Sweet Potato Pie Bites Recipe

The Perfect Sweet Potato Pie Bites Recipe: Tiny Treats, Big Flavor

Sweet potato pie bites pack a delightful punch of comfort and nostalgia in every miniature morsel.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated these tiny desserts as crowd-pleasing treats that enhance classic pie flavors into adorable, pop-in-your-mouth delicacies.

Compact and irresistible, these bite-sized wonders offer a perfect balance of creamy sweetness and delicate crust.

Rich, warm spices mingle with the natural earthiness of sweet potatoes, creating a harmonious flavor profile that dances across your palate.

Unlike traditional pies, these miniature versions provide portion control without sacrificing an ounce of indulgence.

Their petite size makes them ideal for gatherings, allowing guests to sample multiple desserts without feeling overwhelmed.

Elegant yet approachable, these tiny confections bridge the gap between sophisticated pastry and homestyle comfort.

Sweet Potato Pie Bites With a Buttery Crust

  • Crunch and Caramelize: These sweet potato pie bites deliver an incredible textural experience with candied pecans that provide a satisfying crunch and maple-coated sweet potatoes that bring a delightful caramelized sweetness.
  • Effortless Elegance: The recipe transforms simple ingredients into sophisticated bite-sized treats that look professionally crafted yet are surprisingly easy to prepare, making them perfect for entertaining or quick dessert cravings.
  • Balanced Flavor Symphony: Each bite combines creamy cream cheese, warmly spiced pecans, sweet maple glaze, and roasted sweet potato for a harmonious blend of complementary flavors that dance deliciously on your palate.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: With just 45 minutes of total preparation time, these elegant appetizers or desserts can be whipped up quickly, offering maximum flavor impact with minimal kitchen effort and impressive visual appeal.

All the Ingredients You Need for Pie Bites

Sweet Potato Base:
  • Sweet Potato: Soft and sweet vegetable that forms the base of the bite-sized appetizer, choose firm and bright orange potatoes for best flavor.
  • Maple Syrup: Natural sweetener that caramelizes the sweet potato slices, provides rich depth and glossy finish.
Cream Cheese Topping:
  • Cream Cheese: Creamy and tangy base for the topping, select full-fat version for smooth texture.
  • Light Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and caramel undertones to the cream cheese mixture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile with warm, aromatic notes.
  • Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements sweet potato and adds complexity.
Candied Pecan Garnish:
  • Pecans, Granulated Sugar, Light Brown Sugar: Classic combination for creating crunchy, sweet nut topping.
  • Egg Whites: Helps create crispy coating for pecans, acts as natural binding agent.
  • Cinnamon: Additional spice that elevates the pecan flavor and adds warmth.

Instructions for Pie Bites in Perfect Portions

Step 1: Create Candied Pecan Coating

  • Granulated sugar
  • Light brown sugar
  • Cinnamon

Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare Pecan Mixture

  • Egg whites
  • Vanilla extract
  • Chopped pecans

Whisk egg whites and vanilla until frothy. Fold in pecans, coating evenly with the sugar mixture.

Step 3: Bake Candied Pecans

Spread pecans on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 300°F for 15 minutes, stir, then bake another 15 minutes until coating hardens. Cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare Sweet Potato Slices

  • Sweet potato slices
  • Maple syrup

Coat sweet potato slices with maple syrup. Arrange on parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Roast Sweet Potato Slices

Bake at 400°F for 10 minutes. Brush with additional maple syrup, flip, and brush again. Bake for 15 more minutes until tender and caramelized. Cool completely.

Step 6: Whip Cream Cheese Topping

  • Cream cheese
  • Light brown sugar
  • Cinnamon
  • Vanilla extract

Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add remaining ingredients and mix until creamy.

Step 7: Assemble Sweet Potato Pie Bites

Spread or pipe cream cheese mixture onto cooled sweet potato slices.

Step 8: Add Candied Pecan Topping

  • Maple syrup
  • Candied pecans

Drizzle maple syrup over candied pecans. Sprinkle generously on top of cream cheese layer.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the sweet potato pie bites and serve immediately. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat!

Note: These delightful bites combine the warmth of roasted sweet potatoes, creamy cheese topping, and crunchy candied pecans for an irresistible dessert experience.

Tips for Rich Filling and Crisp Edges

  • Slice Evenly: Cut sweet potato slices uniformly to ensure consistent cooking and professional-looking presentation.
  • Prevent Sticking: Use parchment paper to prevent sweet potato slices and candied pecans from sticking to the baking sheet.
  • Control Maple Syrup Caramelization: Brush maple syrup carefully to create a golden, glossy finish without burning the sweet potato edges.
  • Smooth Cream Cheese Technique: Bring cream cheese to room temperature before mixing to achieve a silky, lump-free topping.
  • Pecan Coating Pro Tip: Stir pecans frequently during baking to create an even, crispy sugar crust and prevent burning.

Best Practices for Storing Mini Pies

  • Refrigerate: Transfer sweet potato pie bites to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Reheat: Warm gently in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain the crispy texture of the sweet potatoes and keep the cream cheese topping creamy.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual bites in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Sips and Sweets That Match Well With Pie Bites

  • Discover Spiced Bourbon Pairing: Complement the sweet potato pie bites with a smooth, cinnamon-infused bourbon that echoes the warm spices in the recipe. The caramel notes will dance perfectly with the maple and candied pecan flavors.
  • Craft Creamy Chai Latte Match: Brew a rich, spicy chai latte that mirrors the cinnamon and sweet undertones of the dish. The creamy milk and warming spices create a harmonious balance with the sweet potato and cream cheese.
  • Create Maple Moscato Delight: Select a chilled, slightly sweet Moscato wine with hints of honey and tropical fruit. Its light, effervescent character will cut through the richness of the cream cheese and provide a refreshing contrast to the caramelized sweet potatoes.
  • Brew Vanilla Rooibos Tea: Steep a smooth, caffeine-free vanilla rooibos tea that adds a gentle sweetness and aromatic warmth. Its soft flavor profile will enhance the dessert's complex layers without overwhelming the delicate bite-sized treats.

Variations of the Classic Sweet Potato Treat

  • Maple Pecan Crunch: Replace the cream cheese topping with a dollop of whipped maple mascarpone, adding extra crunch with finely chopped candied pecans sprinkled on top.
  • Spiced Bourbon Drizzle: Enhance the cream cheese mixture with a splash of bourbon, then drizzle a homemade bourbon-maple glaze over the sweet potato bites for a sophisticated flavor profile.
  • Coconut Caramel Fusion: Swap the cream cheese topping with a smooth coconut caramel sauce, garnishing with toasted coconut flakes and a sprinkle of sea salt for a tropical-inspired version.
  • Chocolate Praline Indulgence: Top the sweet potato slices with a rich chocolate ganache, then crown with praline-coated pecans for a decadent dessert experience.
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Sweet Potato Pie Bites Recipe

Sweet Potato Pie Bites Recipe


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4.9 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet potato pie bites deliver Southern comfort in miniature form. Rich, velvety filling nestled in crisp pastry shells offers a delightful twist on classic pie that lets you savor all the traditional flavors in one elegant, poppable package.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into ½-inch slices
  • 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, room temperature

Sweeteners and Spices:

  • ½ cup light brown sugar, divided
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon, divided
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, divided
  • 4 tablespoons maple syrup, divided

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon egg whites
  • ¼ teaspoon water

Instructions

  1. Craft the candied pecans by preheating the oven to a gentle 300°F, creating a warm environment for transforming raw nuts into a delectable treat.
  2. Whip egg whites with vanilla until they reach a frothy consistency, preparing a light binding for the pecans.
  3. Coat pecans thoroughly in the egg white mixture, ensuring each fragment is evenly covered.
  4. Generously dust the pecans with a cinnamon-sugar blend, massaging the mixture to create a complete coating.
  5. Distribute the seasoned pecans across a parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing each nut space to crisp and caramelize.
  6. Roast pecans for 15 minutes, then stir and continue baking to develop a perfectly crunchy exterior.
  7. Elevate the oven temperature to 400°F for transforming sweet potato slices into a tender base.
  8. Drench sweet potato rounds in maple syrup, ensuring each slice glistens with sweet potential.
  9. Arrange potato slices in a single layer, creating a canvas for caramelization.
  10. Bake potato slices, periodically brushing with additional maple syrup to enhance their golden-brown edges.
  11. Whip cream cheese until silky smooth, incorporating brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla for a luxurious topping.
  12. Once sweet potatoes cool, delicately pipe or spread the cream cheese mixture across each slice.
  13. Fold maple syrup into a portion of the candied pecans, creating a glossy garnish.
  14. Artfully sprinkle the syrup-kissed pecans atop the cream cheese, adding a crunchy texture and nutty complexity.
  15. Serve immediately, presenting a harmonious blend of sweet, creamy, and crisp elements.

Notes

  • Cool down candied pecans completely before adding to sweet potato bites to maintain their crispy texture and prevent soggy topping.
  • Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and preventing ingredients from sticking during baking process.
  • Choose firm, evenly sized sweet potato slices to ensure consistent cooking and attractive presentation.
  • Whip cream cheese mixture until smooth and creamy to create a luxurious, velvety topping that complements the sweet potato’s natural sweetness.
  • Adjust maple syrup quantity based on desired sweetness level, keeping in mind the natural sugars in sweet potatoes and candied pecans.
  • Store assembled bites in refrigerator for up to 2 days, separating layers with parchment paper to maintain optimal texture and prevent sticking.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 198
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 1 mg
Liam O'Brien

Liam O’Brien

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Traditional Irish Dishes
  • Farm-to-Table Cooking
  • Recipe Creation
  • Teaching Cooking Skills
  • Sustainable Food Practices

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin)

  • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and exploring both Irish and international cuisines.

Ballymaloe Cookery School, County Cork, Ireland

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Farm-to-table cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Liam O’Brien is the co-founder and kitchen soul behind Good Tasting Meals, a chef who believes that cooking shouldn’t feel stressful or complicated.

He earned his culinary stripes at Technological University Dublin and polished his farm-to-table skills at Ballymaloe Cookery School. With over 15 years flipping pans and stirring up stories, Liam has worked in family cafés, bustling bistros, and everything in between.

At Good Tasting Meals, Liam brings you recipes that feel like home: cozy, simple, and full of flavor.

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