Sweet Potato Bread Pudding With Homemade Maple Sauce

This sweet potato bread pudding is a yummy twist on the classic bread pudding! If you are a sweet potato fan, this dessert recipe is for you!

 One of my all-time favorite desserts is Sweet Potato Bread Pudding.

This is the recipe that flawlessly marries the creamy sweetness of sweet potatoes with the heartiness of a classic bread pudding. This Sweet Potato Bread Pudding is a flavorful and warm dessert that is guaranteed to make you feel cozy from the inside out. It’s an all-in-one feast for the senses, boasting the earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes, the spiciness of cinnamon, and the rich and comforting texture of bread pudding. This recipe is definitely a game changer in the world of bread puddings!

Delicious Sweet Potato Bread Pudding

The really cool thing about this recipe is that you can choose what bread you want. The recipe calls for focaccia, but again you can use whatever you have on hand.

What ingredients do you need for Sweet Potato Bread Pudding?

• 9 c Choice of bread (we used focaccia) (torn in 1 inch squares; brioche, baguette, Italian, focaccia)
• 3 c Sweet potatoes (cut in 1- inch chunks)
• 4 c Half and half (can use milk but will be less rich)
• 1 1/2 c Granulated white sugar
• 8 lg Egg yolks (room temperature)
• one tbsp Vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp Ground cinnamon
• 1 1/4 tsp Ground nutmeg; divided (divided 1/2, 3/4)
• 3 tbsp Granulated white sugar
• 6 tbsp Butter (cut into 1/4 inch pieces and chilled)
Maple Sauce
• 1 c Brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 c Butter
• 1/2 c Half and half
• 1 tsp Maple extract

You will also be using sweet potatoes in this recipe, which might seem weird, but the end result is amazing! Keep in mind that you will also be using vanilla extract, egg yolks, granulated white sugar, half and half, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and butter. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use any bread in this recipe? Ideally, use a dense bread like challah or brioche, as it can hold up better during baking and won’t become too mushy.
2. Can I substitute regular potatoes for sweet potatoes? The unique flavor of sweet potatoes is critical to this recipe, and regular potatoes won’t deliver the same taste or texture. However, you could substitute with butternut squash or pumpkin for a different take.
3. Can I add some protein to this dessert? Yes, adding chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts can provide some extra protein and crunch.
4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free? You can substitute the dairy milk with almond or coconut milk, and the butter with a dairy-free alternative.

Of course, that isn’t all that is involved in this bread pudding. The Maple Sauce that is involved in this recipe is also my favorite part. This part calls for brown sugar, butter, half and half, and maple extract. 

Tips and Tricks

1. Use day-old bread or lightly toast fresh bread for the best texture in your pudding.
2. Be sure to whisk your custard ingredients thoroughly. You want to ensure that the eggs, milk, and sweet potato puree are well incorporated for a smooth texture.
3. Don’t rush the baking process. Slow and steady wins the race here! This helps the custard set and prevents it from curdling.
4. Allow your bread pudding to cool slightly before serving, this will help it set and make it easier to cut into servings.

Variations

1. Vegan Sweet Potato Bread Pudding: Replace the regular milk with a non-dairy alternative, use a flax egg instead of regular eggs, and replace the butter with a vegan alternative.
2. Chocolate Chip Sweet Potato Bread Pudding: Add in a handful of chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Dark chocolate would pair well with the sweetness of the sweet potato.
3. Spiced Sweet Potato Bread Pudding: Add in spices like ground cloves, allspice, or even a pinch of black pepper to add warmth and depth of flavor.

How to Store Sweet Potato Bread Pudding

After you have made this pudding, you may be wondering how to store it. You will need to store this bread pudding in a container in the fridge. Since this has so many cold products, it needs to be in the fridge to keep. 

Where to Serve

This Sweet Potato Bread Pudding makes a splendid dessert for your Thanksgiving feast or any fall/winter gathering. Its warm and inviting flavors will charm your guests, and it pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Storage

Store the bread pudding in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or covered in the oven at a low temperature.

Topping Options

1. Whipped Cream: A classic and simple topping that works perfectly with this dessert.
2. Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top for an extra indulgent touch.
3. Powdered Sugar: Dust the top of the pudding with powdered sugar just before serving for a beautiful presentation.

Sweet Potato Pudding is best served as a dessert, but no one would judge you on what you make it for. It’s great for breakfast or as a snack. If you do make this dessert, leave a comment below to let me know what you thought. 

Why This Recipe Works

Sweet Potato Bread Pudding works because it takes the best elements of a classic dessert and elevates them with the unexpected addition of sweet potato. The sweet potato not only adds flavor but also contributes to the custard’s creamy texture. This, combined with the inherent comfort of a bread pudding, creates a dessert that is as satisfying as it is unique. Enjoy this recipe as an alternative to the usual holiday pies or anytime you need a special dessert to impress!

If you are looking for more amazing dessert recipes, be sure to check out this comprehensive list! 50+ Fun and Easy Dessert Recipes For Kids

Yield: 8-10 servings

Sweet Potato Bread Pudding With Homemade Maple Sauce

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

This sweet potato bread is a yummy twist on the classic bread pudding! If you are a sweet potato fan, this dessert recipe is for you!

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Ingredients

• • 9 c Choice of bread (we used focaccia) (torn in 1 inch squares; brioche, baguette, Italian, focaccia)
• • 3 c Sweet potatoes (cut in 1- inch chunks)
• • 4 c Half and half (can use milk but will be less rich)
• • 1 1/2 c Granulated white sugar
• • 8 lg Egg yolks (room temperature)
• • 1 tbsp Vanilla extract
• • 1/2 tsp Ground cinnamon
• • 1 1/4 tsp Ground nutmeg; divided (divided 1/2, 3/4)
• • 3 tbsp Granulated white sugar
• • 6 tbsp Butter (cut into 1/4 inch pieces and chilled)
• Maple Sauce
• • 1 c Brown sugar (packed)
• • 1/2 c Butter
• • 1/2 c Half and half
• • 1 tsp Maple extract

Instructions

1. Pre-heat oven to 450 degrees. Coat a 9“ x 13” baking dish with non-stick spray. 
2. On a rimmed baking sheet spread the torn bread pieces out in a single layer. Bake the pieces until crisped and brown to dry out. Cool completely. Reduce oven temperature to 300 degrees. 
3. In a large bowl whisk together the half and half, sugar, egg yolks, vanilla, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg. Add the toasted bread and toss until evenly coated. Let sit, tossing occasionally, until the bread begins to absorb the liquid and softens, approximately 20-30 minutes. 
4. Add a small amount of water to sweet potato chunks and microwave for about 4-5 minutes to soften (leaving just slightly al dente).
5. Pour half of the bread mixture into the prepared baking dish.  Layer the sweet potato pieces and then pour the remaining bread mixture on top. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. 
6. Meanwhile in a small bowl mix the remaining nutmeg and 3 tbsp of granulated white sugar. Using your fingers work the butter into the sugar mixture forming pieces the size of small peas. 
7. Remove foil from the bread pudding and sprinkle with the nutmeg-butter mixture. Rotate the dish and continue to bake uncovered until the custard is set. Approximately 25 minutes. 
8. Increase the oven temperature back to 450 and bake until the top is crisp and golden, about 10 minutes. Let the bread pudding cool for 30 minutes.  

How to Make the Maple Sauce

1. In a saucepan over medium heat melt the sugar and butter together, bringing to a boil. 
2. Whisk in Half and Half and maple extract. Pour over bread pudding and serve.

Nutrition Information

Yield

12

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 567Total Fat 27gSaturated Fat 16gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 10gCholesterol 190mgSodium 385mgCarbohydrates 74gFiber 3gSugar 52gProtein 9g

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Nellie

Hi! I’m Nellie. I am an entrepreneur, a busy mama of 3 and a wife to my high school sweetheart. I have been sharing content for over 12 years about how to cook easy recipes, workout tips and free printables that make life a little bit easier. I have been featured in places like Yahoo, Buzzfeed, What To Expect, Mediavine, Niche Pursuits, HuffPost, BabyCenter, Mom 2.0, Mommy Nearest, Parade, Care.com, and more!

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