A Moist Sweet Potato Muffin Inspired by Southern Tradition
Few ingredients are as deeply rooted in Southern cooking as the sweet potato. Naturally sweet, rich in flavor, and incredibly versatile, it has been a staple of African American kitchens for generations. Juanita’s Sweet Potato Muffins transform this beloved ingredient into tender breakfast muffins that combine wholesome grains, molasses, and warm sweet potato flavor for a comforting start to the day.
Featured in The Black Family Reunion Cookbook, this recipe reflects the cookbook’s celebration of family traditions and regional heritage. By blending sweet potatoes with whole wheat flour, oat bran, and a touch of molasses, these muffins offer a delicious balance of hearty texture and natural sweetness that has long been enjoyed at family breakfasts, church gatherings, and community celebrations.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup skim or low-fat milk
- 1/2 cup cold mashed sweet potatoes or yams
- 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons Crisco Oil
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup oat bran
- 2-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon grated orange peel
Makes: 12 muffins
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Grease twelve medium (about 2½-inch) muffin cups or line them with paper baking liners.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, egg, Crisco Oil, and molasses until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, oat bran, baking powder, and grated orange peel.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir gently until everything is just moistened. Avoid overmixing.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the muffins are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool slightly before serving warm.
Pro Tips & Suggestions
- Use well-mashed sweet potatoes for the smoothest batter and best texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the muffins tender and light.
- Freshly grate the orange peel for the brightest citrus flavor.
- Enjoy warm with butter or honey for a classic Southern breakfast.
- Freeze leftover muffins individually for quick breakfasts throughout the week.
About the Creator
The National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW) compiled The Black Family Reunion Cookbook to preserve African American culinary traditions, treasured family recipes, and the stories that accompany them. Through recipes and food memories shared by families across the United States, the cookbook celebrates the importance of gathering around the table while honoring Black history, culture, and community.
The Black Family Reunion Cookbook | National Council of Negro Women
Where to Find This Recipe
This recipe is adapted from The Black Family Reunion Cookbook: Recipes & Food Memories by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. The cookbook is an inspiring collection of heritage recipes, family traditions, and personal stories celebrating African American cooking, Southern hospitality, and the enduring role of food in bringing generations together.
