crispy japanese sweet potato muffins

Featured in: Morning Bites

Enjoy light, fluffy muffins brimming with naturally sweet Japanese sweet potatoes, finished with a golden, crispy topping for a delightful texture. Quick to prepare, these treats combine smooth muffin batter with tender sweet potato cubes, delivering satisfying flavor and crunch in every bite. Turbinado sugar and optional black sesame seeds elevate the topping, while a touch of vanilla adds warmth. Enjoy these easy baked goods warm from the oven, dressed with butter or honey for a comforting snack or breakfast. Sub whole wheat flour or add spices for a personal touch and extra nutrition.

Updated on Wed, 29 Oct 2025 06:37:09 GMT
Light, fluffy crispy Japanese sweet potato muffins, perfectly baked for delicious breakfast treats.  Save
Light, fluffy crispy Japanese sweet potato muffins, perfectly baked for delicious breakfast treats. | nachohaha.com

Light and fluffy muffins bursting with the natural sweetness of Japanese sweet potatoes, these treats feature a crispy golden topping for an irresistible texture. Perfect for breakfast or as a satisfying snack any time of day.

I first discovered Japanese sweet potatoes at a local farmer's market. Their gentle sweetness gives these muffins a unique flavor my family requests again and again.

Ingredients

  • Sweet Potato: 1 medium Japanese sweet potato (about 300 g) peeled and diced
  • Muffin Batter: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp salt, ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk, ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Topping: 2 tbsp turbinado sugar (for crunch), 1 tbsp unsalted butter melted, 1 tbsp black sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

Prepare Baking Equipment:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease well.
Cook Sweet Potatoes:
Steam or microwave the diced sweet potato for 5–7 minutes until fork-tender. Let cool slightly.
Make Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine Mixtures:
Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; do not overmix.
Fold in Sweet Potato:
Gently fold in the cooked sweet potato cubes.
Fill Muffin Cups:
Divide batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups.
Add Topping:
Brush muffin tops with melted butter, sprinkle with turbinado sugar, and add black sesame seeds if using.
Bake:
Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool:
Cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
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My kids love helping sprinkle the crunchy topping before baking and sampling the sweet potato pieces warm from the oven together on chilly mornings.

Nutritional Information

Each muffin contains approximately 210 calories, 7 g total fat, 34 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein.

Recipe Variations

Swap in part whole wheat flour for more fiber, or add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice note.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these muffins warm with a pat of butter or drizzle of honey for a simple upgrade.

Golden, crispy-topped Japanese sweet potato muffins, offering sweet flavor and delightful texture.  Save
Golden, crispy-topped Japanese sweet potato muffins, offering sweet flavor and delightful texture. | nachohaha.com

Enjoy these sweet potato muffins fresh out of the oven or store for easy weekday breakfasts. Their crisp tops and tender crumb will make them a family favorite.

Recipe FAQ

What type of sweet potato is best?

Use Japanese sweet potato for its natural sweetness and firm texture, which holds up well in baking.

Can I make these muffins gluten-free?

Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free too.

How can I add extra flavor?

Add ¼ tsp cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm spice hint that pairs well with sweet potato.

Is it necessary to use black sesame seeds?

No, black sesame seeds are optional but add appealing crunch and visual interest to the muffins.

Can muffins be frozen?

Yes, cool completely and store in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw before serving.

Is it possible to replace vegetable oil?

You may use melted butter or a neutral oil like canola for a slight flavor change and similar texture.

crispy japanese sweet potato muffins

Light, fluffy muffins with sweet potato and crispy topping, perfect for breakfast or as a snack.

Prep duration
20 min
Time to cook
25 min
Complete duration
45 min
Created by Carlos Vega


Complexity Easy

Heritage Japanese-Inspired

Output 12 Portions

Dietary requirements Meat-free

Components

Sweet Potato

01 1 medium Japanese sweet potato, peeled and diced (approximately 10.5 oz)

Muffin Batter

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1 cup granulated sugar
03 2 teaspoons baking powder
04 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 1/2 cup whole milk
06 1/2 cup vegetable oil
07 2 large eggs
08 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping

01 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar
02 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
03 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds (optional)

Directions

Phase 01

Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F and prepare a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease thoroughly.

Phase 02

Cook Sweet Potato: Steam or microwave diced sweet potato for 5 to 7 minutes until fork-tender. Set aside to cool slightly.

Phase 03

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly distributed.

Phase 04

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk whole milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Phase 05

Combine Batter: Pour wet mixture over dry ingredients. Stir gently until just incorporated; avoid overmixing.

Phase 06

Fold in Sweet Potato: Carefully fold in the cooled sweet potato cubes, distributing evenly throughout the batter.

Phase 07

Portion and Finish: Divide batter equally among muffin cups. Brush tops with melted butter, sprinkle with turbinado sugar, and add black sesame seeds if desired.

Phase 08

Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

Phase 09

Cool: Remove muffins from oven, let cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack until completely cooled.

Tools needed

  • Muffin tin
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Steamer or microwave-safe bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Pastry brush

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and speak with a healthcare provider if you're concerned about specific ingredients.
  • Contains eggs, wheat (gluten), and dairy (butter, milk).
  • Check ingredient packaging for cross-contamination warnings if sensitive to allergens.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 210
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Proteins: 3 g