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
• Reheating Tips – Warm in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave for 30-60 seconds.
• Toppings for Extra Flavor – Try drizzling caramel sauce, adding a dusting of powdered sugar, or serving with fresh berries.

Serving Suggestions

This pudding is versatile and pairs well with:

• Vanilla Ice Cream – The contrast of warm pudding and cold ice cream is divine.
• Whipped Cream – Light and airy, it enhances the pudding’s creaminess.
• Maple Syrup Drizzle – For an extra touch of sweetness.
• Chopped Nuts – Toasted pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch.
• Caramel Sauce – Adds a rich, buttery sweetness.

Nutritional Information

While sweet potato pudding is a treat, it also has some nutritional benefits:

• Sweet Potatoes are rich in fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidants.
• Eggs and Milk provide protein and calcium.
• Using Nuts adds healthy fats and additional protein.

Estimated Calories Per Serving: ~250-300 kcal
(Nutritional values depend on portion size and toppings.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Canned Sweet Potatoes?

Yes! If using canned sweet potatoes, drain and mash them before adding to the mixture.

Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?

Absolutely! Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of dairy, and replace butter with vegan margarine.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• To freeze, wrap tightly and store for up to 3 months.

Can I Make This Gluten-Free?

Yes! Simply swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend.

Final Thoughts

Moist sweet potato pudding is a classic, comforting dessert perfect for any occasion. Whether served at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or as a weekend treat, this rich, creamy pudding will always be a crowd-pleaser. With its natural sweetness, warm spices, and easy customization options, this dish is a must-try for dessert lovers.

So, why wait? Gather your ingredients and bake up this delicious, soul-warming sweet potato pudding today!

Moist Sweet Potato Pudding Recipe

This rich and moist sweet potato pudding is a perfect dessert with a naturally sweet and creamy texture, thanks to the star ingredient: sweet potatoes. Flavored with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, it’s a comforting dessert that’s sure to please anyone with a sweet tooth. The pudding has a soft, custard-like consistency, and its vibrant color makes it as visually appealing as it is delicious.

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Course Dessert

Cuisine American, Southern

Equipment

• Large Mixing Bowl
• Potato masher or food processor
• 9×13-inch baking dish or 2-quart casserole dish
• Whisk
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes about 2 cups mashed
• 1 cup white sugar or to taste
• 1/4 cup butter melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs beaten
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup crushed pecans or walnuts optional

Instructions

 

• Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a 2-quart casserole dish.
• Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork and microwave them on high for 8-10 minutes, or until tender. Alternatively, you can bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 45-60 minutes. Once cooked, peel the skins off and mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. You should have about 2 cups of mashed sweet potatoes.
• Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are incorporated.
• Add Eggs and Dairy: Add the beaten eggs, whole milk, and heavy cream to the mixture, and whisk until well combined.
• Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add this to the sweet potato mixture, stirring until smooth and well incorporated.
• Optional Nuts: If you like, fold in crushed pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
• Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the pudding is set and lightly golden on top. You can check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, it’s done.
• Cool and Serve: Let the pudding cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. The pudding will firm up slightly as it cools. Serve warm or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.

Video

Notes

Sweetness Level: Adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of your sweet potatoes. If they’re naturally very sweet, you can reduce the sugar slightly.
Texture Variation: For an extra creamy texture, you can use half-and-half instead of milk, or add an extra tablespoon of butter to make it richer.
Make Ahead: This pudding can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Reheat it gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
Flavor Boost: You can add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves for an extra layer of warmth and complexity.
Toppings: Top with whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream to take this dessert to the next level.

Keyword Sweet Potato Pudding Recipe