Vegan Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding
This Vegan Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding is a delightful twist on a traditional Caribbean dessert that everyone will love. With its rich and moist texture, this pudding is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a holiday feast, or just a cozy night in. The combination of sweet potatoes and coconut milk makes it not only indulgent but also nourishing, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up this delicious pudding.
- Rich Flavor: The unique combination of sweet potatoes and spices creates a delectable taste that will impress your guests.
- Versatile Dessert: Serve it warm or cold, with coconut whipped cream or on its own—it’s delicious either way!
- Healthy Indulgence: Made with natural sweeteners and plant-based ingredients, it’s a guilt-free treat.
- Cultural Heritage: Enjoy a taste of Jamaica right in your kitchen with this authentic recipe.

Tools and Preparation
To make the Vegan Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding, you will need some essential tools. Preparing your workspace ahead of time will help streamline the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Grater or food processor
- Baking pan (9-inch round)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently.
- Grater or food processor: Makes grating sweet potatoes quick and easy.
- Baking pan: A 9-inch round pan ensures even baking for the pudding.
- Spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of the bowl and ensuring all ingredients are mixed well.
Ingredients
This Jamaican sweet potato pudding recipe is a vegan spin on this popular dessert enjoyed in Jamaica and the Caribbean throughout the year. It is very moist, rich, and indulgent!
For the Pudding
- 2 pounds sweet potato (aka batata)
- 1 14-ounce can coconut milk
- 1 cup coconut palm sugar
- 1 teaspoon ginger (freshly grated)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup gluten-free all purpose flour (or brown rice flour)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
For the Topping
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 pinch cinnamon (optional)
How to Make Vegan Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375℉. Grease a 9-inch round baking pan and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Peel the sweet potatoes and roughly chop them into smaller pieces. Use either a grater or a food processor to grate them until smooth. If using a food processor, add some coconut milk to assist in blending.
Step 3: Mix Ingredients
Transfer the grated sweet potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Add in the coconut milk, coconut palm sugar, freshly grated ginger, vanilla, spices, and sea salt. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 4: Add Flour
Gradually stir in the gluten-free all-purpose flour until you achieve a mostly smooth batter.
Step 5: Bake the Pudding
Pour the batter into your greased cake pan. Bake it in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
Step 6: Prepare Topping Mixture
While the pudding is baking, combine all topping ingredients in a small bowl. Mix well until combined.
Step 7: Add Topping and Continue Baking
After 45 minutes, remove the pudding from the oven. Pour the topping mixture evenly over the top of the pudding. Return it to bake for another 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Step 8: Serve
Once baked, let it cool slightly before serving. This pudding is delicious on its own or served with coconut whipped cream for an extra treat!
Notes
If using regular American sweet potatoes instead of batata, please double the amount of flour used in this recipe.
How to Serve Vegan Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding
Vegan Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience with this rich and moist pudding.
With Coconut Whipped Cream
- This creamy topping pairs beautifully with the pudding’s sweetness, adding a light texture.
Topped with Fresh Fruits
- Serve slices of the pudding with fresh fruits like mango or berries for a refreshing contrast.
Drizzled with Maple Syrup
- A drizzle of maple syrup adds extra sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor that complements the pudding.
With a Scoop of Vegan Ice Cream
- Pairing it with vegan ice cream creates a delicious warm-cold combination that everyone will love.
Accompanied by Spiced Nuts
- A handful of spiced nuts adds crunch and an extra layer of flavor, making your dessert more satisfying.
Served Warm or Cold
- Enjoy this pudding warm straight from the oven or chilled for a refreshing treat on a hot day.
How to Perfect Vegan Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding
Perfecting your Vegan Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding can elevate its taste and texture. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.
- Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes: Fresh sweet potatoes provide the best flavor and moisture, making your pudding richer.
- Grate Finely: Grating the sweet potatoes finely ensures an even consistency throughout the pudding.
- Adjust Spices: Feel free to adjust spices like ginger and cinnamon according to your taste preferences for a personalized touch.
- Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the baking time; ovens can vary. The top should be golden brown when ready.
- Let It Cool: Allowing the pudding to cool slightly before serving helps it set properly and makes slicing easier.
- Experiment with Toppings: Try different toppings such as nuts or dried fruits for added flavor and texture.
Best Side Dishes for Vegan Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding
Serving side dishes alongside your Vegan Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding can create a more complete meal. Here are some great options:
- Tropical Fruit Salad: A mix of tropical fruits like pineapple, kiwi, and banana adds freshness to balance the richness of the pudding.
- Coconut Rice: Fluffy coconut rice complements the flavors in the pudding while adding a satisfying starchiness.
- Jamaican Jerk Chickpeas: Spicy jerk chickpeas provide a savory contrast that enhances the sweetness of the pudding.
- Curried Lentils: These lentils bring warmth and spice, creating an exciting combination with the sweet dish.
- Steamed Greens: Lightly steamed greens such as kale or spinach offer a nutritious balance to this indulgent dessert.
- Roasted Plantains: Sweet roasted plantains echo the flavors in the pudding while adding another layer of sweetness.
- Spiced Quinoa Salad: This dish packs protein and can be flavored with lime and herbs for a zesty touch that pairs well with dessert.
- Chickpea Salad Sandwiches: These hearty sandwiches provide protein and texture, making them an excellent side option alongside sweet dishes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making vegan Jamaican sweet potato pudding can be simple, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.
- Skipping the sweet potatoes: Ensure you use fresh sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture. Frozen or canned options may alter the pudding’s consistency.
- Ignoring measurements: Accurate measurements are key in baking. Use a kitchen scale for precise results, especially with flour and sugar.
- Not greasing the pan: A well-greased pan prevents sticking. Always grease your baking dish thoroughly before pouring in the batter.
- Underbaking: This pudding needs a good bake to develop its flavors. Make sure to bake until the top is golden brown for optimal results.
- Neglecting optional spices: Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg add depth to the flavor. Don’t skip these, as they enhance the overall taste of your pudding.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Allow the pudding to cool completely before sealing it to prevent condensation.
Freezing Vegan Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding
- Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag for easy serving later.
Reheating Vegan Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place pudding in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat on medium power for 30-60 seconds, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Heat a slice in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid to retain moisture, for about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Vegan Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding special?
This dessert combines traditional Jamaican flavors with vegan ingredients, creating a moist and delicious treat that everyone can enjoy.
Can I use regular sweet potatoes instead of Jamaican sweet potatoes?
Yes, but if using regular American sweet potatoes, double the flour amount for best results.
How do I know when my Vegan Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding is done?
The pudding is ready when the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by using gluten-free all-purpose flour or brown rice flour, this pudding remains gluten-free while still being deliciously rich.
Final Thoughts
Vegan Jamaican sweet potato pudding is not only indulgent but also versatile. You can customize it with your favorite spices or toppings. Whether served alone or with coconut whipped cream, this dessert is sure to delight anyone who tries it. Enjoy making it and share it with friends and family!
Vegan Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Vegan Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding, a heartwarming twist on a classic Caribbean dessert. This rich and moist pudding combines sweet potatoes and coconut milk to create an indulgent yet nourishing treat perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a family gathering, holiday feast, or cozy night in, this plant-based dessert will impress everyone at the table. Serve it warm or cold, topped with coconut whipped cream or fresh fruits for an unforgettable experience. Enjoy a taste of Jamaica right in your kitchen!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Jamaican
Ingredients
- 2 pounds sweet potato (batata)
- 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk
- 1 cup coconut palm sugar
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
- Optional: spices (cinnamon, nutmeg)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9-inch round baking pan.
- Peel and chop the sweet potatoes, then grate them until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine grated sweet potatoes, coconut milk, sugar, ginger, vanilla, optional spices, and salt; mix well.
- Gradually stir in the gluten-free flour until mostly smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45 minutes.
- While baking, mix topping ingredients in a small bowl.
- After 45 minutes, pour the topping over the pudding and bake for an additional 45 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 100g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg