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