Pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes

If you’re looking for a delightful twist on a classic dish, these pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes are the answer! Imagine the warm, comforting flavors of sweet potatoes blended with the rich taste of pecan pie. This recipe is not only a fantastic side for family gatherings but also serves as a charming dessert that will impress your guests. The gentle sweetness from maple syrup and the cozy-spice of cinnamon make this dish a standout for any occasion—whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner or just a cozy weeknight meal.

What makes this recipe so special is how it combines simplicity with deliciousness. You’ll find that making these pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes is both fun and rewarding!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With just a few simple steps, you’ll be on your way to creating a dish everyone will love.
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this sweet treat that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare the filling in advance and bake them just before serving for an effortless experience.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of sweet potatoes, maple syrup, and pecans creates a delightful harmony that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! For these pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes, you’ll need some simple, wholesome ingredients that pack a lot of flavor. Let’s dive into what you’ll need:

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 versatile, allowing you to get creative based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fun variations:

• Add more spices: Feel free to mix in nutmeg or ginger for an extra layer of warmth.
• Try different nuts: Swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds if you want to change up the texture and flavor.
• Make it dairy-free: Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version that still tastes amazing!
• Top with marshmallows: For an extra special touch, 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 the clean sweet potatoes in a 425°F oven until they’re soft in the center. This usually takes around 40-55 minutes. It’s important to check their doneness by inserting a knife; if it goes in easily, they are ready! Baking them thoroughly ensures they will mash easily later on.

Step 2: Cool Down & Prepare

Once baked, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F. Allow the sweet potatoes to cool down until they are manageable without burning your hands. This step is crucial because handling them while too hot can lead to burns.

Step 3: Scoop & Mash

Slice each sweet potato lengthwise about three-quarters of the way up. Carefully scoop out the flesh into a medium bowl, leaving about 1/4 inch inside each skin for support. This will help keep your stuffed sweet potatoes intact! Now mash those delicious insides together with butter, maple syrup, salt, and cinnamon until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Stuff & Top

Now comes the fun part—stuffing those beautiful skins with your mashed mixture! Fill each one generously and then top with your prepared pecan streusel mixture. This topping adds delightful crunch and flavor that complements the creamy filling perfectly.

Step 5: Final Bake

Pop those beauties back into the oven for another 20-30 minutes at 350°F or until heated through and golden brown on top. The final bake allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully while giving you that crispy topping we all love.

And there you have it! Your very own pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes—perfectly tender, incredibly flavorful, and sure to be a hit at any gathering! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Pecan Pie Double Baked Sweet Potatoes

Creating the perfect pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes is all about the little details that elevate the dish from good to unforgettable. Here are some pro tips to guide you!

• Choose the right sweet potatoes: Look for medium-sized, firm sweet potatoes with smooth skin. This ensures a sweeter flavor and creamier texture when baked.

• Don’t skip the cooling step: Allowing the baked sweet potatoes to cool slightly before handling makes them easier to scoop out without burning your fingers or damaging the skins.

• Mix thoroughly for creamy filling: When mashing, make sure you blend until the mixture is completely smooth. This ensures a delightful, creamy consistency that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy pecan topping.

• Toast your pecans: Lightly toasting your chopped pecans before adding them to the topping enhances their nutty flavor and adds an extra layer of crunch.

• Keep an eye on baking time: Ovens can vary in temperature, so keep an eye on your sweet potatoes during that final bake. You want a golden, crispy top without overcooking the filling.

How to Serve Pecan Pie Double Baked Sweet Potatoes

These pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes are not only delicious but also visually stunning, making them a perfect centerpiece for any meal. Here are some delightful serving ideas!

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or mint can add a pop of color and freshness that balances the sweetness of the dish.
• Drizzle of maple syrup: A light drizzle of maple syrup just before serving enhances the natural sweetness and ties all the flavors together beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Brussels sprouts: The caramelized exterior and nutty flavor of roasted Brussels sprouts provide a lovely contrast to the creamy sweet potatoes.
• Green salad with citrus vinaigrette: A refreshing green salad with tangy citrus dressing balances out the richness of the sweet potatoes and adds brightness to your plate.
• Quinoa pilaf: Nutty quinoa cooked with vegetables makes for a hearty side that complements both texture and flavor while being gluten-free.
• Garlic mashed cauliflower: Creamy mashed cauliflower is a lighter alternative to traditional mashed potatoes that pairs nicely with these flavorful sweet potatoes, offering another layer of comforting goodness.

There you have it! With these tips and serving suggestions, your pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes will shine at your next gathering. Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes recipe is perfect for meal prep, making it an excellent choice for busy days or holiday gatherings. You can easily prepare these sweet potatoes ahead of time and enjoy them later without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the sweet potatoes to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Let the baked sweet potatoes cool completely.
• Wrap each sweet potato tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen sweet potatoes in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through, covering with foil if needed to prevent over-browning.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes that you might find helpful.

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

Yes! You can prepare the sweet potatoes a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just reheat them before serving for a delicious side dish or dessert.

What can I substitute for butter in pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes?

You can use coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. Both will still give you that rich texture you’re after!

Are pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes gluten-free?

If you use oat flour or gluten-free flour as specified in the recipe, then yes, these sweet potatoes can be made gluten-free!

How do I enhance the flavor of my pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes?

Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or vanilla extract to your mashed mixture for an extra layer of flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope this pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes recipe brings warmth and joy to your table. It’s such a delightful twist on traditional flavors that everyone will love! Don’t hesitate to try it out—I would love to hear how it turns out for you. Happy cooking!