Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Maple and Cinnamon

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A naturally sweet, creamy mashed sweet potato side dish with warm cinnamon and a hint of maple syrup, perfect for kids. This American-inspired kid-friendly recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs sweet potatoes, unsalted butter, maple syrup for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel and cut 2 large sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Place in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium and simmer for 15 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork.
  2. Step 2: Drain the potatoes thoroughly and return to the pot. Add 3 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tbsp maple syrup, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 cup whole milk.
  3. Step 3: Mash the mixture with a potato masher or hand mixer until smooth and creamy, adjusting with a little more milk if needed. Taste and add more cinnamon or maple syrup if desired. Serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Maple and Cinnamon take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Maple and Cinnamon?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep sweet potatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Maple and Cinnamon?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Maple and Cinnamon for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Maple and Cinnamon?

American kid friendly like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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