Sweet Potato Pudding

Sweet potato pudding is a comforting Southern dessert cherished by Andrew Johnson, the 17th President of the United States. This dish, with its rich blend of sweet potatoes, butter, and spices, offers a taste of traditional Southern cooking. Simple yet flavorful, it reflects the warmth and comfort of home, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 35

Ingredients

3 large sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
1/2 cup brown sugar packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup whole milk
2 large eggs beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup chopped pecans optional

Instructions

Preparation:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9x9-inch baking dish or similar-sized casserole dish.

Cooking the Sweet Potatoes:

Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Drain the sweet potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash them until smooth.

Mixing the Ingredients:

In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, milk, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Mix until well combined and smooth.
If using, fold in the chopped pecans for added texture and flavor.

Baking:

Pour the sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the pudding is set and slightly golden on top.

Serving:

Allow the sweet potato pudding to cool slightly before serving. It can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, and pairs well with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Video

Notes

Sweetness Adjustment:

Balancing the Sweetness: Depending on the sweetness of your sweet potatoes, you may want to adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe. If your sweet potatoes are naturally very sweet, consider reducing the sugar slightly to avoid an overly sweet pudding.

Texture Options:

Smooth vs. Chunky: For a smoother texture, you can blend the sweet potato mixture with an immersion blender after mashing. If you prefer a chunkier texture, simply mash the sweet potatoes by hand, leaving a few small lumps.

Flavor Enhancements:

Adding Spices or Toppings: You can customize the flavor of the pudding by adding other warm spices like allspice or cardamom. Additionally, a sprinkle of brown sugar and a few pats of butter on top before baking can create a delicious caramelized crust.