This homemade Sweet Potato Ice Cream is a delightful dessert that brings the warm flavors of fall into your home. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a sweet treat after dinner, this recipe combines creamy sweet potato with marshmallow, brown sugar, and cinnamon. It’s not just delicious; it’s also a unique twist on traditional ice cream that everyone will love!

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Ice Cream Base
- For the Swirl
- How to Make Sweet Potato Ice Cream
- Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
- Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
- Step 3: Create the Milk Base
- Step 4: Strain Mixture
- Step 5: Blend Sweet Potato Puree
- Step 6: Churn Ice Cream
- Step 7: Layer and Freeze
- How to Serve Sweet Potato Ice Cream
- With Toppings
- In a Sundae
- As a Float
- How to Perfect Sweet Potato Ice Cream
- Best Side Dishes for Sweet Potato Ice Cream
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Sweet Potato Ice Cream
- Reheating Sweet Potato Ice Cream
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use canned sweet potato puree for sweet potato ice cream?
- How do I achieve a smoother texture in my sweet potato ice cream?
- Can I customize my sweet potato ice cream?
- How long does homemade sweet potato ice cream last?
- What is the best way to serve sweet potato ice cream?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor: The combination of sweet potato, marshmallow, and spices creates a rich and comforting taste.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and basic ingredients, you can whip up this ice cream at home without any hassle.
- Perfect for All Occasions: Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in, this dessert fits right in.
- Versatile Dessert: Serve it alone or as a topping for pies and cakes. It pairs well with many treats!
- Homemade Goodness: Making your own sweet potato ice cream allows you to control the ingredients and flavors.
Tools and Preparation
Before getting started, make sure you have all the necessary tools on hand. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Ice cream maker
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Blender
- Sieve
Importance of Each Tool
- Ice cream maker: This tool helps churn the mixture effectively, ensuring a creamy texture.
- Blender: A blender is essential for achieving a smooth sweet potato puree, which is key to this recipe’s success.
Ingredients
This homemade sweet potato ice cream is the perfect fall treat! It’s an easy recipe for the ice cream maker, swirled with melty marshmallow, brown sugar, and cozy cinnamon spice.
For the Ice Cream Base
- 1 cup (244g) sweet potato puree – about 1 large or 2 medium sweet potatoes
- 3/4 cup (168g) light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons dry milk powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼-½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) light corn syrup
- 1 1/2 cup (314ml) whole milk
- 1 1/3 cup (314ml) heavy whipping cream
For the Swirl
- ¾ cups (177ml) heavy whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons (10ml) Pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup Marshmallow fluff (Jet-Puffed Marshmallow Creme)
- ½-1 ½ teaspoons heavy whipping cream

How to Make Sweet Potato Ice Cream
Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Roast the sweet potato in an oven preheated to 400°F for 25-35 minutes until the inside is soft and tender. Separate the filling from the skin, discard the skin, and allow the filling to cool.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, combine all the dry ingredients. Stir well to ensure everything is mixed evenly.
Step 3: Create the Milk Base
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk and corn syrup. Whisk until well combined. Gradually add in your dry ingredients while whisking vigorously until there are no lumps. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until the sugar dissolves, then remove from heat.
Step 4: Strain Mixture
Strain the mixture through a sieve into a large mixing bowl. Mix in heavy cream and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined. Let it cool on the counter for about 20 minutes.
Step 5: Blend Sweet Potato Puree
In a large blender, combine your prepared sweet potato puree with half of the liquid ice cream base. Blend until smooth. Transfer back to your mixing bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until chilled (about 2-4 hours or overnight).
Step 6: Churn Ice Cream
Churn your ice cream base according to your machine’s instructions—this should take around 20-30 minutes. Meanwhile, stir together marshmallow fluff and heavy cream until it reaches a consistency that drips easily off a spoon.
Step 7: Layer and Freeze
Transfer churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container. Alternate layers of ice cream with drizzles of marshmallow fluff. Freeze for at least 4-6 hours before scooping.
Enjoy your homemade Sweet Potato Ice Cream, perfect as a dessert on its own or as an accompaniment to other treats!
How to Serve Sweet Potato Ice Cream
Sweet potato ice cream is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to elevate it with toppings or pair it with other treats, here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience.
With Toppings
- Chopped Pecans – Add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor by sprinkling chopped pecans on top.
- Drizzle of Maple Syrup – A touch of maple syrup adds sweetness and a lovely finishing touch.
- Cinnamon Dusting – A light dusting of cinnamon brings out the spice flavors in the sweet potato ice cream.
In a Sundae
- Whipped Cream – Top with fluffy whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
- Chocolate Sauce – A drizzle of warm chocolate sauce creates a rich contrast to the sweet potato flavor.
- Fresh Berries – Fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries add a tart balance to the sweetness.
As a Float
- Cream Soda – Pour cream soda over scoops of sweet potato ice cream for a unique float experience.
- Coffee – For coffee lovers, adding hot coffee creates a deliciously creamy drink.
How to Perfect Sweet Potato Ice Cream
To ensure your sweet potato ice cream turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes – Freshly roasted sweet potatoes offer the best flavor and texture for your ice cream.
- Chill the Base Thoroughly – Allowing the ice cream base to chill completely before churning helps achieve a smoother consistency.
- Don’t Over-Churn – Monitor the churning process closely; over-churning can lead to icy texture instead of creamy ice cream.
- Layer Wisely – When transferring to a container, alternate layers carefully to get an even swirl of marshmallow fluff throughout.
- Store Properly – Keep the ice cream in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and maintain its quality.

Best Side Dishes for Sweet Potato Ice Cream
Sweet potato ice cream pairs beautifully with many side dishes. Here are some excellent options that complement its unique flavors.
- Ginger Snap Cookies – These spicy cookies add crunch and warmth, making them an ideal pairing with sweet potato ice cream.
- Apple Crisp – The warm flavors of apple crisp contrast nicely with cold ice cream, creating a delightful dessert combination.
- Pumpkin Pie – A slice of pumpkin pie alongside sweet potato ice cream enhances fall flavors wonderfully.
- Chocolate Chip Muffins – Soft and moist muffins provide a comforting side that balances the creamy texture of the ice cream.
- Caramelized Banana Slices – Sweet, caramelized bananas add extra sweetness and richness when served beside your scoop.
- Pecan Pie Bars – These bars offer crunch and decadence, making them an indulgent side dish when enjoying your dessert.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making sweet potato ice cream, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:
- Overcooking the Sweet Potatoes: Cooking the sweet potatoes too long can lead to a mushy texture. Roast them until just tender to maintain their structure.
- Not Straining the Mixture: Skipping the straining step can leave lumps in your ice cream base. Always strain your mixture for a smooth consistency.
- Inadequate Cooling Time: Serving the ice cream before it has cooled properly can result in a grainy texture. Make sure to chill the mixture for at least 2-4 hours or overnight.
- Skipping the Freezing Step: Don’t forget to freeze the ice cream after churning. This step is essential for achieving that perfect scoopable texture.
- Incorrect Ingredient Measurements: Using incorrect measurements can alter the flavor and texture. Always measure ingredients accurately for best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store sweet potato ice cream in an airtight container.
- It can last up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
- Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
Freezing Sweet Potato Ice Cream
- Use a freezer-safe container with a tight lid.
- The ice cream will maintain its best quality for about 1 month in the freezer.
- For extended storage, consider using an insulated container.
Reheating Sweet Potato Ice Cream
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and place individual scoops in a baking dish, covering them with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Place a single scoop in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on low power in 10-second intervals until softened.
- Stovetop: In a small saucepan over low heat, gently stir until melted and creamy, but be careful not to overheat.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned sweet potato puree for sweet potato ice cream?
Yes, canned sweet potato puree works well and saves time. Just ensure it’s pure sweet potato without added sugars or spices.
How do I achieve a smoother texture in my sweet potato ice cream?
Straining the mixture and allowing it to chill thoroughly will help achieve that smooth texture you’re looking for.
Can I customize my sweet potato ice cream?
Absolutely! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or different spices like ginger for added flavor and texture.
How long does homemade sweet potato ice cream last?
When stored properly, homemade sweet potato ice cream can last up to one month in the freezer without losing its quality.
What is the best way to serve sweet potato ice cream?
Serve it straight from the freezer or allow it to soften slightly at room temperature before scooping for easier servings.
Final Thoughts
This sweet potato ice cream is not only a delightful treat but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite mix-ins or spices! It’s perfect for fall gatherings or any time you crave something unique and delicious. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; you’ll love how creamy and flavorful it is!
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📖 Recipe Card
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Sweet Potato Ice Cream
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of homemade Sweet Potato Ice Cream, a delightful twist on traditional dessert that captures the essence of fall. This easy-to-make recipe combines velvety sweet potato puree with marshmallow fluff and warm spices, creating a unique flavor profile that will impress family and friends. Perfect for cozy gatherings or as a sweet treat after dinner, this ice cream is versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own or paired with pies, cakes, and more. Treat yourself to this comforting dessert that elevates any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sweet potato puree
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons dry milk powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 1/3 cups heavy whipping cream
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream (for swirl)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup marshmallow fluff
Instructions
- Roast the sweet potatoes at 400°F for 25–35 minutes until soft. Allow to cool, then separate the puree from the skin.
- In a small bowl, combine dry ingredients: brown sugar, dry milk powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, xanthan gum, and salt.
- Heat milk and corn syrup in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in dry ingredients until dissolved; cook for about 3–5 minutes.
- Strain mixture into a bowl; stir in heavy cream and vanilla extract. Let cool for about 20 minutes.
- Blend sweet potato puree with half of the liquid mixture until smooth; refrigerate until chilled (2–4 hours).
- Churn mixture in an ice cream maker according to instructions (20–30 minutes).
- Mix marshmallow fluff with heavy cream until drippy; layer ice cream and fluff in a container before freezing for at least 4–6 hours.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup (120g)
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg