Heavenly Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding Recipe: Island Comfort

Caribbean kitchens burst with soul-stirring sweet potato pudding that weaves magic into every spoonful.

This beloved Jamaican sweet potato pudding carries generations of culinary tradition on its rich, velvety canvas.

Warm spices dance through layers of creamy sweet potatoes, creating an irresistible dessert that speaks directly to comfort.

Each bite tells a story of island heritage and meticulous cooking techniques passed down through decades.

Local cooks understand the delicate balance of ingredients that transform simple sweet potatoes into a decadent treat.

Nutmeg, cinnamon, and brown sugar embrace the potatoes, creating depth and complexity that tantalizes taste buds.

You won’t be able to resist this authentic Jamaican dessert that promises pure, comforting bliss in every single serving.

FAQs

• What are sweet potatoes in this recipe?

Sweet potatoes are orange or yellow root vegetables with a sweet flavor, providing natural sweetness and creamy texture to the Jamaican pudding.

• Is this a traditional Caribbean dessert?

Yes, this sweet potato pudding is a classic Caribbean dessert originating in Jamaica, often served during holidays and family gatherings.

• Can I make this pudding without raisins?

Absolutely! Raisins are optional, and you can easily skip them without affecting the overall taste and texture of the pudding.

• How do I know when the pudding is fully baked?

The pudding is done when it’s golden brown on top, set in the center, and a knife inserted comes out clean without wet batter.

Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding: Why It’s a Caribbean Classic

• Dive into a heartwarming dessert that brings the vibrant flavors of Jamaica right to your kitchen, offering a sweet escape with every delicious bite.
• Requiring minimal kitchen skills, this recipe welcomes both novice and experienced bakers to create a stunning pudding with straightforward mixing and baking steps.
• Packed with nutritious sweet potatoes, warm spices, and creamy coconut milk, this dessert transforms humble ingredients into a rich, indulgent treat that feels like a culinary hug.
• Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy family dessert, this pudding promises to delight taste buds across generations with its comforting texture and aromatic spices.

Ingredients for Authentic Sweet Potato Pudding

• Sweet Potatoes: A vibrant Caribbean root vegetable that provides the rich, creamy base for this traditional dessert.
• Coconut Milk: A smooth, tropical liquid that adds richness and authentic Caribbean flavor to the pudding.

• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: These sweet ingredients create a deep, caramel-like sweetness and help achieve a perfect pudding texture.

• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger: A warm and aromatic blend of spices that give the pudding its classic Caribbean depth and complexity.
• Vanilla Extract: A smooth flavoring that enhances the overall sweetness and adds a subtle depth to the dessert.
• Salt: A small amount that balances and intensifies the other flavors in the pudding.

• Raisins: Dried fruits that provide occasional bursts of sweetness and chewy texture throughout the pudding.

Tools for Caribbean Pudding Success

• Large Bowl: Essential for mixing all ingredients thoroughly and combining sweet potatoes with spices and liquids.
• Grater: Perfect for shredding sweet potatoes into fine, even pieces for smooth pudding texture.
• 8×8-inch Baking Dish: Ideal size for even baking and creating classic pudding shape.
• Spatula: Helps smooth the mixture evenly in the baking dish and creates a uniform top.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements and consistent results.
• Wooden Spoon or Whisk: Great for stirring ingredients and ensuring everything blends well.
• Oven Mitts: Necessary for safely handling hot baking dish when removing from oven.

How to Bake Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up your oven to 350F.

Grab an 8×8-inch baking dish and coat it with a light layer of butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Creamy Potato Mixture

• Freshly grated sweet potatoes
• Luscious coconut milk
• Rich brown sugar
• Granulated white sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Fragrant nutmeg
• Zesty ground ginger
• Pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of sea salt

Whisk everything together until the mixture becomes smooth and well-blended.

Step 3: Add Delightful Raisins

If you love extra sweetness, fold in plump raisins throughout the mixture, ensuring they’re evenly distributed for bursts of flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Bake To Perfection

Transfer the velvety sweet potato mixture into your prepared baking dish.

Use a spatula to create an even surface.

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the pudding feels set when gently touched.

Step 5: Cool And Enjoy

Remove the pudding from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes.

This allows the dessert to stabilize and makes cutting into perfect squares easier.

Serve warm or at room temperature for a true Caribbean culinary experience.

Sweet Potato Pudding Baking Secrets

• Choose firm, smooth-skinned sweet potatoes without bruises or soft spots for the best pudding texture and flavor.
• Use the fine side of a box grater to create uniform, soft potato shreds that blend smoothly into the pudding mixture.
• Gently press grated sweet potatoes to remove excess liquid, ensuring a rich and creamy pudding consistency.
• Toast coconut flakes or add a splash of rum for an authentic Caribbean taste that elevates the traditional recipe.
• Reduce sugar amounts for a lighter version or substitute with natural sweeteners like maple syrup for health-conscious guests.

Island Variations for Sweet Potato Pudding

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat-based ingredients with gluten-free flour or almond flour to make the pudding suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Caribbean Pudding: Substitute coconut milk with plant-based milk alternatives like almond or oat milk, and use maple syrup instead of traditional sugars for a completely plant-based dessert.
• Low-Sugar Caribbean Sweet Potato Pudding: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener to reduce sugar content, maintaining the traditional Caribbean flavor profile while creating a diabetic-friendly option.
• Tropical Fruit Fusion: Add diced mango, pineapple, or passion fruit to enhance the Caribbean essence and provide additional natural sweetness and tropical complexity to the classic recipe.

Serving Up Sweet Potato Pudding Caribbean-Style

• Sweet Tropical Topping Twist: Garnish with fresh pineapple chunks or mango slices for a vibrant Caribbean-inspired presentation that adds bright, juicy flavor.
• Cool Cream Companion: Add a dollop of coconut whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to complement the pudding's warm spices and rich texture.
• Rum-Inspired Drizzle: Create a quick caramel rum sauce by mixing caramel, a splash of dark rum, and a pinch of cinnamon to pour over each serving for an extra indulgent touch.
• Nutty Crunch Boost: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes or chopped macadamia nuts on top for a delightful textural contrast and tropical crunch.

Storing Jamaican Pudding the Right Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire pudding in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality and taste.
• Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until warm throughout. Add a splash of coconut milk to restore moisture if needed.

Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Jamaican sweet potato pudding celebrates island culinary traditions with rich, spiced layers of comfort. Coconut milk and aromatic spices create a delectable dessert you will savor with each warm, satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) Jamaican sweet potatoes, peeled and grated
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) coconut milk
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar

Spices and Flavoring:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Optional Ingredient:

• 1/4 cup (40 grams) raisins

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 350F (175C) and generously coat an 8×8-inch baking dish with grease to prevent sticking.
2. Thoroughly grate sweet potatoes and transfer to a spacious mixing bowl, creating a foundational texture for the pudding.
3. Pour coconut milk into the sweet potato mixture, blending both ingredients until they form a smooth, consistent base.
4. Incorporate brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, vanilla extract, and salt, stirring vigorously to ensure complete integration of flavors.
5. Gently fold raisins throughout the mixture, distributing them evenly to provide delightful bursts of sweetness in each bite.
6. Transfer the entire pudding mixture into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to create an even surface and prevent uneven baking.
7. Position the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes, monitoring until the top achieves a rich golden-brown color and the pudding sets completely.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the pudding to cool for approximately 15 minutes, which helps it stabilize and makes slicing easier.
9. Cut into generous portions and serve warm, revealing the luscious Caribbean-inspired dessert.

Notes

• Choose starchy, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for the richest, most authentic flavor and creamy texture.
• Grate sweet potatoes using the fine side of a box grater to ensure smooth, even consistency throughout the pudding.
• Consider toasting coconut flakes as a garnish to enhance the Caribbean-inspired dessert with extra nutty depth and crunch.
• Swap regular sugar with coconut sugar for a deeper caramel undertone and lower glycemic index, making the dessert slightly healthier.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Jamaican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg