Spiced Molasses Butter for Creamy Baked Sweet Potatoes
Elevate your baked sweet potatoes with this delightful Spiced Molasses Butter, a perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors that will tantalize your taste buds! This creamy concoction features light molasses, aromatic cinnamon, zesty orange, and a subtle heat from chili powder and cayenne pepper. Ideal for preparing in advance, this butter can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for longer storage. A batch makes enough to generously top 5-6 medium yams, ensuring every bite of your sweet potato is a delicious experience. Perfect for the holidays or any day you're craving a comforting side dish!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1/2 cup (room temperature)
light molasses
3 tablespoons
cinnamon
1 teaspoon
orange zest
1 teaspoon
chili powder
1 teaspoon
salt
1/4-1/2 teaspoon
cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the room temperature butter, light molasses, cinnamon, orange zest, chili powder, salt, and cayenne pepper.
2
Using an electric mixer, blend the ingredients until the mixture is fluffy and well combined.
3
Transfer the spiced butter to an airtight container and chill in the refrigerator. If you prefer it softer for spreading, allow it to sit at room temperature for a short time before serving.
4
Once your sweet potatoes are properly baked, carefully cut a slit across the center of each yam to allow for easy topping.
5
Gently squeeze the ends of the yam towards the center to expose the tender flesh.
6
Generously spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the spiced molasses butter into each sweet potato, allowing the butter to melt into the warm flesh.
7
For a festive touch, serve additional spiced butter on the side for guests to add as desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Molasses Butter?
Spiced Molasses Butter is a creamy condiment made from butter, light molasses, cinnamon, orange zest, and chili spices, specifically designed to top baked sweet potatoes.
How many sweet potatoes will one batch of this butter cover?
One batch makes enough spiced butter to generously top 5 to 6 medium yams.
How should I store the leftover butter?
Store the butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze it for longer storage.
Is this spiced molasses butter spicy?
It has a subtle heat from the addition of chili powder and cayenne pepper, which balances the sweetness of the molasses.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, it is ideal for preparing ahead of time and can be chilled until you are ready to serve your meal.
What type of molasses should I use?
The recipe calls for light molasses to achieve the best flavor balance.
What temperature should the butter be when mixing?
The butter should be at room temperature to ensure it blends easily and becomes fluffy.
How much butter should I put on each sweet potato?
It is recommended to use 2 to 3 tablespoons of the spiced molasses butter per sweet potato.
How do I get the butter to a fluffy consistency?
Use an electric mixer to blend the ingredients until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Can I freeze this butter?
Yes, this butter can be frozen if you need to store it for longer than a week.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, the recipe is vegetarian as it contains dairy and plant-based spices.
How do I prepare the sweet potato for the butter?
Bake the yam, cut a slit across the center, and gently squeeze the ends toward the center to expose the flesh before topping.
Can I use dark molasses instead of light?
You can use dark molasses, but it will have a much stronger, more robust flavor compared to the light molasses recommended.
Does this recipe contain salt?
Yes, it uses 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt to enhance the other flavors.
What tools do I need to make this?
You will need a mixing bowl and an electric mixer.
What kind of citrus flavor is in this butter?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of orange zest for a bright, citrusy note.
Can I serve this at room temperature?
Yes, if you prefer the butter to be softer for spreading, let it sit at room temperature for a short time before serving.
Is this a good side dish for the holidays?
Yes, it is specifically noted as being perfect for holiday sides or comforting winter meals.
What spices are included in the recipe?
The recipe includes cinnamon, chili powder, and cayenne pepper.
Can I use this butter on other foods?
While designed for sweet potatoes, it would also be delicious on toast, muffins, or other roasted root vegetables.
How much cinnamon is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
How much chili powder is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of chili powder.
Can I adjust the heat level?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper or chili powder to suit your personal spice preference.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe that primarily involves mixing ingredients together.
Does the butter melt quickly on the potato?
Yes, spooning it into a warm, freshly baked sweet potato allows it to melt into the tender flesh.
What is the serving suggestion for guests?
You can serve additional spiced butter on the side so guests can add more as they desire.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients if you are serving a larger crowd.
Does it contain gluten?
Based on the ingredients listed (butter, molasses, spices, zest), this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
What is the main benefit of using an electric mixer?
The electric mixer incorporates air into the butter, creating a light and fluffy texture that is easier to scoop.
Is there a substitute for orange zest?
You could use lemon zest for a different citrus profile, though orange best complements the molasses and sweet potato.