contact@haitiwonderland.com+509 36184317

Discover

Shopping Cart

Haitian Pain Patate: Traditional Soft Recipe with Sweet Potato and Coconut Milk
Haitian Pain Patate: Traditional Soft Recipe with Sweet Potato and Coconut Milk
  • 17 Me 2025
  • | 0

Haitian Pain Patate: Traditional Soft Recipe with Sweet Potato and Coconut Milk

Haitian pain patate is a staple of traditional Haitian cuisine, often prepared for special occasions, holidays, or simply for the pleasure of enjoying a homemade dessert rich in flavor. This soft cake made with sweet potato, coconut milk, banana, and a savory blend of spices delights with its melt-in-the-mouth texture and irresistible aroma.

Easy to make and full of character, pain patate is a true Proust madeleine for many Haitians. Whether you’re looking for comfort food or eager to discover a classic Caribbean pastry, this recipe will guide you step by step to successfully make this iconic Haitian dessert.

INGREDIENTS

INGREDIENTS

- 500g white-fleshed sweet potatoes (2 large potatoes)
- 400ml unsweetened condensed milk
- 200ml coconut milk
- 100g cane sugar
- 1 very ripe banana
- 50g butter
- 5cl aged dark rum
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon grated lime zest
- 50g raisins
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Soak the raisins in the rum.
2. Wash, peel, and cut the sweet potatoes into small pieces. 3. In a blender, combine the sweet potato pieces, banana, unsweetened condensed milk, and coconut milk.
4. Blend until smooth (without lumps).
5. Pour the mixture into a saucepan. Add the butter, sugar, salt, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and grated lemon zest).
6. Cook for about 30 minutes over low heat, stirring regularly. Add the raisins, rum, and vanilla extract toward the end of cooking.
7. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
8. Pour the mixture into a greased pan and bake for 50 minutes, until golden brown.

Share
About the Author
Leave a comment

Recently Posted

Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed of all our activities and news on Haiti.

Haitian traditions

Haiti, the pearl of the Antilles, is a country rich in history and traditions. Its vibrant and diverse culture is reflected through its national holidays, cultural festivities, traditional foods, religious beliefs, folk tales, and traditional games. Let’s immerse ourselves in the social fabric of Haïti to discover the beauty of its traditions. b~National Holidays:~b National holidays in Haïti are moments of pride and national unity as January 1, Independence Day, commemorates the victory of Haitian slaves over French colonial forces in 1804, making Haïti the first independent country in Haiti. Latin America and the Caribbean or the commemoration of the Battle of Vertières on November 18. The Battle of Vertières was one of the last great battles of the revolution. It took place in Vertières, near the town of Cap-Haitien. b~Cultural Festivities:~b Haïti is also famous for its cultural festivities, particularly Carnival, which is an explosion of color, dance, and music. Artistic and craft events, such as the Rara festival, are an opportunity for artists to showcase their talent. The Rara, a musical parade, combines folklore and spirituality, creating a unique experience. b~Traditional Foods:~b Haitian cuisine is a delight for the taste buds. Dishes like griot (fried pork), diri djon djon (rice with black mushrooms), and the legendary joumou (joumou soup) are an integral part of Haitian culinary tradition. Bold flavors, spices and cooking methods inherited from African and French tradition make Haitian cuisine unforgettable. b~Vodou:~b Vodou, often misunderstood, is a synchretic religion that incorporates elements of Catholicism, African animism, and indigenous beliefs. It plays a significant role in the daily lives of Haitians, influencing music, dance, and religious rites. Vodou is a profound expression of Haitian spirituality. The Tales (Krik Krak, Tim Tim, Bwa Sèch): Haitian folk tales, passed down from generation to generation, are rich in morality and wisdom. b~Konbit :~b The concept of Konbit represents community solidarity. Haitians come together to perform community tasks, whether in agricultural fields or for construction projects. It is a living example of the collective spirit that permeates Haitian society. The most recent major project to date concerns the construction of the canal from the Massacre River to Ouanaminthe, which took place between September and December 2023. Thousands of inhabitants of the north of the country mobilized all their forces to erect a canal allowing to collect water intended for irrigation of their plantations, with the aim of obtaining better harvests. Despite their modest means, they were motivated by the slogan "KPK" (Kanal la pap kanpe), a direct response to Dominican President Luis Abinader who warned them and did everything in his power to stop the construction of the canal. This channel represents the deep solidarity of Haitians and reaffirms national pride. Despite economic challenges, the people of northern Haïti have demonstrated exceptional determination to work together for a common goal. The slogan “Kanal la pap kanpe” embodies their resilience in the face of external pressures and demonstrates their unwavering will to continue the construction of the canal. b~Traditional Games:~b Traditional games are an essential part of daily life in Haiti. Games like lido, sote kòd, Yoyo, Ralba, Marèl, TiTaTo, Kay, lago kache, Monte kap, teke mab, woule sèk, twa fwa se manbo, and domino bring people together, promoting camaraderie and fun. Haitian traditions are a harmonious blend of spirituality, community, and cultural diversity. Every aspect, from national holidays to traditional games, helps weave the rich cultural tapestry that makes Haïti proud. These traditions are the beating heart of the nation, a precious heritage that continues to be passed down from generation to generation.

Recently Posted

History

History

First black nation to free itself from slavery and gain independence from France in 1804 and influenced other liberation movements around the world, inspiring struggles for freedom and equality.

Natural beauty

Natural beauty

Haïti is blessed with spectacular natural landscapes, including white sand beaches, mountains and rich biodiversity.

Heritage

Heritage

Haïti has a rich historical heritage, including sites like the Citadelle Laferrière and the Sans-Souci Palace, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Culture

Culture

Haïti has a rich and diverse culture, influenced by African, European and indigenous elements. Haitian music, dance, art and cuisine are celebrated around the world.