Pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes

If you’re looking for a delightful twist on traditional holiday dishes, you’ve come to the right place! These pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes are a perfect blend of wholesome ingredients and comforting flavors. They make a fantastic side dish for family gatherings or a cozy dessert for busy weeknights. The gentle sweetness from maple syrup combined with warming cinnamon creates a dish that feels both indulgent and nourishing.

This recipe is a favorite in my home because it captures the essence of fall while being incredibly easy to make. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to enjoy sweet potatoes, which are packed with nutrients and flavor. Trust me, once you try these pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, this recipe comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for even novice cooks.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet and nutty flavors, making it an ideal dish for everyone at the table.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prep these sweet potatoes ahead of time and simply bake them before serving, allowing you more time to spend with loved ones.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of maple syrup, cinnamon, and pecans creates a mouthwatering taste that feels like a warm hug in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To whip up these delicious pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes, you only need some simple and wholesome ingredients. It’s amazing how easily they come together to create something so special!

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 quite flexible, allowing you to personalize it to your taste. Here are a few fun ideas to switch things up:

• Add Some Spice: Incorporate a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for an extra layer of warmth in your filling.
• Nut Alternatives: Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds if you prefer different nuts in your topping.
• Sweetener Options: Try using honey or agave syrup instead of maple syrup for varied sweetness.
• Add Fruit: Mix in some chopped apples or pears for a fruity twist that complements the sweet potatoes beautifully.

How to Make Pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes

Step 1: Bake the Sweet Potatoes

Start by baking the clean sweet potatoes in a preheated oven at 425°F until they’re soft in the center—this usually takes about 40-55 minutes. Checking for softness with a knife is key; if it slides through easily, they’re done! This first baking step intensifies their natural sweetness and flavor.

Step 2: Cool Down

Once baked, reduce the oven heat to 350°F. Allow the sweet potatoes to cool down until they’re manageable without burning your hands. This is important because it makes handling them much easier when it’s time to scoop out the insides.

Step 3: Scoop Out the Sweet Potatoes

Slice each sweet potato lengthwise about three-quarters of the way up. Remove the top gently so that you can see inside. Next, scoop out the flesh into a medium bowl while leaving about 1/4 inch of sweet potato in the skin. This helps keep them stable during baking.

Step 4: Mash and Mix

Mash the scooped-out sweet potato with butter, maple syrup, salt, and cinnamon until smooth. Mixing these ingredients well not only adds flavor but also keeps your filling creamy and delicious!

Step 5: Stuff and Top

Stuff each hollowed-out sweet potato skin with your tasty mashed mixture. Then sprinkle on that crunchy pecan topping evenly across all four halves—this adds texture that everyone will love.

Step 6: Bake Again

Finally, pop those stuffed beauties back into the oven for another 20-30 minutes at 350°F or until they’re heated through and golden brown on top. This second bake allows all those flavors to meld beautifully while giving you that irresistible crispy layer on top!

Enjoy making these pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes—they’re sure to impress!

Pro Tips for Making Pecan Pie Double Baked Sweet Potatoes

Creating the perfect pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes is all about attention to detail and a bit of creativity. Here are some tips to ensure your dish is a crowd-pleaser!

• Choose the right sweet potatoes: Opt for medium-sized, firm sweet potatoes for even cooking and the best texture. This helps create that perfect creamy filling that holds up well.

• Don’t skip the cooling step: Allowing the sweet potatoes to cool after the first bake makes them easier to handle and allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a richer taste.

• Experiment with spices: While cinnamon is a classic choice, feel free to add nutmeg or ginger for an extra layer of flavor. These spices can enhance the dessert-like quality of the dish.

• Toast your pecans: Lightly toasting the pecans before adding them to the topping brings out their natural oils and enhances their flavor, giving your dish a delicious crunch.

• Make it ahead of time: You can prepare the sweet potatoes up to a day in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator after stuffing them and bake before serving for an easy, stress-free meal.

How to Serve Pecan Pie Double Baked Sweet Potatoes

These deliciously sweet creations are not only delightful on their own but can also be beautifully presented and paired with other dishes. Here are some ideas!

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley or mint: A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds a pop of color and freshness that contrasts wonderfully with the rich flavors.
• Drizzle of extra maple syrup: For those who love a sweeter touch, a light drizzle of maple syrup right before serving enhances sweetness without overpowering.

Side Dishes

• Crispy Brussels sprouts: Roasted until caramelized, these provide a savory contrast that complements the sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
• Quinoa salad with cranberries: The nutty flavor and chewy texture of quinoa mixed with tart cranberries create a refreshing side that balances out the richness.
• Garlic mashed cauliflower: This low-carb alternative to traditional mashed potatoes offers creaminess without stealing the spotlight from your star dish.
• Green bean almondine: Sautéed green beans with toasted almonds add crunch and freshness, creating a lovely textural contrast alongside your sweet potatoes.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to impress your family and friends at any gathering! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare them in advance, making your holiday or special occasion cooking a breeze. Here’s how you can store any leftovers or make them ahead of time.

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

• Prepare the sweet potatoes as directed but do not bake the final layer.
• Once cooled, wrap each sweet potato tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped sweet potatoes in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen sweet potatoes overnight in the fridge.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Unwrap the sweet potatoes and place them on a baking sheet.
• Bake for about 20-25 minutes, until heated through. You can cover them with foil to prevent over-browning.

FAQs

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

Can I use other types of nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! While this recipe highlights pecans, you can substitute walnuts or almonds if you prefer a different flavor.

What makes these pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes special?

These sweet potatoes combine the comforting sweetness of traditional pecan pie with the wholesome goodness of sweet potatoes, creating a delicious and unique dish that is both a dessert and a side!

Can I make vegan pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes?

Yes! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use maple syrup to keep everything vegan-friendly while retaining that rich flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes as much as I do! They bring together the warm flavors of fall with their gentle sweetness and crunchy topping, making them a special addition to any meal. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings or share this recipe with family and friends. Happy cooking!