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Sweet Potato “Crème Caramel” With Warm Spices & Dark Syrup
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Sweet Potato “Crème Caramel” With Warm Spices & Dark Syrup

Recipe by Chef zouheir

From the Blog Author

This Sweet Potato “Crème Caramel” With Warm Spices & Dark Syrup has become my go‑to comfort dessert. I first made it on a rainy afternoon, and the way the sweet potato softened into a silky custard while those aromatic spices danced in the air made me smile all day long. What I love most is the unexpected harmony between the earthy sweetness of baked sweet potato, the gentle heat of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a whisper of clove, and the deep, caramel‑like richness of the dark maple–brown‑sugar syrup. The custard’s velvety texture feels like a cloud, but the top glazed in that glossy sauce gives a satisfying crackle when you bite in. I love how it’s made with ingredients I keep on hand, so it’s both quick and comforting. A trick that always works is to set the ramekins in a bain‑marie while the custard bakes; the gentle, even heat keeps the mixture from curdling. And when you pour the dark syrup, let it bubble just a bit before pouring—it gives the caramel layer a lovely, glossy sheen. Give this dessert a try and let me know how it turns out. Send us an email and tell us about your experience—your feedback and photos are always welcome!
Prep Time
25 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Servings
6
Difficulty
Medium

Ingredients

  • 100 grams granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 250 grams sweet potato purée
  • 400 milliliters whole milk
  • 3 large eggs
  • 100 milliliters heavy cream
  • 80 grams brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt
  • Whipped cream
  • Toasted pecans or walnuts
  • Fresh orange zest or candied ginger

Directions

1

In a saucepan, heat sugar, water, and lemon juice over medium heat until it turns a deep amber color.

2

Immediately pour the hot caramel into ramekins or a large flan mold, tilting to coat the bottoms evenly.

3

Let the caramel cool and set completely.

4

In a separate bowl, blend sweet potato purée, milk, cream, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until completely smooth.

5

Pour the custard mixture through a fine sieve into a jug for extra smoothness.

6

Carefully pour the strained custard over the set caramel in the molds.

7

Place the ramekins in a deep baking dish and add hot water to the dish until it reaches halfway up the sides of the molds (creating a water bath).

8

Bake at 160°C (320°F) for 35–45 minutes for individual ramekins, or up to 55 minutes for a large mold, until the custard is just set with a gentle wobble in the center.

9

Remove the molds from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature, then chill for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight.

10

To serve, run a knife around the edge of the mold and carefully invert the flan onto a serving plate.

11

Top with whipped cream, toasted nuts, or orange zest, if desired.

Recommended Kitchen Tools

1
DEIME Air Fryer 3 Qt, Small Airfryer Digital Space Saving Compact, Bake, Reheat, Roasts for Quick Easy Meals, Mini Compact & Quiet, Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe Basket (Black)
• Digital Controls: precise temperature and timer keep pastries golden and flaky every time. • Non‑stick Basket: releases cookies and brownies without a second cleaning, so you can focus on flavor. • Compact Size: fits under the counter, leaving room for trays of cake batter or a cookie sheet. • Quiet Operation: bake overnight without waking anyone, keeping the kitchen calm for your next batch. Why We Love It: The non‑stick basket saves cleanup time, letting you focus on creative dessert ideas—perfect for busy bakers who love sweet successes.
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2
Air Fryer Oven Large 20 QT, 10-in-1 Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo with Window for Family, Airfryer Oven with Rotisserie, 3 Dehydrating Racks
• 20‑QT Capacity: Bake large batches for families—or desserts that last—saving prep time. • 10‑In‑1 All‑in‑One: Cook toast, bake, air‑fry, roast, dehydrate—one appliance, no clutter. • Clear Window: Watch golden crusts finish perfectly without opening the door. • Rotisserie Feature: Evenly roast fruit or treats for a moist, caramelized result. • Dehydrating Racks: Turn fresh fruit into sweet, snack‑size treats faster. Why We Love It: Its big capacity and rotisserie make family‑sized desserts effortless, and the dehydrating racks turn fruit into tasty, homemade snacks in minutes.
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3
Ninja | Air Fryer | 6.5 QT Pro XL Capacity fits 9lbs of Wings | 6-in-1 Max Crisp, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat & Dehydrate | Nonstick Basket, Crisper Plate & Recipe Guide | Grey | AF181
• 6.5 QT Pro XL Capacity lets you bake cookies or cake layers for the whole party in one go. • 6-in-1 Max Crisp mixes air fry, bake, and dehydrate, so fewer appliances and more baking freedom. • Nonstick Basket & Crisper Plate releases desserts cleanly, cutting cleanup time. • Recipe Guide gives fool‑proof dessert tips for first‑time bakers. Why We Love It: We love the big capacity for crowd‑sized treats. And Max Crisp gives every cookie a perfect edge.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I make this Sweet Potato Crème Caramel?

This baked custard is perfect for making ahead! You can prepare the Sweet Potato Crème Caramel up to 3 days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Allow it to chill thoroughly for the best texture before inverting and serving.

What is the best way to store leftover Sweet Potato Crème Caramel?

Store any leftover dessert directly in the ramekins or flan mold, ensuring they are tightly covered with plastic wrap or a lid. Keep it refrigerated for up to 4 days; the texture remains excellent, benefiting from the cold temperature that helps the custard set firmly.

Can I substitute the whole milk in this recipe for a dairy-free alternative?

While whole milk is traditional, you can substitute it with a rich, unsweetened plant-based milk like full-fat coconut milk or cashew milk to maintain creaminess. Be aware that the final texture might be slightly less firm, but the warm spices will still shine through.