10 Delicious Purple Sweet Potato Recipes to Brighten Your Table

Purple sweet potatoes are having their moment—and for good reason. These vibrant tubers don’t just add a pop of color to your plate; they’re also packed with flavor, nutrients, and versatility. From creamy soups to Instagram-worthy desserts, there’s no limit to what you can create with them.

In this blog, I’ll share some incredible purple sweet potato recipes, tips for cooking them, and answers to your most pressing questions. Let’s dive in and give your meals a colorful twist!

What Makes Purple Sweet Potatoes So Special?

First, let’s talk about why these potatoes are the darlings of foodies and health enthusiasts alike:

• Rich in Antioxidants: The vibrant purple color comes from anthocyanins, the same powerful antioxidants found in blueberries.
• Naturally Sweet: They have a subtle, earthy sweetness that’s perfect for both savory and sweet recipes.
• Versatile: Bake, steam, roast, or mash them—purple sweet potatoes shine in almost any dish.
• Visually Stunning: Their bold color makes any meal feel a little fancier.

Purple Sweet Potato Recipes to Try

1. Purple Sweet Potato Mash

The Classic Comfort Food, Reinvented

A fun twist on regular mashed potatoes, this recipe is as simple as it is stunning.

Ingredients:

• 2 large purple sweet potatoes
• 2 tbsp butter (or coconut oil for a vegan option)
• 1/4 cup milk or cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Peel and boil the sweet potatoes until fork-tender.
2. Mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper.
3. Serve as a side dish, or top with herbs for extra flair.

Tip: Add a pinch of garlic powder for a savory kick!

2. Purple Sweet Potato Pie

A Dessert to Steal the Show

This Southern classic gets a colorful update, perfect for Thanksgiving or anytime you’re craving something sweet.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mashed purple sweet potatoes
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk
• Pre-made pie crust

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. In a bowl, combine all ingredients (except the crust) and mix until smooth.
3. Pour into the crust and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until set.

3. Purple Sweet Potato Fries

Healthy Snacking Done Right

Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside—these fries are a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 2 purple sweet potatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, pepper, and paprika to taste

Instructions:

1. Slice sweet potatoes into thin fries.
2. Toss with olive oil and spices.
3. Bake at 425°F for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

4. Purple Sweet Potato Gnocchi

For the Pasta Lovers

If you’re ready to level up your pasta game, purple sweet potato gnocchi is the way to go. It’s soft, pillowy, and boasts a vibrant purple color that’s sure to impress. Making gnocchi from scratch might sound intimidating, but trust me—it’s worth it!

Ingredients:

• 2 medium purple sweet potatoes (about 1 ½ cups mashed)
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
• 1 egg (or a flax egg for a vegan version)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp nutmeg (optional, for a hint of warmth)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Potatoes: Roast the sweet potatoes at 400°F until tender (about 45–50 minutes). Let them cool, then peel and mash.
2. Make the Dough: In a bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, egg, salt, and nutmeg. Gradually add the flour until a dough forms. It should be soft but not sticky.
3. Shape the Gnocchi: Roll small portions of dough into ropes, about ½ inch thick. Cut into bite-sized pieces and use a fork to press ridges into each piece (optional, but adds texture).
4. Cook: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi in batches. They’re ready when they float to the top (about 2–3 minutes).
5. Serve: Toss with butter and sage, or your favorite sauce. Creamy Alfredo or a browned butter sauce pairs beautifully!

5. Purple Sweet Potato Smoothie Bowl

A Breakfast That Feels Like Dessert

Purple sweet potatoes make for a surprising yet delicious base in smoothie bowls. Their natural sweetness and creamy texture work beautifully in this nutritious, colorful dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked purple sweet potato, mashed and cooled
• 1 banana (frozen)
• ½ cup almond milk (or your preferred milk)
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Toppings:

• Granola
• Fresh fruit (berries, banana slices)
• Coconut flakes
• Chia seeds

Instructions:

1. Blend the mashed sweet potato, banana, almond milk, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
2. Pour the mixture into a bowl and arrange your toppings however you like—get creative with patterns or piles!
3. Serve immediately and enjoy with a spoon.

Pro Tip: Prep your sweet potatoes in advance and freeze portions for quick smoothie-making!

6. Purple Sweet Potato Pancakes

Weekend Brunch Goals

Imagine waking up to a plate of fluffy pancakes with a vibrant purple twist. These pancakes are not only eye-catching but also packed with nutrients.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mashed purple sweet potato
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Butter or oil for the skillet

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and sugar.
2. In another bowl, whisk together the mashed sweet potato, milk, egg, and vanilla. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed.
3. Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil. Pour ¼ cup of batter for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown.
4. Serve with syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit.

7. Purple Sweet Potato Chips

Crispy, Crunchy Goodness

These baked chips are a healthier alternative to store-bought snacks, and their natural sweetness makes them incredibly addictive.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium purple sweet potatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Sea salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Thinly slice the sweet potatoes using a mandoline or sharp knife for even cooking.
3. Toss the slices in olive oil and arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.
5. Sprinkle with sea salt and let cool before snacking!

8. Purple Sweet Potato Bread

The Perfect Tea-Time Treat

If you love banana bread, you’ll adore this moist and flavorful loaf. It’s subtly sweet with a hint of earthiness from the sweet potato.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mashed purple sweet potato
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup sugar (or coconut sugar)
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the mashed sweet potato, sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined.
4. Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

9. Purple Sweet Potato Soup

Cozy and Colorful

This creamy soup is perfect for chilly evenings. The combination of roasted sweet potatoes and coconut milk creates a velvety texture that’s comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 2 large purple sweet potatoes, roasted
• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a pot, sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
2. Add the roasted sweet potatoes, coconut milk, and vegetable broth. Blend until smooth using an immersion blender or in batches with a countertop blender.
3. Season with salt and pepper and heat through. Serve with a drizzle of coconut milk or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

10. Purple Sweet Potato Ice Cream

Yes, You Read That Right!

Turn these vibrant tubers into a dessert that’s both stunning and creamy.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mashed purple sweet potato
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together the mashed sweet potato, sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
2. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream to soft peaks, then fold it into the sweet potato mixture.
3. Transfer to an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Freeze until firm.

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