Pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes

If you’re looking for a delightful twist on your traditional Thanksgiving dessert, then you’ve landed in the right place! These pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes are a charming blend of sweet and nutty flavors that will warm your heart and impress your guests. They’re not just for Thanksgiving, either; they make a fantastic side dish or dessert for any family gathering or busy weeknight dinner. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it might just become a favorite in your home!

The best part? This dish is gently sweetened with maple syrup and spiced with cinnamon, making each bite feel like a cozy hug. Let’s dive in and explore why this recipe is such a winner!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious dish ready to serve!
• Family-friendly: Who doesn’t love the sweet taste of maple syrup paired with crunchy pecans? It’s sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the sweet potatoes in advance, making holiday meal prep a breeze.
• Nutritious goodness: Sweet potatoes are not only tasty but also packed with nutrients, making this dish as healthy as it is delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This recipe uses simple, wholesome products that you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to create these scrumptious pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes:

For the Sweet Potatoes

• 4 medium sweet potatoes (washed and dried)
• 2 tbsp butter (salted or unsalted)
• 3 tbsp maple syrup
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon

For the Pecan Topping

• 3/4 cup pecans (roughly chopped)
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 cup flour (can use oat flour or GF flour instead)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp maple syrup

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up and make it your own with these fun variations:

• Add some spice: Consider adding nutmeg or ginger for an extra kick of flavor.
• Change the nuts: Use walnuts or almonds if pecans aren’t your favorite.
• Make it creamy: Stir in some coconut or almond milk for an even creamier filling.
• Top with marshmallows: For a sweet twist, add mini marshmallows on top during the last few minutes of baking.

How to Make Pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes

Step 1: Bake the Sweet Potatoes

Start by baking those clean sweet potatoes in a preheated 425°F oven until they’re soft in the center. This process usually takes about 40-55 minutes. Checking for doneness is key—insert a knife into the center; if it goes in easily, they’re ready! Baking them properly ensures that they have that lovely sweetness we all adore.

Step 2: Cool and Prepare

Once baked, reduce the heat to 350°F and let the sweet potatoes cool until you can handle them without burning your fingers. This step is important because you don’t want to rush when slicing them open. Once cooled, slice each potato lengthwise about three-quarters of the way up to create a “lid.” Scoop out most of the flesh into a bowl but leave about 1/4 inch intact in the skin for support.

Step 3: Mash It Up!

Mash up the sweet potato flesh along with butter, maple syrup, salt, and cinnamon in that medium bowl. Mixing these together enhances their natural sweetness and flavor while creating a creamy filling that will be irresistible once stuffed back into their skins.

Step 4: Stuff and Top

Carefully stuff those potato skins with your delightful mashed mixture. Don’t forget to top them off with that crunchy pecan streusel! The combination of flavors will create an amazing contrast between soft filling and crunchy topping.

Step 5: Final Bake

Now it’s time for one last bake! Place those stuffed sweet potatoes back into the oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes or until they are heated through and the topping is golden brown and crispy. This final step ensures everything melds together beautifully while giving that topping its perfect crunch!

Enjoy every delicious bite of these pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes—it’s comfort food at its finest!

Pro Tips for Making Pecan Pie Double Baked Sweet Potatoes

Creating the perfect pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes is easier than you might think! With a few handy tips, you can elevate this dish and impress your family and friends.

• Choose the right sweet potatoes: Look for medium-sized sweet potatoes that are firm and free of blemishes. This ensures they cook evenly and have the best flavor.

• Don’t rush the baking: Baking your sweet potatoes at the right temperature is key. Allowing them to bake until soft enhances their natural sweetness and ensures a creamy texture when mashed.

• Experiment with spices: While cinnamon is a classic choice, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for an extra layer of flavor. These spices complement the sweetness beautifully!

• Make ahead for convenience: You can prepare the mashed sweet potato filling in advance. Simply store it in the fridge until you’re ready to stuff and bake them again, making your holiday prep easier.

• Use toasted pecans for added crunch: Toasting your pecans before adding them to the topping not only enhances their flavor but also gives a delightful crunch that contrasts with the softness of the sweet potatoes.

How to Serve Pecan Pie Double Baked Sweet Potatoes

These delightful sweet potatoes make for an eye-catching centerpiece on your table! Here are some ideas on how to present them beautifully and deliciously.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
• Drizzle of maple syrup: A light drizzle of maple syrup right before serving enhances sweetness and adds a lovely shine.
• Cinnamon dusting: A gentle dusting of cinnamon on top just before serving makes for an inviting aroma and tells everyone just how delicious this dish is!

Side Dishes

• Green bean almondine: Crisp green beans sautéed with almonds provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sweet potatoes while adding a nice crunch.
• Cranberry sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce complements the sweetness of the double baked sweet potatoes perfectly, making each bite even more enjoyable.
• Quinoa salad: A light quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a lemon vinaigrette offers a delightful balance to your rich main dish while keeping things colorful.
• Roasted Brussels sprouts: Seasoned Brussels sprouts roasted until crispy add both earthy flavors and a satisfying texture that pairs well with these sweet treats.

With these serving suggestions, your pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes will surely be the highlight of any meal! Enjoy each delicious bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

This pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious flavors without the last-minute rush. Here’s how you can store and reheat your delicious dish!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the sweet potatoes to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They can be stored for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• After baking, let the sweet potatoes cool down completely.
• Wrap each sweet potato tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Store them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• For refrigerated leftovers, preheat your oven to 350F (175C).
• Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and cover with foil.
• Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• For frozen sweet potatoes, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, following the same instructions.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes.

Can I make pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare everything up to the second baking step a day in advance. Just store them covered in the refrigerator and bake when ready to serve.

What variations can I try with pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes?

Feel free to experiment! You could add different nuts like walnuts or pecans mixed with chocolate chips for an extra treat. Spices like nutmeg could also give it a unique flavor twist!

How should I serve pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes?

These delightful sweet potatoes can be served as a side dish during dinner or enjoyed as a dessert. They pair wonderfully with whipped coconut cream if you’re looking for a topping.

Are pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes healthy?

Yes! While they are indulgently flavorful, this recipe uses natural ingredients like maple syrup and contains healthy nutrients from sweet potatoes and nuts, making them a great option for both dessert and side dishes.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings joy and warmth to your table, whether it’s for Thanksgiving or just a cozy family dinner. The combination of flavors makes these pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes truly special. Enjoy every delicious bite as you create wonderful memories cooking this dish! Can’t wait for you to try it!