Pen Patat (Sweet Potato Pudding)

Pen patat, or sweet potato pudding, is a filling dessert that is traditionally served at Haitian communions, weddings, and parties. It's also a sweet treat that's popular to bake at home as a dish for the entire family to enjoy on Sundays or special occasions.

Pen patat has a similar texture and consistency to fruit cake, but with one major difference: the base is sweet potato rather than flour. This results in a deep brown pudding with a rich, sweet flavor.

Haitians frequently prepare pen patat with Caribbean sweet potatoes, which have white flesh rather than orange. The base is made up of sugar, bananas, raisins, and butter, with flavors including grated ginger, lime zest, spices, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.

Some people like to add coconut or condensed milk as well. This dish is typically served as a dessert after lunch or dinner in Haiti, but it can also be enjoyed for breakfast.