Candied Sweet Potato Mash

Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating the most irresistibly creamy and comforting whipped sweet potatoes! Forget your average mashed potatoes; this recipe elevates the humble sweet potato into a luxurious side dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from festive holiday feasts to cozy weeknight dinners. With a velvety smooth texture and a harmonious blend of warm cinnamon and rich brown sugar, these whipped sweet potatoes are designed to melt in your mouth and leave everyone craving more. Prepare to transform your perception of sweet potato side dishes with this simple yet profoundly delicious recipe.

Overhead view of a bowl of whipped sweet potatoes with 2 pats of butter and fresh chives.

Why This Whipped Sweet Potato Recipe Shines

Our whipped sweet potatoes aren’t just a side dish; they’re an experience. Here’s why this recipe will become a cherished staple in your culinary collection:

  • **The Epitome of Comfort:** These whipped sweet potatoes are truly dreamy – the ultimate side dish for your Thanksgiving turkey, your Christmas ham, or even a simple Tuesday night rotisserie chicken. One taste of their exquisite creaminess, and traditional mashed sweet potatoes will undoubtedly become a distant memory. This dish brings a cozy, heartwarming feeling to any table, making it an essential part of your holiday spread or a delightful indulgence on a regular evening.
  • **A Symphony of Autumnal Flavors:** Experience the rich depth of oven-roasted sweet potatoes, perfectly seasoned with a hint of salt, a whisper of pepper, the aromatic warmth of cinnamon, and the deep sweetness of brown sugar. Blended to perfection with warm heavy cream and luscious melted butter, every spoonful delivers those authentic, warm, comforting, autumn flavors you expect from perfectly prepared sweet potatoes, enhanced by subtle spice and natural sweetness.
  • **Unmatched Silky Smooth Texture:** The texture of this dish is truly a game-changer. After being slow-roasted to tender perfection, the insides of the sweet potatoes are thoroughly whipped with a hand mixer, ensuring a creamy, smooth, and utterly lump-free consistency. This level of velvety smoothness is simply unattainable with a standard potato masher, setting our whipped sweet potatoes apart from any other you’ve tasted. It’s a delightful sensation that coats the palate beautifully.

Mastering the Recipe: Chef’s Pro Tips

Achieving culinary perfection with these whipped sweet potatoes is easier than you think, especially with a few expert tips up your sleeve:

  • **The Crucial Fork Test:** Sweet potato cook times can vary significantly based on your oven’s age, the placement of your oven racks, and the size of your potatoes. To ensure your potatoes are perfectly tender, don’t skip the simple yet effective fork test. Gently try to insert the tines of a fork through the skin of the sweet potatoes. The potatoes are perfectly ready to be removed from the oven when the fork tines slide effortlessly through the skin and into the potato’s soft interior. This ensures they’re soft enough for that signature whipped texture.
  • **Roasting vs. Boiling: A Flavor Debate:** While roasting sweet potatoes truly unlocks their deepest, sweetest flavors through caramelization, sometimes time is of the essence. If you’re in a rush, you can certainly boil the sweet potatoes as an alternative. While they won’t develop the same intensely sweet and slightly nutty flavor profile as oven-roasted potatoes, they will still yield a delicious base for whipping. To boil, simply peel the sweet potatoes, cut them into uniform 2-inch cubes, and place them in a pot. Cover with cold water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cubes are fork-tender. Drain thoroughly before proceeding with the recipe.
  • **The Secret Ingredient: Orange Juice:** You might have paused at the inclusion of orange juice in the ingredients list, but trust us – don’t skip it! The subtle acidity from the orange juice plays a critical role in cutting through the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes. This creates a beautifully balanced dish that is perfectly savory, preventing it from becoming overly saccharine. Rest assured, you won’t end up with citrusy sweet potatoes; the orange juice simply enhances the overall depth and complexity of the flavor profile. It’s a secret weapon for a truly well-rounded taste.
  • **Make Ahead Magic & Storage:** These whipped sweet potatoes are a fantastic make-ahead option, perfect for holiday meal prep. You can prepare the entire dish up to 2-3 days in advance. Simply transfer the finished whipped potatoes to an oven-safe casserole dish, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes, or microwave in individual portions. Leftovers also store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • **Flavor Variations & Topping Ideas:** While this recipe is perfect as is, feel free to get creative! For added crunch and nutty flavor, consider stirring in toasted pecans or walnuts. A sprinkle of mini marshmallows broiled until golden brown makes for a classic, crowd-pleasing topping. For a touch of savory elegance, try adding a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg or a hint of thyme alongside the cinnamon. A drizzle of maple syrup or a dash of vanilla extract can also enhance the sweetness.
Overhead, zoomed-out view of a white bowl filled with bright orange whipped sweet potatoes on a white tablecloth. Potatoes are topped with 2 pats of butter and chopped chives.

Perfect Pairings: More Holiday Favorites

If you’re planning a holiday feast or simply love comforting dishes, explore these other fantastic recipes that complement our whipped sweet potatoes beautifully:

  • Pumpkin Bisque
  • Bacon Wrapped Turkey Breast
  • Keto Cranberry Sauce
  • Vegan Apple Pie
  • Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread
  • Copycat Texas Roadhouse Cinnamon Honey Butter

If you loved this recipe as much as we did, don’t forget to leave us a review below. ★ Follow Easy Healthy Recipes on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram, too!

 

For more delicious recipes, visit our sister sites, 40 Aprons and Easy Cheap Recipes.

Overhead, zoomed-out view of a white bowl filled with bright orange whipped sweet potatoes on a white tablecloth. Potatoes are topped with 2 pats of butter and chopped chives.
★★★★★ 5 from 1 vote

Whipped Sweet Potatoes

Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour 15 minutes
Roasted sweet potatoes transform into a smooth, creamy, whipped potato side dish with a touch of brown sugar and cinnamon, perfect for your holiday table.
Cheryl Malik
Cheryl Malik
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6 servings

Ingredients

  • 4 large sweet potatoes (approximately 3 pounds)
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt (more or less to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (more or less to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice
  • 1 packed tablespoon brown sugar (see Notes for adjustments)
  • 2 tablespoons butter (plus more if desired for serving)
  • ⅓ cup heavy cream
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Running water
  • Vegetable scrub brush (or paper towels)
  • Fork
  • Baking sheet
  • Aluminum foil (or parchment paper)
  • Wire cooling rack
  • Knife
  • Large spoon
  • Large bowl
  • Whisk
  • Small saucepan
  • Hand mixer (or immersion blender)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425° Fahrenheit (220°C). Line a sturdy baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze, then set it aside.
  2. Thoroughly wash the sweet potatoes under cool running water. Use a vegetable scrub brush or paper towels to remove any surface dirt or imperfections from their skins. Clean potatoes are essential for roasting.
  3. Once clean, use a fork to prick holes at least ¼-inch deep all over the skin of each sweet potato. Ensure all sides are covered with these small punctures; this allows steam to escape during roasting, preventing the potatoes from bursting. Place the prepared sweet potatoes on the lined baking sheet.
    Overhead view of 4 large sweet potatoes lined horizontally on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Carefully place the baking sheet with the sweet potatoes into the preheated oven. Roast for approximately 45 minutes. At this point, perform the fork test: insert a fork into the potatoes. They are ready when the tines easily pierce through the skin to the soft center. If they still feel firm, continue roasting, checking every 10-15 minutes, until they are perfectly tender.
  5. Once the sweet potatoes are fork-tender, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Transfer the hot potatoes to a wire cooling rack and allow them to cool slightly until they can be handled safely. To speed up the cooling process, you can carefully cut the potatoes in half lengthwise.
  6. When sufficiently cooled, carefully slice each sweet potato open. Using a large spoon, scoop the soft, cooked flesh out of the skins and transfer it into a large mixing bowl. Repeat this process until all the sweet potato flesh has been removed from its skins and is in the bowl.
    Overhead view of mashed sweet potatoes in a large glass mixing bowl.
  7. To the bowl of sweet potato flesh, add the cinnamon, salt, black pepper, orange juice, and brown sugar. Using a whisk or a hand mixer, gently combine these ingredients until just incorporated. Set the bowl aside.
    Overhead view of a glass mixing bowl filled with mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and orange juice.
  8. In a small saucepan, heat the butter and heavy cream over medium-low heat. Whisk the mixture gently for about 2 minutes, or until the butter is completely melted and thoroughly incorporated into the cream, creating a smooth, warm liquid.
    Overhead view of melting butter and heavy cream in a small saucepan on a white countertop.
  9. Carefully and gradually, pour a portion of the warm cream and butter mixture into the bowl with the sweet potatoes. Use your hand mixer or immersion blender to fully incorporate the liquid into the potatoes after each addition. Continue this process, adding the cream mixture bit by bit, until the entire amount has been integrated, resulting in perfectly whipped, creamy, and lump-free sweet potatoes.
    Overhead view of whipped sweet potatoes in a large glass mixing bowl with a white hand mixer fitted with beater attachments.
  10. Once the cream mixture is fully incorporated and the sweet potatoes are beautifully whipped, transfer them to your serving dish. Top with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness, and add additional pats of butter if desired for extra richness. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • If you’re not serving the whipped potatoes immediately, transfer them to an oven-safe dish, cover them tightly with foil, and place them in an oven (turned off or set to a very low “keep warm” setting) to maintain warmth without overcooking or burning.
  • For an even richer flavor, consider using full-fat heavy cream. Adjust brown sugar to your preference; some sweet potatoes are naturally sweeter than others.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 277kcal | Protein: 4g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Total Carbs: 47g | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 11g | Net Carbs: 40g | Vitamin C: 8mg | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 352mg | Potassium: 791mg | Calcium: 80mg | Iron: 1mg

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

© Author: Cheryl Malik
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There you have it – a truly exceptional whipped sweet potato recipe that promises to be a highlight at any meal. Its rich flavors, velvety texture, and irresistible warmth make it an instant classic. We encourage you to try this recipe for your next gathering or simply to elevate a quiet dinner at home. Don’t forget to experiment with the variations and toppings to make it uniquely yours. Enjoy the delightful experience!