Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth with Sweet Potato Pudding
Ahoy there, my fellow foodies! As a chef who specializes in Southern-style cuisine, I have a tried and true recipe for you to add to your arsenal of delicious desserts. Brace yourselves for a memorable taste explosion with my Southern Sweet Potato Pudding recipe.
When it comes to classic Southern desserts, this pudding is a must-try. The perfect combination of sweet potatoes, cinnamon, and brown sugar will give you all the cozy feels of an old fashioned dessert. Whether you’re carving out a spot for it on your Thanksgiving table or just want something decadent after dinner, this Southern Sweet Potato Pudding won’t disappoint.
However, don’t let its humble nature fool you; this pudding recipe is jam-packed with flavor and is bound to become one of your new traditions. And the best part? It’s easy to make! If you have some grated sweet potatoes, light brown sugar, margarine, eggs in the fridge, milk, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon in the pantry, then you have everything you need to get started on creating this scrumptious dessert. Let’s get into the details and show you just how simple yet incredibly delicious this recipe can be.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen up, folks, because I’m about to tell you why you’ll absolutely fall head-over-heels in love with this Southern Sweet Potato Pudding recipe.
First of all, let’s talk about the star of the show: sweet potatoes. They’re not just a holiday dish, no sirree. These sweet spuds are packed full of nutrients and are downright delicious. When grated up and mixed with a few other ingredients, they make for the perfect base for a delectable pudding.
But this isn’t your ordinary pudding, oh no. The addition of light brown sugar, ground cinnamon and vanilla extract adds a touch of sweetness that’ll transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Dixie. And let’s not forget about the large eggs and milk – they make for a creamy texture that is simply divine.
Now, let’s talk convenience. This recipe is as easy as they come, my friends. Just grate up some sweet potatoes (don’t worry if you’re not an expert in the kitchen – a food processor or grater will do just fine), mix together your ingredients in a bowl and bake it to perfection in the oven.
But wait, there’s more! This recipe can be easily customized to suit your tastes. Add in some crushed almonds or grated orange peel for an extra kick of flavor. Or switch out regular bread for potato bread for a twist on classic bread pudding.
And best of all? It’s gluten-free! So whether you have dietary restrictions or just want a recipe that’ll suit everyone at your next dinner party, this Southern Sweet Potato Pudding is the way to go.
In conclusion, folks, there are countless reasons why you’ll love this recipe. From its rich texture to its incredible flavor (not to mention its customizability and gluten-free status), it truly has it all. So what are you waiting for? Get into the kitchen and whip up this Southern classic – your taste buds will thank you.
Ingredient List
Before diving into the recipe’s instructions, let’s take a look at the ingredients that make this Southern Sweet Potato Pudding Recipe a delightful dessert.
Main Pudding Ingredients
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes (around 3 to 4 medium-sized potatoes), grated or processed in a food grater
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened and melted
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings and Add-ins
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- Zest from one orange peel
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened and melted for greasing the baking dish
Gluten-Free Option
For those with dietary restrictions, you can substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour. This will make the recipe healthier and suitable for those looking for a gluten-free option.
Baked Sweet Potatoes vs. Grated Sweet Potatoes
While it is more common to bake sweet potatoes before mashing them into a pudding, this recipe uses Old fashioned grated sweet potatoes to develop more depth in flavor and texture. However, should you not have access to grated sweet potato or should you wish to use pre-baked sweet potato, you can substitute using ¾ pound (around 2 medium-sized) of baked sweet potatoes for 2 pounds of uncooked ones.
With all these ingredients on hand, it’s time to move onto the actual instructions!
The Recipe How-To
Now that we’ve gone through the ingredient list in detail, let’s get into how to make this southern sweet potato pudding. As with any recipe, the key is to follow each step carefully and fully. Trust me, it will be worth it in the end.
Step 1: Preheat oven and prep baking dish
First off, you need to preheat your oven. Set the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Use some butter or margarine to grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 2: Grate sweet potatoes
Next, take your 2 pounds of sweet potatoes and wash them thoroughly. Use an old-fashioned grater or food processor to grate the sweet potatoes. You should end up with about 4 cups of grated sweet potatoes.
Step 3: Combine ingredients
Take a large mixing bowl and add in the grated sweet potatoes. Pour 3/4 cup of milk, 2 large lightly beaten eggs, 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1 cup of light brown sugar. Mix everything together until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Add mixture to baking dish
Once everything is mixed together, pour your mixture into your prepared baking dish. Make sure it’s spread evenly!
Step 5: Bake
Place your baking dish in the preheated oven for about an hour. The pudding should turn a golden brown on top when it’s finished cooking.
Step 6: Let cool and enjoy!
When the pudding is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. This classic southern dessert is best enjoyed with a dollop of whipped cream on top.
Now that you know how to make this sweet potato pudding, give it a try! It’s great for family gatherings, potlucks or even just as a personal treat for yourself.
Substitutions and Variations
Folks often ask me if there are any substitutes or variations for my Southern Sweet Potato Pudding Recipe. Well, let me tell you, there are many ways you can spice up this classic dessert and make it your own.
First off, if you prefer a healthier version of this old-fashioned recipe, try reducing the amount of sugar or using brown sugar instead of white sugar. You can also substitute unsweetened applesauce for some of the butter to cut down on calories. For a gluten-free version, swap out regular flour with almond flour or rice flour.
So, you say you love sweet potatoes but want to mix things up? No problem. Try adding in some crushed pineapple or coconut flakes for some island flare. Swap out the cinnamon for nutmeg or allspice for a different type of spice. You can even throw in some chopped nuts or dried fruit to give it that extra crunch and chewiness.
For those who like to experiment with bolder flavors, try adding in some Jamaican spices like ginger, allspice, and cayenne pepper. You can also substitute evaporated milk with coconut milk to give it that creamy island taste.
Finally, if you want to take your pudding up a notch and turn it into a full-on dessert feast, I suggest serving it with freshly made whipped cream, vanilla ice cream or a scoop of caramel sauce. Or why not turn it into a bread pudding by layering slices of bread over the top before baking?
The possibilities are endless when it comes to variations and substitutions for this Southern Sweet Potato Pudding Recipe. So go ahead and let your imagination run wild and create your own traditions with this deliciously rich and comforting dessert.
Serving and Pairing
Y’all, there ain’t nothing more southern than sweet potato pudding! It’s one of my all-time favorites, and trust me, this recipe won’t disappoint. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s talk about serving and pairing.
First off, let me tell you; this pudding is best served warm. As a matter of fact, straight out of the oven would be ideal. The warm, gooey texture of the pudding combined with the aromatic spices is what dreams are made of, so make sure to take it out of the oven with enough time to cool down slightly.
Secondly, you could sprinkle some extra cinnamon on top right before serving for a beautiful and aromatic touch. And speaking of toppings, let’s not forget about whipped cream or a dollop of vanilla ice cream, because why not? Those flavors go wonderfully with this sweet pudding.
If you’re feeling fancy, you could even try topping it with some roasted almonds or orange peel – trust me on this one! But ultimately (and I know y’all are gonna roll your eyes), but honestly, this southern-style dessert is delicious on its own- it don’t need no fancy pairings!
However, if you’re looking to pair it with something else “sweet”, then might I suggest jamaican potato pie or potato bread pudding- they’re both heavenly desserts in their own right that will taste like pure heaven on a plate!
So there you have it folks, my recommendations for serving and pairing Southern Sweet Potato Pudding. Now go ahead and dig in y’all!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now, listen up y’all, ’cause I’m about to share some tips that’ll make your life easier, especially when it comes to this Southern Sweet Potato Pudding recipe. This is a perfect recipe for those who like to plan ahead or have leftover pudding saved for later.
To make your life simpler, you can make the pudding a day before and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for 30 seconds to a minute until heated through.
If you have any leftovers after serving, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat leftovers, simply microwave them or heat them up in the oven.
Now let me tell ya’, this pudding is just as good reheated as it is fresh out of the oven. In fact, some folks say that reheated pudding tastes even better because it allows the flavors of the cinnamon and vanilla to develop even further.
But if storing and reheating are not your thing, I suggest inviting some folks over and sharing this delicious treat with your friends and family. Trust me, they won’t be able to resist a warm and comforting Southern Sweet Potato Pudding made with love and traditions of the South.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have all the ingredients and know the step-by-step process, let me share some tips to ensure that you get the perfect sweet potato pudding every time.
Firstly, make sure to grate the sweet potatoes using the old-fashioned grated method. It is a bit laborious, but it makes all the difference in texture and taste. Using a food processor or a handheld grater might make it too fine, which can cause the pudding to become mushy.
Secondly, when it comes to mixing the ingredients, use a gentle hand. Overmixing can also result in a gloopy texture. So, just mix until all the ingredients are incorporated.
Thirdly, use unsalted butter for this recipe. Sweet potato pudding is meant to be sweet and adding salted butter can potentially ruin the flavor balance.
Fourthly, do not skip the step in preheating the oven. Preheating ensures even cooking and prevents undercooked or overcooked parts of your pudding.
Fifthly, for those who are looking to make this recipe healthier or gluten-free, you can replace some ingredients with alternatives. Instead of white sugar, you can use brown sugar or even honey. Also, for a gluten-free option, replace wheat flour with coconut flour.
Lastly, if you want to add some extra flair to your dish, consider serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream on top. Or sprinkle some chopped almonds or orange peel over the pudding before baking it for added flavor and crunch.
Remember these tips and experiment with some variations to perfect this timeless southern delicacy every time!
Bottom Line
Now that you have all the details about making Southern Sweet Potato Pudding, what are you waiting for? Get your aprons on and head to the kitchen to try this recipe. I guarantee that this pudding recipe will win the hearts of everyone who tastes it.
With its rich and creamy texture infused with the flavors of sweet potatoes, cinnamon, and light brown sugar, it’s no wonder Southern Sweet Potato Pudding is a classic dessert in the South. This delicious old-fashioned recipe has been passed down through generations and is a perfect choice for holiday gatherings or any special occasion.
So whether it’s served as a dessert or as a side dish, this tantalizing pudding oozes southern traditions and will soon become a family favorite. With a few simple ingredients and some easy-to-follow steps, you can make this delightful pudding recipe in your own kitchen in no time.
Thus, I invite you to enjoy every bite of this sweet potato pudding while feeling part of a unique tradition. You never know, maybe in the future, you’ll be the one sharing this recipe with your loved ones.
Southern Sweet Potato Pudding Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 cups grated sweet potatoes (about 3 medium)
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 3 large eggs, slightly beaten
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup lightly toasted chopped almonds
- 1 teaspoon grated orange peel
- 2 tablespoons softened butter or 2 tablespoons margarine
Instructions
- In bowl, combine Sweet Potatoes, milk, eggs, sugar, cinnamon and vanilla. Blend well.
- Stir in almonds and orange peel.
- Spoon into buttered 2-quart shallow baking dish.
- Dot with butter.
- Bake at 300 degrees F for 1 1/2 hours or until pudding is set.
- Serve hot with country ham or roasted chicken.
- Note: If desired, spoon about 1/3 cup bourbon over pudding just before serving, or top with 2/3 cup miniature marshmallows and bake 5 minutes longer to melt marshmallows.