I’m completely smitten with purple sweet potatoes right now. They have all the earthy, cozy sweetness of the classic orange ones, but that natural jewel-toned hue makes every dish feel a little more magical. I’ve rounded up 25 of my favorite ways to cook with them, and I promise each one is pure, delicious fun.
1. Baked Purple Sweet Potato Chips
Late night munchies? These baked purple sweet potato chips are my healthy, crunchy fix.
I love how ridiculously easy they are: just slice, toss with olive oil, salt, and a pinch of cayenne, then bake until crisp. That’s it, you’ve got a snack that totally hits the spot.
2. Purple Sweet Potato Chia Pudding
When a sweet tooth strikes and I’m eyeing all the sugary snacks, this purple sweet potato chia pudding swoops in to save the day. It’s lusciously creamy, with a dreamy vanilla flavor that feels indulgent without any guilt. I could eat this every single afternoon.
3. Purple Sweet Potato Pie
This pie is comfort food with a stunning twist, absolutely destined to be the star of your Thanksgiving table. Imagine the familiar spiced sweetness of classic sweet potato pie, but in a jaw-dropping brilliant purple. It’s the kind of dessert that makes people stop mid-bite and ask, “Wait, what’s in this?” I love how it’s both nostalgic and totally conversation-starting.
4. Roasted Purple Sweet Potatoes
I’ve heard that eating the rainbow is the way to go, and these roasted purple sweet potatoes are my favorite way to paint the plate. They turn into tender, caramelized bites that work alongside any main course you can dream up. Honestly, they’re the most scrumptious little sidekicks for weeknight dinners and fancy roasts alike.
5. Hasselback Purple Sweet Potato
Hasselback potatoes are already a thing of crispy, buttery beauty, but making them with purple sweet potatoes takes them to a whole new frontier. The thin slits fan open to create dozens of caramelized, tender edges that catch every bit of butter and seasoning. If you haven’t jumped on the Hasselback train yet, this recipe is your golden ticket.
6. Purple Sweet Potato Buns
When a carb craving hits, these purple sweet potato buns answer the call beautifully. They’re impossibly fluffy with a gentle sweetness and that breathtaking lavender hue. Slather on some butter while they’re still warm, and you’ve got the coziest breakfast imaginable.
7. Ube or Purple Sweet Potato Crinkle Cookies (with Egg or Eggless)
Leave a plate of these ube crinkle cookies for Santa and I guarantee he’ll be chatting about them all the way back to the North Pole. I can’t decide what I love more: the snowy crinkle crackle on top or the chewy, melt-in-your-mouth centers. The trick is chilling the dough for a full four hours, which is what gives them that irresistible chew.
8. Super Soft Purple Sweet Potato Chiffon Cake
Is there anything more gorgeous than a purple sweet potato chiffon cake? The name says it all, this cake is super soft, fluffy, and practically lighter than air. It melts on your tongue like cotton candy in cake form, and every single slice makes my mouth water.
9. Purple Sweet Potato Buns
These swirled buns look like they came from a fancy bakery, but they’re way simpler than they appear. You roll two different doughs together, slice, and then steam them to pillowy perfection. In just over an hour you’ll have buns so soft and pretty, they’re to die for.
10. Purple Sweet Potato Bread
A lazy Sunday afternoon is the perfect time to bake this purple sweet potato bread. Each slice is soft and rich, with subtle sweetness from the potato and a hint of coconut. Slather on some butter while it’s still warm, and you’ve got the ultimate cozy carb fix.
11. Mini “Monster” Purple Sweet Potato Cupcakes
If you’re trying to keep things less processed, these mini monster cupcakes are here for you. The purple sweet potato naturally colors the frosting and sneaks in sweetness, so there’s no need for extra sugar. The batter is a wholesome blend of whole wheat flour, bananas, and applesauce that still tastes like a treat.
12. Fluffy Ube Cinnamon Rolls
These ube cinnamon rolls are showstoppers and they’re actually a little better for you than the classic version. The filling is where the magic happens: mashed purple sweet potatoes, almond milk, maple syrup, coconut sugar, and a cozy blend of spices rolled up into the fluffiest dough. I can’t get over how pretty and delicious they are.
13. Purple Sweet Potato Hash with Fried Eggs
Mornings are instantly better with this skillet of purple sweet potato hash. The purple potatoes, fresh green cilantro, and sunny fried eggs are a feast for the eyes before you even take a bite.
And the taste? Out of this world, with savory, herby flavors that wake up your tastebuds.
14. Purple Sweet Potato Latkes with Kimchi
These latkes are my new go-to for any party spread, and I’m not exaggerating. Sink your teeth into one and you get that shatteringly crispy edge giving way to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth center with a whisper of natural sweetness. Paired with kimchi, it’s a flavor combo that just sings.
15. Mashed Purple Sweet Potato
Picture a big bowl of brilliantly purple mashed potatoes landing on the table at your next family dinner. Everyone will swear you snuck in food coloring, but nope, that stunning shade is 100% natural. My secret is a savory herb butter made with ghee, which melts into every creamy spoonful and makes it absolutely irresistible.
16. Purple Power Parfait
Pretty desserts are my love language and this Purple Power Parfait is a total stunner. I’m obsessed with layering purple sweet potato pudding, creamy blended banana, and juicy blueberries into a Mason jar.
The alliteration is fun, but that gorgeous presentation? Absolutely irresistible.
17. Purple Sweet Potato & Cabbage Dumplings
The thought of sweet, juicy dumplings gets my mouth watering every single time. These purple sweet potato and cabbage dumplings are so packed with flavor, they’ll haunt your daydreams in the best way. And if homemade dumplings sound intimidating, don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it so easily you’ll wonder why you ever hesitated.
18. Sweet Potato Kofta with Turmeric Curry
Get ready for a dish that’ll sweep your palate right off its feet. The kofta are a mix of mashed purple sweet potatoes, chickpea flour, and a powerhouse of spices, then they’re nestled into a savory turmeric curry. Every bite is a little adventure for your tastebuds.
19. Purple Sweet Potato Hummus
In 15 minutes flat, you can have a vibrant bowl of purple sweet potato hummus ready to wow your guests. It’s my go-to for an easy appetizer, a quick side, or just a healthy snack when I’m a little peckish. Pair it with carrots, celery, and bell peppers and it’s basically an edible art piece on the table.
20. Crispy Baked Purple Sweet Potato Fries
I’m taking fry night to a whole new level with these crispy baked purple beauties. They have all the salty, crunchy appeal of classic sweet potato fries, but that vivid purple color?
It lights up the whole plate. I toss them with garlic powder, fresh herbs, and a flaky sea salt for a flavor that is ridiculously satisfying.
21. Purple Sweet Potato Muffins
I’m head over heels for these purple sweet potato muffins. They’re the kind of grab-and-go treat that works for breakfast, lunch, or a midday pick-me-up. They do take a little over an hour from start to finish, but I promise every minute is worth it for that tender crumb and sweet flavor.
22. Vegan Purple Sweet Potato Pudding
Serve this vegan purple sweet potato pudding and watch your guests’ eyes go wide. It’s chewy and moist, humming with vanilla and cinnamon, and then you pile on a fluffy cloud of homemade coconut whipped cream. That contrast of creamy and sweet is pure magic.
23. Perfectly Baked Okinawan Sweet Potato
Okinawa, Japan is a Blue Zone where people often live to 100, and their secret weapon might just be the Okinawan sweet potato. It’s loaded with antioxidants and nutrients, and baking it whole brings out its natural beauty. If you’re curious about adding this powerhouse to your plate, I’ve got you covered.
24. Ube Powder / Purple Sweet Potato Powder
For all my fellow bakers who want to ditch artificial dyes, this homemade ube powder is a total game-changer. It’s simply powdered purple sweet potato, giving you a gorgeous natural tint for frostings, doughs, and batters. Whip up a big batch and it’ll sit happily in your pantry for months, ready whenever a creative baking mood strikes.
25. Grain-free Chocolate Cake with Purple Sweet Potato Frosting
This chocolate cake is grain-free, vegan, and sugar-free, and yes, you read that right. It’s incredibly moist and soft with just the right touch of sweetness. The purple sweet potato frosting on top is silky, beautiful, and almost too good to be true.