Pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes

If you’re looking for a delightful twist on your usual Thanksgiving fare, then let me introduce you to my all-time favorite: Pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes! This recipe combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the rich, nutty flavor of pecans, making it an irresistible dish that can easily stand out as both a dessert and a side. The gentle sweetness from maple syrup and the warm hint of cinnamon make every bite feel like a cozy hug.

This dish is perfect for family gatherings, busy weeknights, or even when you just want something comforting at home. Trust me; once you try these Pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes, they’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious flavor: The combination of sweet potatoes, maple syrup, and pecans creates a taste that’s simply divine.
• Easy preparation: With straightforward steps, this dish is simple enough for even novice cooks to master.
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this fun take on traditional flavors.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare the sweet potatoes ahead of time and bake them just before serving.
• Versatile dish: Great as both a dessert and a side, it’s perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients! These are all easy to find and come together beautifully to create our delicious 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 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

While this recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also flexible! Here are some fun ways to mix it up:

• Add more spices: Try incorporating nutmeg or ginger for an extra layer of warmth.
• Swap the nuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans, chopped walnuts or hazelnuts work wonderfully too!
• Sweeten it differently: Use honey or agave syrup in place of maple syrup for a different spin on sweetness.
• Make it creamy: Stir in some cream cheese or coconut cream into the mashed sweet potatoes for added richness.

How to Make Pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes

Step 1: Bake the Sweet Potatoes

First things first! Preheat your oven to 425°F. Bake those clean sweet potatoes until they’re soft in the center—this usually takes about 40-55 minutes. Check their doneness by inserting a knife into the center; if it slides in easily, they’re ready! This step is crucial because it sets the foundation for our creamy filling.

Step 2: Cool Down & Prepare

Once baked, reduce your oven temperature to 350°F. Let those lovely sweet potatoes cool down until they’re safe to handle—no need to scorch your fingers! Cooling them allows us to scoop out just enough flesh while keeping the skins sturdy for stuffing.

Step 3: Scoop & Mash

Now comes the fun part! Slice each sweet potato lengthwise about three-quarters of the way up. Remove the top and gently scoop out most of the flesh into a bowl. Be careful to leave about 1/4 inch inside; this keeps everything stable and intact. Mash that sweet potato goodness with butter, maple syrup, salt, and cinnamon until smooth—this is where all that cozy flavor comes together!

Step 4: Stuff & Top

Time to fill those skins! Stuff them generously with your spiced mashed sweet potato mixture. To finish off that deliciousness, sprinkle on your pecan streusel topping made from chopped pecans, flour, butter, maple syrup, and cinnamon.

Step 5: Bake Again

Pop those stuffed beauties back into your preheated oven for another 20-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them—they’re done when the filling is hot and the topping turns golden brown and crispy. This second bake really melds all those flavors together while creating a beautiful crust on top!

And there you have it—a delightful dish that beautifully marries flavors and textures! Enjoy your Pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes with friends and family; they’ll be asking for seconds before you know it!

Pro Tips for Making Pecan Pie Double Baked Sweet Potatoes

Making these delicious pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes is a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Choose the right sweet potatoes: Opt for medium-sized sweet potatoes that have smooth skin and feel firm to the touch. This ensures even cooking and a creamy texture for your filling.
• Don’t skip the cooling step: Allowing the baked sweet potatoes to cool for a bit before handling them makes it easier to scoop out the flesh without burning your hands or damaging the skins.
• Experiment with spices: While cinnamon is a classic choice, feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for an extra layer of warmth and flavor. This can elevate your dish and make it even more festive.
• Make ahead of time: You can prepare the mashed filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just stuff the sweet potato skins and bake them when you’re ready to serve, saving time on busy days.
• Use parchment paper: Lining your baking tray with parchment paper while baking helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, allowing you to enjoy your time in the kitchen without worry.

How to Serve Pecan Pie Double Baked Sweet Potatoes

Presenting your pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes beautifully enhances their appeal. Here are some ideas on how to serve this delightful dish!

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and freshness that balances out the richness of the dish.
• Drizzle of maple syrup: A light drizzle over the top just before serving not only looks stunning but also amplifies the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Brussels sprouts: Their crispy, caramelized edges provide a lovely contrast to the creamy filling of the sweet potatoes, making for a well-rounded meal.
• Green salad with citrus dressing: A refreshing green salad will help balance out the richness, while citrus notes brighten up every bite.
• Quinoa pilaf: A fluffy quinoa pilaf mixed with nuts and dried fruits complements both texture and flavor profiles beautifully while keeping it healthy.
• Steamed green beans: Simply steamed green beans dressed in olive oil with garlic will add color, crunch, and nutrients alongside your decadent sweet potatoes.

With these serving suggestions, your pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes will shine as a star on any table! Enjoy making this comforting dish as part of your meal prep or special occasion feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

This pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare these delicious sweet potatoes ahead of time, making them an excellent addition to your Thanksgiving feast or any weeknight dinner.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the sweet potatoes to cool completely before storing.
• Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They can be stored for up to 3-5 days.

Freezing

• Let the sweet potatoes cool completely after baking.
• Wrap each stuffed sweet potato tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2-3 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 or until heated through, covering with foil if they brown too quickly.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe!

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

Absolutely! You can prepare and bake them ahead of time, then reheat when ready to serve. This makes them a great option for meal prep!

What makes pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes different from regular twice-baked sweet potatoes?

Pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes feature a deliciously spiced filling that’s reminiscent of pecan pie, topped with a crunchy pecan streusel, adding a unique twist!

Can I use other types of nuts instead of pecans?

Certainly! Feel free to substitute walnuts or almonds if you prefer a different nut flavor. Just chop them up and use them in the same way.

Is there a gluten-free option for the flour used in this recipe?

Yes! You can easily substitute all-purpose flour with oat flour or any gluten-free flour blend you like.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes as much as I do! They’re not only delicious but also bring a special flair to your dining table. This recipe combines the warmth of comfort food with festive flavors, making it ideal for gatherings or cozy dinners at home. I’d love to hear how yours turn out, so don’t hesitate to share your experiences and tips. Happy cooking!