Pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes

If you’re looking for a delightful twist on a classic dish, you’ve come to the right place! These pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes are not only delicious but also bring a warm, comforting flavor to any table. It’s like enjoying the best of both worlds—sweet potatoes and pecan pie—in one bite! This recipe has quickly become a favorite in my home, perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners.

What makes this dish so special is its gentle sweetness from maple syrup and the warm embrace of cinnamon, making it suitable for any occasion. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a regular Tuesday night, these sweet potatoes will surely impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With simple steps and minimal fuss, you’ll have these sweet potatoes ready in no time.
• Family-friendly flavor: The combination of sweet potatoes and pecans appeals to all ages, making it a hit at your dinner table.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can bake the sweet potatoes in advance and reheat them for an effortless side dish.
• Deliciously unique: This recipe puts a fun spin on traditional sides, bringing something new to your holiday feast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients! This list includes everything you 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 (use oat flour or gluten-free flour if desired)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp maple syrup

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to customize it according to your taste! Here are some fun variations you might want to try:

• Add some flair: Consider mixing in some chopped apples or pears for added sweetness and texture.
• Nutty twist: Swap out the pecans for walnuts or hazelnuts if you prefer a different nutty flavor.
• Spice it up: Include a pinch of nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon for an extra layer of warmth.
• Vegan option: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter and use maple syrup as your sweetener.

How to Make Pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes

Step 1: Bake the Sweet Potatoes

Begin by baking your cleaned sweet potatoes in a preheated oven at 425°F until they’re soft in the center. This usually takes about 40-55 minutes. Checking their doneness with a knife ensures that they will be perfectly tender when we scoop them out later.

Step 2: Cool Down and Prepare

Once baked, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F. Allow the sweet potatoes to cool down until they’re manageable. This step is crucial because we want to avoid burning our hands while preparing them!

Step 3: Scoop Out Sweet Potatoes

Slice each sweet potato lengthwise about three-quarters of the way up. Remove the top carefully, revealing the soft flesh inside. Scoop out most of the sweet potato into a bowl but leave about 1/4 inch of flesh intact in the skin. This helps keep everything stable during baking.

Step 4: Mix It Up!

Mash the scooped-out sweet potato with butter, maple syrup, salt, and cinnamon until smooth. Mixing these ingredients enhances their flavors and creates a creamy filling that will be irresistible once baked again.

Step 5: Stuff and Top

Now it’s time to stuff those beautiful skins with your delicious mashed mixture. Make sure they are filled generously! Then sprinkle on that crunchy pecan streusel topping for an added texture that complements the softness of the filling perfectly.

Step 6: Bake Again

Place your stuffed sweet potatoes back in the oven for another 20-30 minutes until everything is heated through and beautifully golden on top. The aroma wafting from your kitchen will have everyone excited for dinner!

And there you have it—your very own pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes! Enjoy every bite of this delightful dish that’s sure to become a beloved favorite at your table.

Pro Tips for Making Pecan Pie Double Baked Sweet Potatoes

These sweet potatoes are sure to impress, so let’s make them even better with some handy tips!

• Choose evenly sized sweet potatoes: This ensures they cook uniformly in the oven, resulting in perfectly baked sweet potatoes that are tender all the way through.

• Use room temperature butter: Mixing warm, softened butter into the mashed sweet potato mixture will create a smoother texture and help all the ingredients blend seamlessly.

• Experiment with spices: While cinnamon is a classic choice, feel free to add nutmeg or ginger for an extra layer of flavor that complements the sweetness of the potatoes beautifully.

• Don’t skip the resting time: Allowing your baked sweet potatoes to cool slightly before handling will make it easier to scoop out the filling without damaging the skins.

• Make it ahead of time: You can prepare the stuffed sweet potatoes a day in advance and then bake them just before serving, making your holiday cooking less hectic!

How to Serve Pecan Pie Double Baked Sweet Potatoes

Serving these delightful double baked sweet potatoes can be both fun and visually appealing! Here are some ideas to elevate your presentation.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of vibrant green parsley adds a fresh pop of color and a hint of herbal flavor.
• Drizzle of extra maple syrup: A light drizzle over the top enhances sweetness and gives a beautiful glossy finish.
• Toasted coconut flakes: For a tropical twist, add some toasted coconut flakes on top for added texture and flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

• Green Bean Almondine: Crisp-tender green beans sautéed with slivered almonds provide crunch and balance to the richness of the sweet potatoes.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These caramelized sprouts bring a savory depth that complements the sweetness, especially when tossed with balsamic vinegar.
• Quinoa Salad with Cranberries: A refreshing salad featuring fluffy quinoa, tart cranberries, and crunchy nuts adds brightness and nutrition alongside your dish.
• Maple-Glazed Carrots: Sweet carrots glazed with maple syrup echo the flavors in your pecan pie sweet potatoes while adding vibrant color to your plate.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes will not only taste incredible but look stunning on your holiday table! Enjoy every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

This pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes recipe is fantastic for meal prep! You can prepare it in advance, making it a perfect addition to your holiday lineup or weeknight dinners.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the sweet potatoes to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• To keep them fresh, avoid stacking the stuffed sweet potatoes on top of each other.

Freezing

• For longer storage, freeze the double baked sweet potatoes before baking them for the second time.
• Wrap each potato tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just remember to label them!

Reheating

• Thaw frozen sweet potatoes in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the stuffed sweet potatoes for about 25-30 minutes until heated through.
• You can also microwave them on a plate covered with a damp paper towel for about 2-3 minutes, checking frequently.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful dish.

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

Absolutely! You can prepare these delicious sweet potatoes ahead of time and store them in the fridge or even freeze them for later.

What are pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes?

Pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes are a creative twist on traditional twice-baked sweet potatoes, combining the earthy flavors of sweet potatoes with a crumbly pecan topping and gentle sweetness from maple syrup.

Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Yes! While pecans provide a lovely texture and flavor that complements the sweetness of the dish, you can certainly substitute walnuts or almonds if you prefer.

How do I know when my sweet potatoes are done baking?

To check if your sweet potatoes are ready after baking, simply insert a knife into the center; if it goes in easily without resistance, they’re perfectly cooked!

Are there any alternatives for flour in this recipe?

You can replace regular flour with oat flour or gluten-free flour blends to accommodate different dietary needs while still enjoying this delicious dish.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes as much as I do! This recipe brings together warm flavors and comforting textures that make it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving or enjoying it as a cozy weeknight treat, it’s sure to become a favorite. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your delicious results!