Japanese Sweet Potato Creme Brulee with a Fantastic Texture

Inspired by a memorable dessert from a Japanese restaurant, this Sweet Potato Crème Brûlée transforms roasted sweet potatoes into an elegant, custard-filled treat. With a velvety vanilla custard nestled inside a sweet potato shell and topped with a caramelized sugar crust, this gluten-free dessert is both rustic and refined.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A unique twist on classic crème brûlée
• Naturally gluten-free and nutrient-rich
• Combines earthy, sweet, and creamy flavors
• Caramelized sugar crust adds satisfying crunch
• Perfect for dinner parties or cozy evenings
• Uses familiar ingredients in a creative way

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 medium sweet potatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 vanilla bean (split and scraped)
• 3 egg yolks
• ⅛ cup sugar (plus more for the crème brûlée topping)
• Pinch of salt

Directions

Roast the Sweet Potatoes

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil. Place sweet potatoes on it and roast for about 45 minutes until fork-tender.
3. Let cool slightly. Reduce oven temperature to 300°F (150°C).

Prepare the Shells

4. Cut sweet potatoes in half lengthwise. Scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a ¼-inch shell. Reserve scooped flesh for other recipes.

Infuse the Cream

5. In a saucepan, heat heavy cream with split vanilla bean over medium heat. Simmer briefly, remove from heat, discard vanilla pod.

Make the Custard

6. In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, ⅛ cup sugar, and salt. Slowly stir in the warm cream while whisking to prevent curdling.

Fill and Bake

7. Pour custard into sweet potato shells, nearly to the rim.
8. Place filled shells in a baking dish. Add hot water to the dish until it reaches halfway up the sides.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the edges are set and centers slightly jiggle.

Chill and Caramelize

10. Cool to room temperature, then chill at least 2 hours in the fridge.
11. Before serving, sprinkle sugar on top and use a torch or broiler to caramelize it into a golden crust.

Serve

12. Serve immediately with a crisp sugar shell and creamy custard interior.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2
Prep time: 45 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Calories per serving: ~740 kcal

Variations

• Use Japanese or African sweet potatoes for a starchier, denser custard
• Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard for warmth
• Replace vanilla bean with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Try brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor

storage/reheating

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Do not freeze, as texture and sugar topping will be compromised. Torch the sugar just before serving to keep it crisp.

FAQs

Can I use Japanese sweet potatoes?

Yes, they have a firmer texture and less sweetness, which pairs beautifully with custard.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, prepare everything and chill. Torch the sugar right before serving.

What if I don’t have a kitchen torch?

Use your oven’s broiler, watching closely to avoid burning.

Can I use vanilla extract instead of a bean?

Yes, 1 teaspoon of extract works well in place of a vanilla bean.

Can I freeze the dessert?

No, freezing affects the texture and sugar topping.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Heavy cream is preferred for the richest texture, but full-fat milk can be used for a lighter version.

What can I do with the leftover sweet potato flesh?

Use it for casseroles, pancakes, or soups.

How do I keep the custard from curdling?

Slowly add the hot cream to egg yolks while whisking continuously.

Can I serve it warm?

It’s best chilled, but you can let it come to room temperature before serving if preferred.

Conclusion

Sweet Potato Crème Brûlée is a creative fusion of East and West, transforming humble sweet potatoes into a luxurious, crowd-pleasing dessert. With its creamy custard and crackly sugar top, it’s the perfect end to any meal—especially when you’re craving something elegant and comforting.

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