Sweet potatoes have been my go-to side dish for years, but I used to stick to the same old preparation methods. One chilly evening, while craving something warm and cozy, I decided to try something different with my usual sweet potato. I reached for the cinnamon in my spice cabinet and some butter from the fridge, wondering if I could create something special without much fuss.
That’s how I discovered this cinnamon butter baked sweet potato recipe. It’s become my favorite way to enjoy sweet potatoes, especially on busy weeknights when I want something comforting but don’t have the energy for complicated cooking. The prep takes just minutes, and while it bakes, I can help the kids with homework or catch up on other things around the house.
If you’re like me and appreciate simple recipes that deliver on flavor, you’re going to enjoy this one. The natural sweetness of the potato pairs so nicely with the warm cinnamon, and the butter just brings it all together. It’s comfort food at its most straightforward.
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Butter Sweet Potatoes
- Simple ingredients – You only need 5 basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry to make these sweet potatoes taste amazing.
- Hands-off cooking – Once you’ve diced and seasoned the sweet potatoes, the oven does all the work while you prepare the rest of your meal.
- Perfect side dish – These sweet potatoes go with practically everything – from holiday dinners to weeknight meals, they’re always a hit with the whole family.
- Naturally sweet and healthy – Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and fiber, making this a nutritious side dish that tastes like a treat.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
The biggest mistake when roasting sweet potatoes is overcrowding the pan – make sure to use a large enough baking sheet and arrange the cubes in a single layer so they roast instead of steam, giving you those perfectly crispy edges.
Temperature control is crucial – cooking sweet potatoes at too high a temperature can burn the maple syrup and butter coating before the inside is fully tender, so stick to 375°F and check them with a fork after 25 minutes.
Uneven cutting can lead to inconsistent cooking, so take the extra time to cut your sweet potato cubes as uniformly as possible – aim for 1-inch pieces to ensure they all cook at the same rate.
For the best caramelization, toss the sweet potatoes halfway through cooking, and don’t skip the step of patting them dry after peeling – excess moisture will prevent them from developing that golden-brown exterior that makes this dish so good.
Which Kind of Sweet Potatoes Should I Use?
At your grocery store, you’ll likely find two main types of sweet potatoes – ones with orange flesh and ones with white or cream-colored flesh.
For this recipe, the orange-fleshed varieties like Jewel or Beauregard sweet potatoes work best since they become extra tender and naturally sweet when baked.
While both types will technically work, the orange ones have a moister, softer texture that pairs really well with butter and cinnamon. When picking your sweet potatoes, look for ones that are firm and free from any soft spots or blemishes.
It’s also helpful to choose sweet potatoes that are similar in size so they’ll cook evenly when you cut them into cubes.
How to Know When the Sweet Potatoes are Done
The easiest way to check if your sweet potatoes are perfectly cooked is to pierce them with a fork – they should slide through easily without any resistance.
The cubes should be tender all the way through but still hold their shape, not mushy. You’ll notice they’ve developed a slightly caramelized exterior from the maple-butter mixture, and they should have a nice golden-brown color.
If you’re not sure, try tasting one of the larger pieces – it should be soft enough to eat comfortably with no crunch in the middle.
Options for Substitutions
This simple sweet potato dish can be adapted with a few easy swaps if needed.
While sweet potatoes are the star here and shouldn’t be substituted, you can play around with the other ingredients – try honey or brown sugar instead of maple syrup, and coconut oil or olive oil can work in place of butter if you’re going dairy-free.
The cinnamon is key for that warm, cozy flavor, but you could add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice along with it for a different spin.
For the spray oil, any neutral cooking oil will work just fine to prevent sticking.
Storage Instructions & Making ahead
These sweet potatoes are great for meal prep and store really well in the fridge for 3-4 days when kept in an airtight container.
You can reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 1 minute, or warm them up in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to help maintain their slightly crispy edges.
If you’d like to get ahead on prep, you can peel and cube the sweet potatoes up to 24 hours in advance – just keep them submerged in cold water in the fridge to prevent browning, then drain and pat them dry before cooking.
For the best texture, I recommend serving these right after baking rather than freezing them.
| Preparation Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 35 minutes |
| Total Time | 50-55 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1500-1700
- Protein: 10-15 g
- Fat: 80-90 g
- Carbohydrates: 200-220 g
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 cup real maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Spray oil
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Sheet Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Coat a sheet pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking during baking.
This will ensure your sweet potatoes roast evenly and cleanly.
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into 1-inch pieces.
This size ensures they cook through thoroughly while maintaining a pleasing texture.
Step 3: Mix the Maple Butter Coating
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and salt.
Mixing these ingredients creates a flavorful coating that complements the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
Step 4: Coat the Sweet Potatoes
Place the sweet potatoes in a single layer on the prepared sheet pan.
Pour the maple butter mixture over the sweet potatoes.
Use a spoon or your hands to toss the sweet potatoes, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the butter mixture for even flavor distribution.
Step 5: Bake the Sweet Potatoes
Bake the sweet potatoes in the oven for 35 minutes.
Stir the potatoes once halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
The sweet potatoes should be tender and slightly caramelized when finished.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and serve immediately.
Enjoy them as a delicious side dish full of sweet, buttery, and cinnamon flavors.