Decadent Sweet Potato Crème Brûlée

Sweet, silky, and beautifully caramelized, this Decadent Sweet Potato Crème Brûlée is the ultimate fall twist on a classic French dessert. The velvety custard is infused with the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes, balanced with warm spices and topped with a shatteringly crisp sugar crust that begs to be cracked with a spoon.

Whether you’re hosting a cozy autumn dinner or simply craving something luxurious to finish off your evening, this dessert delivers a surprising yet comforting experience. It’s elegant enough to impress guests but simple enough for a weekend treat.

Why You’ll Love This Decadent Sweet Potato Crème Brûlée

This dessert is a celebration of texture and flavor. The sweet potato brings an earthy, rich tone that perfectly complements the creamy custard base. With just the right amount of spice and the caramelized crunch of a torched sugar top, it’s irresistible. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover sweet potatoes from holiday dinners.

It’s gluten-free by nature, customizable in sweetness, and offers a beautiful presentation for any occasion. Each bite is silky, smooth, and just the right amount of sweet.

What Kind of Sweet Potatoes Should I Use?

Opt for orange-fleshed sweet potatoes like Garnet or Jewel. These varieties are naturally sweet and creamy when roasted, making them ideal for blending into the custard base. Be sure to roast them fully until they are soft and caramelized—this deepens their flavor and brings out their natural sugars, enhancing the dessert beautifully.

Ingredients for the Decadent Sweet Potato Crème Brûlée

To create this luxuriously creamy dessert, each ingredient plays a key role in delivering flavor, texture, and that signature caramelized top.

Sweet Potatoes – These provide the natural sweetness and velvety base. Roasting enhances their flavor.
Heavy Cream – Essential for creating that rich, silky custard texture.
Egg Yolks – The backbone of the custard. They thicken the mixture and lend it a smooth, luscious consistency.
Brown Sugar – Adds depth and a hint of molasses that pairs beautifully with sweet potatoes.
White Granulated Sugar – Used for caramelizing the top for that satisfying crack.
Vanilla Extract – Adds a warm, aromatic depth.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg – Classic spices that enhance the fall flavor profile.
Salt – Just a pinch to balance and highlight the sweetness.

How To Make the Decadent Sweet Potato Crème Brûlée

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Prick sweet potatoes and roast until soft and caramelized (about 45 minutes). Let cool, then scoop out the flesh and mash until smooth.

Step 2: Make the Custard Base

In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream just until warm. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, brown sugar, spices, vanilla, and mashed sweet potatoes until fully combined.

Step 3: Combine and Strain

Gradually whisk warm cream into the egg mixture to temper. Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove any lumps and achieve a silky texture.

Step 4: Bake the Custards

Pour into ramekins. Place in a baking dish, fill halfway with hot water, and bake at 325°F for 30–40 minutes or until just set.

Step 5: Chill and Caramelize

Let cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Before serving, sprinkle tops with white sugar and torch until golden and crackly.

Serving and Storing Decadent Sweet Potato Crème Brûlée

This recipe makes enough to serve 6 people. Serve each ramekin individually for an elegant presentation. The sugar top should be torched just before serving to maintain that crisp, caramelized crust.

To store, cover the ramekins tightly (without the sugar topping) and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply add sugar and caramelize with a kitchen torch.

Avoid freezing, as the texture of the custard can break down once thawed.

What to Serve With Decadent Sweet Potato Crème Brûlée?

Fresh Berries

A small bowl of tart raspberries or blackberries adds color and balances the sweetness.

Whipped Cream

Lightly sweetened whipped cream complements the dense, creamy custard beautifully.

Spiced Nuts

Candied pecans or spiced walnuts provide a nice crunch and contrast.

Ginger Snap Cookies

Serve on the side or crumble on top for an added layer of spice.

Dark Chocolate Shavings

A few curls of dark chocolate elevate the elegance and add a rich note.

Chai Tea or Coffee

The warming spices in chai or a robust coffee make for a lovely beverage pairing.

Bourbon or Dessert Wine

A small pour of bourbon or a sweet wine like Sauternes complements the caramel flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, canned sweet potatoes can be used in a pinch, but make sure they are plain and not in syrup. Roasted fresh sweet potatoes offer deeper flavor.

Do I need a kitchen torch?
A torch gives the best caramelized top, but you can use your oven’s broiler. Just keep a close eye to avoid burning.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the custards a day or two in advance and keep them chilled. Caramelize the sugar topping just before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Naturally gluten-free, making it a great dessert for guests with dietary needs.

Can I substitute milk for the cream?
You can, but the texture won’t be as rich or creamy. Whole milk is best if you go this route.