Bajan Sweet Potato Pudding
A rich, dense, and spiced sweet potato dessert, often baked until golden and served warm. It's a beloved sweet treat in Barbados, distinct from a pie.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 lbs Sweet potatoes(peeled and grated or mashed)
- 1/2 cup Butter(melted)
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup Brown sugar(packed)
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 cup Evaporated milk
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp Nutmeg(freshly grated)
- 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp Ginger(ground)
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/2 cup Raisins(optional)
- 2 tbsp Rum(optional, for soaking raisins)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking dish or a similar sized oven-safe dish.
💡 Tip: Using butter for greasing adds extra flavor. - 2
If using raisins, soak them in rum for at least 15 minutes. Drain before adding to the pudding mixture.
- 3
In a large bowl, combine the grated or mashed sweet potatoes, melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix well.
💡 Tip: Ensure sweet potatoes are well-drained if using mashed. - 4
Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.
💡 Tip: Don't overmix after adding eggs. - 5
Stir in the evaporated milk, vanilla extract, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
💡 Tip: Freshly grated nutmeg provides the best flavor. - 6
Fold in the drained raisins, if using.
💡 Tip: Ensure raisins are evenly distributed. - 7
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
💡 Tip: The batter will be thick. - 8
Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown and slightly firm.
💡 Tip: The pudding will firm up as it cools. - 9
Let the pudding cool in the dish for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
- 10
Serve warm, plain or with a drizzle of evaporated milk or a scoop of ice cream.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a smoother pudding, ensure your sweet potatoes are very finely grated or thoroughly mashed.
- ✓Adjust spices to your preference; some like it spicier than others.
- ✓This pudding can be made ahead of time and reheated gently.
🔄 Variations
- Add a touch of grated fresh ginger for a more pronounced ginger flavor.
- Incorporate chopped candied peel for added texture and sweetness.
- For a richer flavor, substitute some of the evaporated milk with coconut milk.