There is something simply magical about these Sweet Potato Pie Bites with Candied Pecans and Cream Cheese Filling Recipe that makes them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Combining the natural sweetness and creaminess of roasted sweet potatoes, the luscious tang of cinnamon-spiced cream cheese, and the crunchy, caramelized pecans, this recipe is a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a gathering or just craving a cozy dessert, these bites bring all the warmth and comfort of a classic sweet potato pie in a fun, bite-sized form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
While the ingredient list might look detailed, each item plays a simple but vital role in creating the vibrant taste and perfect texture of these bites. From the rich sweetness of maple syrup to the aromatic cinnamon in both the candies and filling, every component pulls together a classic yet uniquely delicious profile.
- Sweet potatoes: The star of the show, roasted slices provide a tender, naturally sweet base for the bites.
- Maple syrup: Used both for roasting the sweet potatoes and glazing the pecans if desired, it adds depth and natural sweetness.
- Pecans: Finely chopped and transformed into candied bits, they contribute satisfying crunch and warmth.
- Egg whites: Whisked to coat pecans, helping the sugar and cinnamon mixture stick evenly for candying.
- Granulated and light brown sugar: These sugars balance sweetness and moisture for the pecan coating and cream cheese filling.
- Cinnamon: Sprinkled generously in the pecan mix and filling, it provides a cozy spice note reminiscent of fall desserts.
- Vanilla extract: Added to both the pecans and filling, it enriches the overall flavor with fragrant warmth.
- Cream cheese: The creamy filling’s base, whipped smooth with sugar and spices to create a luscious contrast to the sweet potatoes.
How to Make Sweet Potato Pie Bites with Candied Pecans and Cream Cheese Filling Recipe
Step 1: Candy the Pecans
Let’s start by giving those pecans their shimmering, crunch-packed candy coating that makes these bites unforgettable. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) to create the perfect environment for slow caramelization. Whisk the egg whites along with a small amount of water and vanilla until frothy, which helps the sugar mixture stick beautifully. In a separate bowl, stir together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon for that irresistible spiced sweetness. Then, combine the chopped pecans with the egg whites and coat them well with the sugar blend before spreading them on a parchment-lined sheet. Bake for 30 minutes, making sure to stir halfway through for even baking. Let them cool completely to develop their signature crispiness.
Step 2: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Next, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) to give the sweet potatoes that perfect roast — tender on the inside with slightly caramelized edges. Toss the peeled and sliced sweet potato rounds with half of the maple syrup to infuse them with a natural sweetness. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet to ensure each piece cooks evenly. After 10 minutes, flip each slice and brush with the remaining maple syrup before baking for another 15 minutes. Cooling the slices slightly allows them to hold their structure, creating a stable base for the topping.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
While the potatoes roast, it’s time to whip up the filling that brings creamy richness to these bites. Beat room temperature cream cheese until it’s utterly smooth and fluffy. Then, add in brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Mix gently but thoroughly until the mixture is light and airy. This sweet and spiced sweetness pairs perfectly with the earthy softness of the sweet potatoes and the crunch of the pecans.
Step 4: Assemble the Sweet Potato Pie Bites with Candied Pecans and Cream Cheese Filling Recipe
Now comes the fun part — putting it all together! Spoon or pipe the cream cheese filling generously onto each cooled sweet potato slice. This step gives you room to get creative with presentation if you’d like by swirling or dolloping the cream cheese in beautiful patterns. Finally, toss the cooled candied pecans with a touch of maple syrup for extra shine and sweetness, then sprinkle them lavishly over the top of each bite. The maple-glazed pecans add that perfect final crunch and glossy appeal.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve these delightful Sweet Potato Pie Bites with Candied Pecans and Cream Cheese Filling Recipe warm or at room temperature. Each bite delivers a perfect harmony of creamy, sweet, and crunchy sensations that will have everyone asking for seconds.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Pie Bites with Candied Pecans and Cream Cheese Filling Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of charm, sprinkle a little ground cinnamon or freshly chopped fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary atop the bites before serving. The contrast of aromatic herbs with the sweet and creamy elements adds a beautiful visual and flavor dimension.
Side Dishes
If serving as part of a larger meal, consider pairing these bites with a crisp mixed green salad to cut through the richness, or with spiced cider or warm tea to complement the cozy flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
You can get playful and elegant by serving the bites on a rustic wooden board, a pretty tiered tray, or even on mini skewers for a party-friendly finger food option. Drizzling a little extra maple syrup or honey over the top right before serving can give an inviting glossy finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These sweet potato pie bites keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cream cheese filling firms up slightly when chilled but remains soft and luscious.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best to store the components separately if you plan to freeze. Freeze sweet potato slices and candied pecans in individual containers, but keep the cream cheese filling fresh for the best texture. Thaw and assemble just before serving.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the sweet potato slices alone in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes until warmed through. Add the cream cheese and pecans after reheating to maintain their texture and temperature contrast.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Regular potatoes won’t provide the same natural sweetness and creamy texture that sweet potatoes offer. The flavor profile would be quite different, so for the best results, stick with sweet potatoes for this recipe.
How do I store the candied pecans so they stay crunchy?
Store candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature once they are completely cooled. If refrigerated, they may lose some of their crunch due to moisture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, making this recipe a safe and delicious option for those avoiding gluten.
Can I make the cream cheese filling dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and adjust sweetness as needed to maintain a creamy, flavorful filling.
What’s the best way to pipe the cream cheese filling?
Use a piping bag fitted with a round or star tip to create beautiful swirls atop each sweet potato slice. If you don’t have a piping bag, simply spooning the mixture on and spreading with a small spatula works just as well.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add a uniquely charming twist to your dessert repertoire, you absolutely must try this Sweet Potato Pie Bites with Candied Pecans and Cream Cheese Filling Recipe. It’s not just a delicious bite of comfort; it’s a crowd-pleaser that dazzles with every layer. Trust me, once you make them, they’ll become a favorite to return to season after season.
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Sweet Potato Pie Bites with Candied Pecans and Cream Cheese Filling Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious Sweet Potato Pie Bites featuring roasted sweet potato rounds topped with a creamy cinnamon-infused cream cheese filling and crunchy homemade candied pecans. Perfect for autumn gatherings or a flavorful appetizer, these bite-sized treats combine sweet, creamy, and nutty elements for a delightful taste experience.
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potato Base
- 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 4 tbsp maple syrup (divided)
For the Candied Pecans
- 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp egg whites
- ¼ tsp water
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Candy the Pecans: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). In a bowl, whisk together the egg whites, ¼ teaspoon of water, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until frothy. In another bowl, combine granulated sugar, ¼ cup brown sugar, and 1½ teaspoons cinnamon. Stir the chopped pecans into the egg white mixture, then fold in the sugar mixture. Spread the pecans evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes, stirring halfway through. Once baked, let them cool completely.
- Roast the Sweet Potatoes: Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Toss the sweet potato slices with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup to coat evenly. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 10 minutes. Flip each slice, brush with the remaining 2 tablespoons of maple syrup, and bake for an additional 15 minutes. Allow the sweet potatoes to cool completely before assembling.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add in the light brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Continue beating until the filling is fluffy and well combined.
- Assemble the Bites: Using a spoon or piping bag, generously top each cooled sweet potato slice with the cream cheese filling. Toss the cooled candied pecans with 1 teaspoon of maple syrup to glaze them lightly, then sprinkle them over each bite.
- Serve: Arrange the Sweet Potato Pie Bites on a platter and serve either warm or at room temperature. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or fresh herbs for added presentation appeal.
Notes
- The candied pecans can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container.
- Make sure the sweet potatoes are completely cooled before adding the cream cheese filling to prevent melting.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of maple syrup and sugars according to taste.
- This recipe is great for holiday parties or as a sweet appetizer for gatherings.
