Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding Recipe

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This Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding recipe is authentic and delicious!

Loved by many across the world, Jamaican sweet potato pudding feels like a warm hug from Jamaica.

Rich, dense, and bursting with the tropical flavors of sweet potato, coconut, and warm spices, Jamaican sweet potato pudding is a must-try dessert for anyone craving authentic Jamaican cuisine.

Whether you’re new to this dish or looking to perfect your skills, this Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding recipe will help you create an authentic Jamaican treat that’s sure to impress.

What is Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding?

Jamaican sweet potato pudding is a traditional, hearty, and rich dessert. Made with grated Jamaican sweet potatoes, coconut milk, spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and a hint of sugar, it’s a true representation of the island’s rich culinary heritage.

Commonly referred to as “Hell a Top, Hell a Bottom, and Hallelujah in the Middle,” this nostalgic treat gets its name from the traditional cooking method where it’s baked over an open flame with coals on top and bottom.

The pudding has a moist, dense texture, almost like a cross between a cake and a custard. Historically, it was a special-occasion dish, but today, it’s enjoyed anytime and anywhere. Whether baked in a modern oven or cooked the old-fashioned way with coals, this pudding remains a cherished Jamaican classic.

Which Sweet Potato Should I Use?

The key to a truly authentic Jamaican sweet potato pudding is using the right type of sweet potato, which is Jamaican sweet potato. Jamaican sweet potatoes are distinct from the orange-fleshed varieties commonly found in the United States.

Jamaican sweet potatoes have a purplish or reddish skin and a pale yellow to white flesh. Their texture is drier and starchier, making them perfect for the pudding’s signature dense consistency.

If you can’t find Jamaican sweet potatoes, you can substitute with white-fleshed sweet potatoes or boniato, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

Differences Between Jamaican Sweet Potatoes and American Sweet Potatoes

1. Color: Jamaican sweet potatoes typically have pale yellow or white flesh, with skin that ranges from reddish-purple to tan. In contrast, American sweet potatoes often have orange flesh with skin that can be copper, orange, or reddish-brown.

2. Texture: Jamaican sweet potatoes are starchier and drier, making them ideal for dishes like pudding where a firm texture is desired. In contrast, American sweet potatoes are softer and moister once cooked, lending themselves well to creamy or mashed preparations.

3. Cooking Properties: Jamaican sweet potatoes are starchier, which makes them ideal for baked desserts like pudding, where a firm texture is key.

Why You Will Love This Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding Recipe

There are several reasons why you will love this Jamaican sweet potato pudding:

1. Authentic Flavor: This recipe stays true to traditional Jamaican methods and flavors.

2. Easy to Make: Modern tools and techniques simplify the process without compromising taste.

3. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering, holiday celebration, or casual dessert, this pudding always hits the mark.

4. Comfort Food: Its warm spices and creamy texture make it the ultimate comfort dessert.

5. Tropical Vibes: The combination of sweet potatoes, coconut milk, and spices will transport your taste buds straight to Jamaica.

Ingredients for Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding

To make authentic sweet potato pudding, you will need the following ingredients:

• Jamaican Sweet Potato (Purple skin)
• Yellow Yam
• Coconut Milk
• Sugar
• Fine Yellow Cornmeal
• All Purpose Flour
• Vanilla Extract
• Rose Water
• Salt
• Cinnamon Powder
• Nutmeg
• Ground Allspice
• Unsalted Butter
• Raisins (Optional)
• For the Custard (Soft Top):
  • Coconut Milk
  • Brown Sugar
  • Cinnamon Powder
  • Vanilla Extract

Essential Kitchen Tools

1. Grater: For grating the sweet potatoes.
2. Mixing Bowls: Large enough to mix all ingredients.
3. Baking Pan: A 9-inch round or square pan works well.
4. Spatula: For even mixing.
5. Oven: For baking.
6. Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accuracy.

How to Make Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding

To make Jamaican sweet potato pudding, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a baking pan with butter. Peel, wash, slice, and grate the sweet potatoes and yellow yam.

Sift together the dry ingredients—flour, cornmeal, and spices—in a large bowl. In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients, including coconut milk, vanilla, rose water, almond extract, melted butter, and sugar, until smooth and well-combined. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until fully incorporated. Fold in the grated sweet potatoes and yellow yam.

For an optional touch, lightly coat raisins in flour to prevent sinking and mix them into the batter. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan, dot the top with butter, and bake for 55 minutes.

While it bakes, whisk together the custard topping. After the first bake, pour the custard over the pudding and bake for another 50–60 minutes until the top is golden and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let the pudding cool completely before slicing. If using a springform pan, remove the outer rim before serving.

🍴✨ You can view the step-by-step instructions and the full recipe below.

What to Serve Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding With

Jamaican sweet potato pudding is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with:

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A cool, creamy pairing for the rich pudding (this pairing is delicious!).
• Custard Sauce: A drizzle of vanilla custard complements the spices beautifully.
• Fresh Fruit: Mango slices or pineapple chunks bring a tropical twist.
• Jamaican Juices: Serve with lemonade, mango juice, carrot juice, pineapple juice or sorrel for a refreshing, tropical balance.

Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding Recipe: FAQs

1. Can I Use American Sweet Potatoes for This Recipe?
It’s not recommended to use American sweet potatoes for this recipe, as their texture is much softer and less starchy when cooked. This can result in a mushy pudding instead of the firm, dense texture that’s characteristic of traditional Jamaican sweet potato pudding. For the best results, stick to Jamaican sweet potatoes.

2. Where can I find the sweet potatoes needed for Jamaican sweet potato pudding?
You can find Jamaican sweet potatoes at Caribbean or international grocery stores, farmers’ markets, or specialty produce shops. They’re also sometimes labeled as Caribbean sweet potatoes or batatas.

With this Sweet Potato Pudding recipe, you’ll not only create a delicious dessert but also honor a cherished Jamaican tradition.

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