Tasty Cinnamon Butter Sweet Potato

This hearty cinnamon butter baked sweet potato has been my go-to side dish for years, transforming ordinary sweet potatoes into a cozy comfort food with minimal effort. The natural sweetness of the potato combined with warm cinnamon and rich butter creates a simple yet irresistible dish that's perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions.

I discovered this recipe one chilly evening when I was craving something warm and comforting but didn't have energy for complicated cooking. Now it's become a family favorite that my children request regularly, especially during the colder months.

Ingredients

• Sweet potatoes orange fleshed varieties like Jewel or Beauregard work best as they become extra tender and naturally sweet when baked
• Melted butter creates richness that balances the sweet potato perfectly
• Real maple syrup adds natural sweetness without being overwhelming
• Cinnamon powder brings warm aromatic flavor that makes this dish so cozy
• Salt enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness
• Spray oil prevents sticking for perfect roasting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Sheet Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F. This temperature is crucial as it allows for proper caramelization without burning. Coat your sheet pan generously with cooking spray to ensure nothing sticks during the roasting process, which would affect both the flavor and texture of your final dish.

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Carefully peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into consistent 1-inch cubes. The uniform size is essential for even cooking. Take your time with this step as irregularly sized pieces will cook at different rates. I like to use a sharp chef's knife to make the process easier.

Mix the Maple Butter Coating

Combine melted butter, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl, whisking until completely integrated. This mixture is the flavor foundation of the dish. The butter should be fully melted but not hot enough to cook the cinnamon, which would diminish its aromatic qualities.

Coat the Sweet Potatoes

Arrange the cubed sweet potatoes in a single layer on your prepared sheet pan. Pour the maple butter mixture evenly over them, then use your hands or a spatula to thoroughly toss them until every piece is coated. Ensure there are no dry spots as these areas won't caramelize properly.

Bake the Sweet Potatoes

Place the sheet pan in your preheated oven for 35 minutes total. After about 17 minutes, pull out the pan and stir the potatoes to promote even browning. Watch for a golden caramelized exterior developing while ensuring the interior becomes fork tender.

Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven when the potatoes are perfectly tender with beautifully caramelized edges. Serve immediately while still hot to enjoy the full flavor and texture contrast between the crisp exterior and soft interior.

Bookmark

The maple syrup is truly the secret ingredient that elevates this dish from good to exceptional. I discovered this by accident when I ran out of brown sugar one Thanksgiving. The maple adds complexity rather than just sweetness, creating beautiful caramelization around the edges that my children now fight over at the dinner table.

Watch Out for These Mistakes

Overcrowding the pan prevents proper roasting and creates steamed rather than caramelized potatoes

Inconsistent cube sizes lead to some pieces overcooking while others remain undercooked

Skipping the midway stir means uneven browning and caramelization

Which Kind of Sweet Potatoes to Use

The orange fleshed varieties provide the best texture and natural sweetness for this recipe. Their higher moisture content allows them to become incredibly tender while still maintaining their shape during baking. When shopping, look for sweet potatoes that feel heavy for their size with smooth, unblemished skin. Avoid any with soft spots or sprouts as these indicate age and potential quality issues.

How to Know When Sweet Potatoes are Done

The perfect sweet potato cube should offer no resistance when pierced with a fork. You'll notice the edges have darkened slightly due to caramelization of the natural sugars and maple syrup coating. The exterior should have a slightly firmer texture than the creamy interior, creating a wonderful contrast with each bite. If you're unsure, test one of the larger pieces by cutting it open to check for tenderness throughout.

Storage Instructions and Making Ahead

These sweet potatoes keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, making them perfect for meal prep. To reheat, spread them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to restore some of their original texture. For advance preparation, you can peel and cube the sweet potatoes up to a day ahead. Just store them completely submerged in cold water in the refrigerator, then drain thoroughly and pat dry before continuing with the recipe.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I use different types of sweet potatoes for this dish?

Orange-fleshed varieties like Jewel or Beauregard work best as they become tender and naturally sweet when baked. While white or cream-colored sweet potatoes will technically work, the orange ones have a moister, softer texture that pairs beautifully with the butter and cinnamon coating.

→ How do I know when the sweet potatoes are perfectly cooked?

The sweet potato cubes should be easily pierced with a fork without resistance. They should be tender throughout while still holding their shape (not mushy), with a slightly caramelized exterior from the maple-butter mixture. They'll have developed a golden-brown color when properly cooked.

→ What's the biggest mistake to avoid when making this dish?

Overcrowding the pan is the most common error. Use a large enough baking sheet and arrange the cubes in a single layer so they roast properly instead of steaming. This ensures you get those desirable crispy edges and proper caramelization.

→ Can I prepare any parts of this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can peel and cube the sweet potatoes up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them submerged in cold water in the refrigerator to prevent browning. When ready to cook, drain thoroughly and pat them dry before tossing with the butter mixture.

→ What can I substitute for maple syrup?

Honey or brown sugar make excellent substitutes for maple syrup. For a dairy-free version, you can replace the butter with coconut oil or olive oil. While cinnamon is key for the warm flavor, you could add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a different dimension.

→ How should I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 1 minute, or warm them in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to help maintain their slightly crispy edges. For best texture, serve these sweet potatoes fresh rather than freezing them.