Sweet Potato Casserole Ice Cream

4 servings Prep: 25 m Cook: PT0M Total: 24 h 25 m Intermediate
Sweet potato casserole became a hallmark of Louisiana holiday tables, elevating the humble sweet potato to dessert status. Creole cooks transformed this root vegetable with warming spices, marshmallows, and pecans, creating a dish that bridged the gap between side dish and dessert with sophisticated flair. Louisiana’s rich alluvial soil produces exceptionally sweet potatoes, and this casserole represents the Creole talent for taking everyday ingredients and making them feel luxurious and celebratory.

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups vanilla protein shake or whole milk
  • 1/4 tsp xanthan gum
  • 1 tbsp sugar + 2 tbsp monk fruit/erythritol
  • 1/2 cup sweet potato puree
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/8 tsp ginger
  • 1/4 cup mini marshmallows (for mix-in)
  • 2 tbsp crushed pecans (for mix-in)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Mix sweetener blend, xanthan gum, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger in pint container.
  2. Blend protein shake (or milk) with vanilla extract and sweet potato puree until smooth.
  3. Freeze for 24 hours minimum until completely solid.
  4. Process on LITE ICE CREAM setting. If needed, add 1-2 tbsp liquid and re-spin.
  5. Mix-in marshmallows and crushed pecans during final processing.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why is my ice cream icy instead of creamy?

A: The xanthan gum is critical for preventing ice crystals. Make sure you blend the mixture thoroughly and freeze it completely solid before processing. If it's too icy, add 1-2 tablespoons of liquid and re-spin.

Q: Can I use fresh sweet potato instead of puree?

A: Yes! Roast or steam a sweet potato until very tender, then mash and measure out 1/2 cup. Make sure it's completely smooth with no lumps, or it won't blend properly.

Q: My marshmallows froze too hard in the ice cream. What should I do?

A: Add the marshmallows during the final few seconds of processing, not before freezing. Mini marshmallows work best as they stay softer and distribute more evenly throughout.

Tips and Techniques

Use roasted sweet potatoes for the puree - it concentrates the flavor and gives you that rich, caramelized taste!

Ingredient Substitutions

  • vanilla protein shake: whole milk or half-and-half
  • mini marshmallows: marshmallow fluff swirled in
  • monk fruit/erythritol blend: all sugar (3 tbsp total)
  • crushed pecans: toasted pecans or candied pecans

Equipment Needed

  • Ice cream maker with LITE ICE CREAM setting (or standard ice cream maker)
  • Blender or food processor
  • Pint-sized freezer-safe container

Historical Context

Sweet potato casserole became a hallmark of Louisiana holiday tables, elevating the humble sweet potato to dessert status. Creole cooks transformed this root vegetable with warming spices, marshmallows, and pecans, creating a dish that bridged the gap between side dish and dessert with sophisticated flair. Louisiana’s rich alluvial soil produces exceptionally sweet potatoes, and this casserole represents the Creole talent for taking everyday ingredients and making them feel luxurious and celebratory.