Sweet Potato Bread pudding pairs velvety sweet-potato custard with cubes of buttery brioche, giving you a dish that tastes like your favorite holiday pie and classic bread pudding rolled into one.
Created by a trained pastry chef and tested in a home kitchen, this Sweet Potato Bread recipe layers real mashed sweet potatoes, warm cinnamon, and freshly grated nutmeg for authentic, bakery-quality flavor—no shortcut purées or artificial spices.
Because the Sweet Potato Bread base soaks overnight, the custard penetrates every crumb, guaranteeing a cloud-soft interior and lightly caramelized edges without any tricky techniques.
Serve Sweet Potato Bread pudding at Thanksgiving, tuck it into a weeknight dinner, or bake a pan whenever day-old bread stares at you from the counter; the results are always crowd-pleasing comfort.
Why This Sweet Potato Bread Pudding Recipe Stands Out
Rooted in generations of Southern tradition, Sweet Potato Bread Pudding turns humble pantry staples into a warm, spiced dessert that’s as nostalgic as it is irresistible. This isn’t just any baked sweet potato dessert—it’s a soulful blend of creamy sweet potato casserole and the tender, custardy goodness of old-fashioned bread pudding.
What makes this Sweet Potato Bread Pudding stand out? It’s the way the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes caramelizes at the edges while staying soft and lush in the center. The balance of cinnamon, nutmeg, and just the right hint of brown sugar makes every bite feel like a cozy embrace.
Top it with vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce—this Sweet Potato Bread Pudding plays well with all your favorite finishings.
Whether you serve it as a holiday sweet potato showstopper or as a weeknight comfort dessert, this Sweet Potato Bread Pudding brings heart and history to every bowl.
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Ingredients
For the Bread Base:
- Day-old bread, cubed
- Cooked sweet potato puree
- Large eggs
- Whole milk
- Heavy cream
- Brown sugar
- Melted butter
For the Spice Blend:
- Vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground nutmeg
- Ground ginger
- Salt
Optional Add-ins:
- Chopped pecans
- Raisins or dried cranberries
- Bourbon
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prepare and Mix
- Preheat oven to 350°F and butter a 9x13-inch baking dish
- Cut day-old bread into 1-inch cubes
- If using fresh sweet potatoes, roast at 400°F for 45-60 minutes until tender, then mash until smooth
- In a large bowl, whisk together sweet potato puree, eggs, milk, cream, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and all spices until smooth
Combine and Rest
- Add bread cubes to the sweet potato mixture and gently fold until every piece is coated
- Fold in optional pecans, raisins, or bourbon if using
- Let mixture sit for 15-20 minutes to allow bread to absorb the custard
- Stir occasionally during resting time
Bake to Perfection
- Pour mixture into prepared baking dish and spread evenly
- Bake for 45-55 minutes until top is golden brown
- Test doneness by inserting a knife in center – it should come out with just a few moist crumbs
- Let cool for 15 minutes before serving to# Quick & Easy Sweet Potato Bread Pudding Recipe – Rich & Comforting Fall Dessert
Meta Description: Make this creamy, spiced sweet potato bread pudding in just 45 minutes. Perfect comfort dessert with warm fall flavors and custard-like texture!
- Prepare & Mix: Whisk the sweet potato custard with eggs, milk, cream, sugar, and spices until smooth and creamy.
- Combine & Rest: Gently fold in the bread cubes, making sure every piece is coated. Let the mixture sit so the bread soaks up all the flavor.
- Bake to Perfection: our the mixture into your dish and bake until golden brown with a soft, custardy center and crisp edges.
Equipment For Sweet Potato Bread
Must-Have Tools:
- 9x13-inch baking dish (ceramic or glass for even heating)
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk for smooth custard
- Sharp knife for cubing bread
Nice-to-Have:
- Stand mixer for easier mixing
- Kitchen scale for consistent results
- Fine-mesh strainer for ultra-smooth custard
Budget Alternatives:
- Any large baking dish works (adjust baking time accordingly)
- Fork can substitute for whisk
Expert Cooking Tips and Kitchen Hacks
- Use day-old bread for best texture – fresh bread gets soggy
- Room temperature ingredients mix more easily and create smoother custard
- Toast fresh bread lightly if you don't have day-old bread
- Cover with foil if top browns too quickly during baking
- Internal temperature should reach 160°F when done
- Let mixture rest 20-30 minutes before baking for best results
- Brush top with melted butter before baking for golden crispy surface
Recipe Variations
Vegan Version:
- Replace eggs with flax eggs (ground flaxseed mixed with water)
- Use coconut milk instead of dairy milk
- Substitute vegan butter
Gluten-Free Version:
- Use gluten-free bread (make sure it's slightly stale)
- All other ingredients remain the same
Flavor Variations:
- Add 2-3 tablespoons bourbon for sophisticated flavor
- Drizzle with maple syrup for maple glazed version
- Mix in chocolate chips for extra indulgence
- Add orange zest for citrus twist
Individual Portions:
- Divide mixture between 8-10 ramekins
- Bake for 25-30 minutes
- Perfect for dinner parties
Storage
Refrigerator Storage:
- Store covered for up to 4 days
- Reheat individual portions in microwave for 30-60 seconds
- Reheat whole dish in 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes
Freezing Instructions:
- Freezes well for up to 3 months
- Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap
- Store in freezer bags
- Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating
Make-Ahead Tips:
- Assemble completely and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking
- Add 10-15 minutes to baking time if starting from cold
- Resting time actually improves texture
Grandma’s Secret for the Creamiest Sweet Potato Bread Ever
When I was a kid, my grandmother would make Sweet Potato Bread pudding every fall, and it always tasted richer and more luxurious than anyone else’s. One day, I caught her quietly letting the assembled dish sit on the counter before sliding it into the oven.
“You have to let it rest,” she whispered, “or the magic doesn’t happen.”
That was her secret—and now it’s yours. Letting your Sweet Potato Bread pudding soak for 20–30 minutes before baking gives the custard time to fully saturate the bread, eliminating dry pockets and creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
And just before baking? She’d gently brush the top with melted butter for a golden crust that crackled perfectly against the creamy middle. That’s the kind of detail that turns a good Sweet Potato Bread pudding into a recipe your family will beg for every season..
FAQ
Can you make bread with sweet potatoes?
Yes, you can make bread with sweet potatoes! They add natural sweetness, moisture, and a soft texture to the loaf. Sweet potato bread is easy to prepare and works great in both quick bread and yeast-based recipes. It's a delicious way to use up leftover sweet potatoes while boosting the nutritional value of your bread
What does sweet potato bread taste like?
Sweet potato bread has a lightly sweet, earthy flavor with warm notes of cinnamon and nutmeg. Its texture is soft, moist, and slightly dense—similar to banana bread. The natural sugars from the sweet potatoes caramelize beautifully when baked, giving the bread a rich, comforting taste perfect for fall or anytime you crave a cozy treat
Can diabetics eat sweet potato bread?
Yes, in moderation. Diabetics can enjoy sweet potato bread by choosing recipes with whole grains and reduced sugar. Sweet potatoes have a lower glycemic index than white potatoes, offering more fiber and nutrients. Look for diabetic-friendly versions using almond flour, oats, or coconut sugar to keep blood sugar levels more stable while still enjoying the flavor.
What are the benefits of sweet potato bread?
Sweet potato bread is rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. It supports immune health, improves digestion, and provides natural energy. The sweet potatoes add moisture and nutrients, making it a healthier alternative to traditional bread. It’s also versatile—great as a breakfast, snack, or holiday side dish, with fewer processed ingredients
One Bite and You're Home: The Sweet Potato Bread Pudding Finale
This Sweet Potato Bread Pudding recipe proves that the most heartwarming desserts don’t require fancy ingredients or advanced techniques—just love, patience, and a few cozy spices. With its creamy center, golden edges, and caramelized sweet potato flavor, it’s the kind of dessert that lingers in memory long after the last bite.
Whether you're preparing it for Thanksgiving, a weekend treat, or a quiet night in, this Sweet Potato Bread Pudding brings both comfort and a touch of nostalgia to your table. And the best part? It only gets better with time—just like all great traditions.
If you loved this cozy bake, don’t miss my other feel-good favorites like the recent Sweet Potato Bread for quick, spiced slices anytime, the crowd-pleasing Easy Amish Cinnamon Bread Recipe, or the beautifully marbled Cinnamon Swirl Sourdough Bread Recipe—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a dessert twist.
Tried it? Tell me how your Sweet Potato Bread Pudding turned out in the comments! I’d love to hear if it made your kitchen smell like fall too.
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Sweet Potato Bread
Sweet Potato Bread Pudding
Equipment
- 1 9×13 baking dish Ceramic or glass preferred
- 1 Large mixing bowl For combining wet and dry ingredients
- 1 Whisk For smooth custard mixture
- 1 Sharp knife For cubing day-old bread
Ingredients
- 5 cups Day-old bread Cubed, 1-inch pieces
- 1.5 cups Sweet potato purée Cooked and mashed or canned
- 3 Large eggs Room temperature
- 1.5 cups Whole milk Or plant-based alternative
- 1 cup Heavy cream Or full-fat coconut milk
- 0.75 cup Brown sugar Packed
- 0.25 cup Melted butter Plus more for brushing top
- 2 teaspoon Vanilla extract Pure
- 1.5 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground ginger Optional
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 cup Chopped pecans Optional
- 0.33 cup Raisins/cranberries Optional
- 2 tablespoon Bourbon Optional, for depth
Instructions
- Preheat oven.
- Cube bread.
- Mix custard.
- Fold in bread.
- Rest mixture.
- Pour in dish.
- Bake until golden.
- Cool before serving.
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