If you are looking for a comforting, delicious side that feels like a warm hug on your plate, then you absolutely must try this Baked Sweet Potato with Cinnamon Butter Recipe. The natural sweetness of perfectly baked sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with the creamy, spiced cinnamon butter, creating a dish that is both simple and irresistibly flavorful. Whether you’re serving this for a cozy family dinner or looking for a new way to brighten up your weekday meals, this recipe brings out the best in every bite with buttery sweetness and just the right hint of spice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Once you see how few ingredients are required here, you’ll be amazed at how much flavor they create together. Each one is essential, contributing to the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and aromatic elements that make this dish so memorable.
- 4 medium sweet potatoes: Choose firm, evenly sized potatoes for consistent cooking and natural sweetness.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Butter adds richness and a silky texture to the cinnamon mix.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Provides a deep, molasses-like sweetness that complements the cinnamon.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that infuses warmth and a subtle kick of flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the cinnamon’s aroma perfectly.
- 1/8 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies all the lovely flavors.
How to Make Baked Sweet Potato with Cinnamon Butter Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. While it warms up, scrub your sweet potatoes well and dry them completely. Prick each potato several times with a fork—this helps steam escape and prevents them from bursting. Then, place the sweet potatoes directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet. Bake them for about 45 to 60 minutes until they are super tender inside when pierced with a knife. The skin will get beautifully crisp as the flesh turns sweet and creamy.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Butter
While the sweet potatoes are baking, mix together your softened butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Stir it until everything is combined and smooth, creating a luscious cinnamon butter that melts beautifully over the hot potatoes.
Step 3: Assemble and Serve
Once your sweet potatoes are baked and slightly cooled for handling, slice each one open lengthwise. Fluff the tender insides gently with a fork to create a soft, fluffy bed. Top each potato generously with the cinnamon butter so it begins melting into every crevice. Serve immediately and watch how this simple combination turns into a crowd-pleaser.
How to Serve Baked Sweet Potato with Cinnamon Butter Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few thoughtful garnishes can elevate the presentation and flavor. Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top for crunch. A light dusting of extra cinnamon or a drizzle of pure maple syrup can also enhance the sweetness and add another layer of indulgence.
Side Dishes
This Baked Sweet Potato with Cinnamon Butter Recipe shines as a side for rich mains like roasted chicken, pork chops, or even a hearty vegetarian chili. It pairs wonderfully with leafy greens or a crisp salad to balance the richness with fresh, bright flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, you can scoop out the potato flesh, mix it with the cinnamon butter, then pipe it back into the skins using a star tip for an elegant look. Alternatively, turn the baked potatoes into a warm sweet potato mash served in individual ramekins with a cinnamon butter pat melting on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though they rarely last long!), store the baked sweet potatoes and cinnamon butter separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps textures fresh and flavors bright for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked sweet potatoes without the butter. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Freeze the cinnamon butter in a small container or ice cube tray separately so you can add just what you need later.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen sweet potatoes overnight in the fridge if possible. Warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, then add a fresh spoonful of cinnamon butter on top to recreate that sublime melted effect. Microwave reheating also works but can soften the skins unevenly.
FAQs
Can I use dairy-free butter for this recipe?
Absolutely! Dairy-free butter works perfectly here and keeps the recipe friendly for those avoiding dairy, while still delivering that rich, creamy feel.
Why do I need to prick the sweet potatoes before baking?
Pricking the potatoes allows steam to escape as they bake, preventing them from bursting in the oven and ensuring even cooking.
Can I prepare the cinnamon butter ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the cinnamon butter a day or two in advance and keep it stored in the refrigerator. Just let it come to room temperature before spreading it on your sweet potatoes.
Is this recipe suitable for a vegetarian or gluten-free diet?
Definitely! This Baked Sweet Potato with Cinnamon Butter Recipe is naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, making it a versatile choice for various dietary needs.
Can I add other spices to the cinnamon butter?
Sure! A pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger can add a lovely extra warmth. Some people even like a touch of cayenne for a subtle heat contrast.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Sweet Potato with Cinnamon Butter Recipe is one of those happiness-in-a-dish moments you want to savor again and again. It’s straightforward, packed with flavor, and perfect for any season. I truly hope you’ll enjoy baking these sweet gems and sharing them with loved ones as much as I do. Once you try this, it’s bound to become a favorite go-to that makes every meal feel just a little sweeter.
Print
Baked Sweet Potato with Cinnamon Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
Enjoy a warm and comforting Baked Sweet Potato topped with a luscious cinnamon butter spread that combines sweetness and spice for a perfect side dish or snack.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed and dried
Cinnamon Butter
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the sweet potatoes.
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. Place them directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet.
- Bake Sweet Potatoes: Bake the sweet potatoes for 45 to 60 minutes until they are very tender when pierced with a knife, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Make Cinnamon Butter: While the sweet potatoes bake, combine the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt in a small bowl. Mix until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and allow them to cool slightly so they can be handled safely.
- Serve: Slice each sweet potato open lengthwise and fluff the inside with a fork. Top generously with the prepared cinnamon butter. Serve warm for best flavor.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a drizzle of maple syrup or a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon butter.
- This recipe can be made using dairy-free butter to accommodate dietary restrictions.
