Japanese Sweet Potato Crème Brûlée: A Creamy Dessert Your Family Will Love!

Name: Japanese Sweet Potato Crème Brûlée
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 2 medium Japanese sweet potatoes; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup milk; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 4 large egg yolks; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Extra sugar for caramelizing

Posted on February 18, 2026

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This japanese Sweet Potato Crème Brûlée comes together in about 1 hour, baked in a water bath for a easy dessert that your family will love! Switch up the sweetness by adding different spices or even using regular sweet potatoes if that’s what you have on hand? this recipe is sooo versatile! Trust me, this is the perfect way to impress your loved ones on a cozy night in or just to indulge yourself after a long day!

Ingredients Breakdown

So let’s talk about what you’ll need for this soul-warming dessert. Here’s the breakdown:

2 medium Japanese sweet potatoes: These are sweeter and have a delightful creamy texture compared to regular sweet potatoes.
1 cup heavy cream: This gives the crème brûlée that rich, luscious mouthfeel!
1/2 cup milk: You can use whole or 2% whatever you have on hand, or even a dairy-free alternative if you’re into that!
3/4 cup granulated sugar: This sweetens the custard beautifully and, later on, helps you create that perfect crunchy topping.
4 large egg yolks: These are essential for that custardy texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla pairs so nicely with sweet potatoes; it’s a must!
1/4 teaspoon salt: A couple pinches of salt and pepper enhance the flavors, don’t skip this!
Extra sugar for caramelizing: You’ll need this to get that gorgeous caramelized sugar crust on top.

How to Make Japanese Sweet Potato Crème Brûlée

Alright, friends, let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps to make your very own Japanese Sweet Potato Crème Brûlée that’s bound to wow everyone around your dinner table!

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). You’re gonna want it nice and hot!
Roast those sweet potatoes! Place them on a baking sheet and roast them until they’re tender, think about 45 minutes to 1 hour. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be so worth it! Let them cool a bit, and then scoop out that delicious flesh into a mixing bowl.
In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, and 3/4 cup of sugar on medium heat. Stirring frequently, let it cook until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to simmer. You’ll want to keep an eye on it, don’t let it boil over!
In another bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and salt. Slowly, and I mean slowly, like molasses kind of slow, pour that hot cream mixture into the egg yolks while whisking constantly. This is super important; otherwise, you’ll end up with scrambled eggs, and that’s not our goal here!
Stir in the sweet potato flesh until you have a smooth, creamy batter. I usually use a fork to mash it up and a whisk to blend everything. It should have a beautiful golden hue now!
Pour the mixture into ramekins until they’re about three-quarters full. Then, place these in a baking dish and fill it with hot water, about halfway up the sides of the ramekins; that water bath will help our custard cook evenly and gently.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the custard sets but still has a bit of a jiggle. You want it creamy, not rubbery!
Let them cool slightly, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Ideally overnight!
When you’re ready to impress, sprinkle a thin layer of sugar on top of each ramekin, and use a kitchen torch to caramelize it until it’s golden and crispy. Careful with that, it’s easy to get a little too zealous and burn it!
Enjoy your dessert! Take a spoon and break through that crunchy crust; the delicious creamy custard underneath is what dreams are made of!

Why I Love This Recipe

I’ve gotta tell you, this is my go-to recipe when I need to treat my family to something comforting and delicious after a busy week. I’m a real sucker for recipes that are both impressive and straightforward, and this one totally fits the bill. The best part is that you can use whatever you have on hand, so it’s super adaptable! Every bite of this crème brûlée feels like home, and my kids actually ask for seconds… if I’m lucky!

If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Steamed Japanese Pork Buns, my Onigiri, or my Chicken and Egg Bowl for your next dessert adventure!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This delightful Japanese Sweet Potato Crème Brûlée comes together all in one pot! With minimal prep work, you can have it in the oven in no time, making it the perfect addition to your weeknight meal planning.

Crowd-Pleaser

Trust me, the whole family will love the creamy texture and sweet flavor. It’s a unique twist on a classic dessert that will have everyone raving. Just wait until they break through that crunchy topping!

Customizable

Use whatever ingredients you have, whether it’s a sprinkle of cinnamon or even a dash of nutmeg if you want to get fancy. I often add a tiny splash of bourbon or maple syrup to switch things up!

Comfort Food

This crème brûlée is loaded with tons of flavor, giving you that warm, happy feeling we’re all searching for when we indulge in dessert. It’s like a warm blanket on a chilly evening, you know?

Serving and Storage Tips

What to Serve With This

This sweet dessert pairs wonderfully with a cup of fresh coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You could also serve it alongside some fresh berries to add a pop of color and tartness!

How Long It Keeps

If you have leftovers (which you probably won’t, let’s be honest), cover and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. But the crème brûlée tastes best the day it’s made!

Reheating Instructions

This dessert is best served straight from the fridge, so no need to worry about reheating. Just torch it up again before serving!

Freezer Friendly?

Not really! The texture of crème brûlée doesn’t hold up well in the freezer, trust me, you want to enjoy it fresh.

So, that’s it, folks! Give this easy Japanese Sweet Potato Crème Brûlée a try, and let me know how your family loved it! Seriously, you’ll want to keep it in your rotation, especially for those chilly evenings when you need some comfort food magic in your life! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.