Sweet Potato Ice Cream Recipes

Sweet Potato Ice Cream Recipes 

Sweet potatoes are a beloved staple in many cuisines, known for their earthy sweetness, vibrant orange hue, and versatility. While they shine in pies, casseroles, and roasted dishes, sweet potatoes can also be transformed into surprisingly creamy, flavorful ice cream. Whether you're looking for a comforting Southern-style dessert, a dairy-free treat, or a unique tropical twist, these three sweet potato ice cream recipes showcase the root's natural richness in cool, delightful ways.

1. Southern Spiced Sweet Potato Ice Cream

This traditional-style recipe blends baked sweet potatoes with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, cream, and brown sugar for a rich dessert reminiscent of sweet potato pie.

Ingredients:

2 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 cups mashed)

1 ½ cups heavy cream

1 cup whole milk

¾ cup light brown sugar

4 large egg yolks

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp ground cinnamon

½ tsp ground nutmeg

¼ tsp ground ginger

Pinch of salt

Instructions:

Bake and mash the sweet potatoes.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prick sweet potatoes with a fork and bake for 45-60 minutes until soft. Let them cool, then scoop out and mash the flesh until smooth. Measure out 2 cups.

Make the custard base.

In a medium saucepan, heat the cream, milk, and half the brown sugar over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves and the mixture is warm but not boiling.

Temper the egg yolks.

In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the remaining brown sugar. Slowly pour about ½ cup of the warm cream mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly to temper them. Then gradually add the tempered yolks back into the pot.

Cook the custard.

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon (170–175°F or 76–80°C). Do not boil.

Blend with sweet potato and spices.

In a blender, combine the custard with the mashed sweet potato, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Blend until smooth.

Chill the mixture.

Pour into a container and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Churn and freeze.

Pour into your ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions. Transfer to a container and freeze for at least 2 hours for a firmer texture.

Serving Tip:

Serve with crumbled graham crackers or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a pie-like experience.

2. Vegan Sweet Potato Coconut Ice Cream

Creamy, dairy-free, and lightly sweetened with maple syrup, this vegan recipe uses coconut milk and roasted sweet potatoes for a smooth, tropical-flavored treat.

Ingredients:

2 cups roasted sweet potato (cooled and mashed)

1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk

1 can (14 oz) coconut cream

½ cup pure maple syrup (or to taste)

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ tsp ground cinnamon

Pinch of salt

Optional add-ins:

Toasted coconut flakes

Chopped candied ginger

Instructions:

Roast the sweet potatoes.

Follow the same baking method as the previous recipe. Let them cool and scoop out 2 cups of flesh.

Blend the ingredients.

In a blender, combine the mashed sweet potato, coconut milk, coconut cream, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Blend until creamy and smooth.

Chill the mixture.

Refrigerate the mixture for at least 3 hours or until cold.

Churn and freeze.

Pour into your ice cream maker and churn until thick and creamy. For texture, add toasted coconut or ginger in the last few minutes of churning. Transfer to a container and freeze until firm, about 2–3 hours.

Serving Tip:

Serve in a coconut bowl or with grilled pineapple slices for an extra island-style flair.

3. Sweet Potato Banana Swirl Ice Cream

This recipe combines the mellow sweetness of bananas with spiced sweet potatoes for a creamy, naturally sweetened ice cream perfect for kids and adults. No eggs needed—just blend and churn.

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups cooked sweet potato, mashed

2 ripe bananas, sliced and frozen

1 cup whole milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)

½ cup heavy cream or coconut cream

⅓ cup honey or agave syrup

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ tsp cinnamon

Optional: ¼ tsp ground cardamom or allspice

Instructions:

Prepare the fruit.

Cook and mash the sweet potatoes. Freeze banana slices ahead of time (overnight or at least 2–3 hours).

Blend the ingredients.

In a high-speed blender, combine mashed sweet potato, frozen banana slices, milk, cream, honey, vanilla, and spices. Blend until silky smooth.

Chill and churn.

Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 2 hours, then churn in your ice cream maker until creamy. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for 2–4 hours to firm up.

Swirl Option:

Before freezing, layer the churned ice cream with ribbons of caramel or nut butter in the container for a beautiful swirl effect.

Serving Tip:

Top with chopped walnuts or dark chocolate chips for a decadent finish.

Why Sweet Potato Ice Cream Works

At first glance, sweet potatoes may not scream "ice cream material." But their dense, creamy texture and natural sugars make them an ideal base for frozen desserts. They also pair beautifully with warming spices and tropical flavors, balancing sweetness with a rich, earthy depth.

Sweet potato ice cream is:

Nutrient-rich: High in beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamins.

Naturally sweet: Less added sugar needed.

Customizable: Works with dairy or plant-based ingredients.

Comforting and unique: A familiar taste in a refreshing new format.

These three sweet potato ice cream recipes—traditional Southern spiced, vegan coconut, and banana swirl—demonstrate just how versatile this root vegetable can be. Whether you're seeking a nostalgic dessert, a dairy-free option, or a playful twist on fruit-based ice cream, sweet potatoes deliver creamy comfort in every bite.

With simple ingredients and a little creativity, sweet potato ice cream can become a go-to treat for fall holidays, warm summer evenings, or anytime you're craving something cold, smooth, and satisfying. 

Helpful Reading 

From Seed to Salsa: Grow Tomatoes and Make Your Own Sauces 

https://www.amazon.com/Seed-Salsa-Tomatoes-Sauces-Harvest-ebook/dp/B0F4PGRYF5/

Growing Strawberries With Kids

https://www.amazon.com/Strawberry-Growing-Kids-Families-Fruit-ebook/dp/B0F73TV5GZ/

Hydroponic and Kratky Sweet Potatoes 

https://www.amazon.com/Hydroponic-Kratky-Sweet-Potatoes-Water-Based-ebook/dp/B0F7892GF5/

Pepper Microfarming for Profit

https://www.amazon.com/Pepper-Microfarms-Profit-Fresh-Harvest-ebook/dp/B0F6ZYBLRB/