Sweet potato pudding is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed year-round. Its creamy texture and sweet, earthy flavor make it perfect as a dessert or even a healthy side dish. This recipe will guide you through creating the best all-time favorite sweet potato pudding.
#### Ingredients
- 3 large sweet potatoes (about 1 pound each)
- 2/3 cup white sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup milk (you can use almond or soy milk for a dairy-free option)
- Optional: whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon as topping
#### Step-by-Step Guide
1. **Preparation**
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). This ensures the sweet potatoes will cook evenly.
2. **Cooking the Sweet Potatoes**
- Peel and wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly.
- Cut them into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are not too large or too small for even cooking.
- Place the sweet potato pieces in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
3. **Baking the Sweet Potatoes**
- Bake the sweet potatoes uncovered for about 45 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork. If using a microwave, you can steam them first by microwaving them on high for 2-3 minutes.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
4. **Making the Pudding**
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well until these ingredients are fully incorporated into the melted butter.
- Add the cooked sweet potatoes to this mixture, making sure all pieces are coated evenly with the spice-butter blend.
5. **Adding Milk**
- Gradually add in the milk while stirring continuously. The goal is to achieve a smooth and creamy texture without adding too much liquid that might make it watery.
- Continue mixing until you reach your desired consistency, which should be thick but still pourable.
6. **Baking the Pudding**
- Pour the mixture back into the same baking dish or an oven-safe bowl if using a smaller one.
- Bake in the preheated oven for another 20-30 minutes, or until the pudding is set and slightly golden on top.
7. **Serving**
- Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon if desired.
#### Tips for Perfect Sweet Potato Pudding
- Use fresh sweet potatoes for the best flavor.
- Don't skip the baking step; it caramelizes the sugars and enhances the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
- Adjust the spices according to your taste preferences. Some might like more or less cinnamon, depending on their personal preference.
#### Conclusion
With these detailed steps, you can now create a delicious all-time favorite sweet potato pudding that will surely impress guests and satisfy your own taste buds. Enjoy your cooking!