There is something irresistibly cozy and soul-satisfying about a warm, tender sweet potato laced with the rich, aromatic flavors of cinnamon butter. This Baked Sweet Potato with Cinnamon Butter Recipe brings together the natural sweetness of perfectly roasted sweet potatoes and the creamy, spiced butter that melts and seeps into every fluffy bite. Whether you’re looking for a comforting side dish or a wholesome snack, this recipe is a celebration of simplicity and flavor that’s sure to brighten any mealtime.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of this recipe; each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious balance of sweetness, spice, and creaminess that makes this dish truly special.
- 4 medium sweet potatoes: Choose potatoes with smooth skin and uniform size so they bake evenly to fluffy perfection.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: The base for our cinnamon butter, adding smooth richness and helping the flavors meld beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup: A natural sweetener that complements the earthiness of the sweet potatoes and enhances the cinnamon’s warmth.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that brings warmth and a subtle, fragrant kick to the butter.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt balances and brightens the overall flavor, enhancing both sweetness and spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional): Adds a delicate depth and a subtle floral note that elevates the butter’s richness.
How to Make Baked Sweet Potato with Cinnamon Butter Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes for Baking
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. While the oven warms up, give the sweet potatoes a good scrub and dry them thoroughly. Prick each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking, preventing any bursting and ensuring they cook evenly on the inside.
Step 2: Bake the Sweet Potatoes
Place the pierced sweet potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Slip them into the oven and bake for 45 to 60 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a knife easily pierces through the thickest part and the skin looks slightly crisp and shriveled. This slow roasting softens the flesh, bringing out their natural sweetness.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Butter
While the potatoes are baking, mix together the softened butter, honey or maple syrup, ground cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Stir until completely smooth and creamy. This cinnamon butter will be the magical finishing touch that takes simple baked sweet potatoes to the next level of deliciousness.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Once the sweet potatoes are out of the oven, allow them to cool for a few minutes until they’re safe to handle but still warm. Slice each potato open lengthwise, and gently fluff the inside with a fork to create a tousled bed for the cinnamon butter. Spoon a generous dollop of that luscious butter right into the open sweet potato so it melts and mingles with every bite.
How to Serve Baked Sweet Potato with Cinnamon Butter Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts on top adds a delightful crunch and earthy nuttiness that contrasts perfectly with the soft sweet potato and creamy butter. For a fresh pop, consider a light dusting of cinnamon or even a few raisins for extra bursts of sweetness.
Side Dishes
This Baked Sweet Potato with Cinnamon Butter Recipe works wonderfully alongside cozy fall or winter meals. Pair it with roasted chicken, smoked turkey, or a vibrant kale salad to balance flavors and textures. It’s also a fantastic vegetarian side thanks to its hearty and satisfying quality.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve this dish in individual ramekins or hollowed-out sweet potato skins, topped with the cinnamon butter and toasted nuts. You can even turn it into a sweet breakfast option by adding a sprinkle of granola and a drizzle of extra maple syrup for a comforting start to your day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sweet potatoes will keep their moisture and flavor, while the cinnamon butter will firm up but stay delicious.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the baked sweet potatoes tightly in foil or place them in freezer-safe containers. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Keep the cinnamon butter separate if possible, as it freezes best on its own and can be freshly mixed when ready to serve.
Reheating
For the best texture and flavor, reheat leftover sweet potatoes in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave them on medium power for a few minutes but be careful not to overcook and dry them out. Add a fresh scoop of cinnamon butter after reheating for that just-made magic.
FAQs
Can I use brown sugar instead of honey or maple syrup?
Absolutely! Brown sugar will add a slightly different sweetness with a molasses undertone that complements the cinnamon nicely. Just mix it thoroughly with the butter to get a smooth consistency.
What is the best type of sweet potato to use?
Look for medium-sized sweet potatoes with orange flesh and smooth skin, such as Beauregard or Jewel varieties. These bake up soft and sweet, perfect for this recipe.
Can I make the cinnamon butter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cinnamon butter a day or two ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature and give it a quick stir before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
For a vegan version, swap the unsalted butter for a plant-based butter alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey. The flavors will still shine beautifully.
How can I make this recipe more festive for the holidays?
Add toasted pecans, a dash of nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon butter, and top with dried cranberries. It instantly becomes a holiday-worthy side dish that feels extra special.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Sweet Potato with Cinnamon Butter Recipe is one of those simple pleasures that feel like a warm hug on a plate. It’s easy to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and absolutely bursting with comforting flavors. Give it a try—you’ll quickly see why it’s a favorite to revisit time and time again.
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
Description
This Baked Sweet Potato with Cinnamon Butter recipe offers a deliciously comforting and healthy side dish, perfect for any meal. Tender baked sweet potatoes are enhanced with a creamy cinnamon-spiced butter that blends honey or maple syrup for natural sweetness. It’s a simple, vegetarian-friendly dish that brings warmth and seasonal flavors to your table.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed and dried
Cinnamon Butter
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking.
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Bake: Bake the sweet potatoes for 45 to 60 minutes or until they are tender and easily pierced with a knife, indicating they are fully cooked and soft inside.
- Make Cinnamon Butter: While the potatoes bake, mix together the softened unsalted butter, honey or maple syrup, ground cinnamon, salt, and optional vanilla extract in a small bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Cool and Slice: Remove sweet potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly for easier handling. Slice each potato open lengthwise and fluff the insides gently with a fork to create a soft bed for the butter.
- Serve: Top each sweet potato with a generous spoonful of the cinnamon butter and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For added texture and flavor, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon butter before serving.
- Leftover baked sweet potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave for convenience.
