Sweet Potato Pie Bites

Sweet Potato Pie Bites: A Deliciously Decadent Fall Treat

Looking for a bite-sized dessert that captures the cozy flavors of fall? These Sweet Potato Pie Bites are the perfect solution. With tender, caramelized sweet potato slices, a creamy cinnamon-spiced cream cheese topping, and crunchy candied pecans, these treats are a delightful twist on the classic sweet potato pie. They’re easy to make and perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply indulging in a seasonal snack.

Ingredients:

For the Candied Pecans:

• 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon egg whites
• 1/4 teaspoon water
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Sweet Potato Slices:

• 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch slices
• 4 tablespoons maple syrup, divided

For the Cream Cheese Topping:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions:

Step 1 – Prepare the Candied Pecans:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Mix the Coating:
   • In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup light brown sugar, and 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon.
3. Coat the Pecans:
   • In a larger bowl, whisk together the egg whites, water, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until frothy.
   • Add the chopped pecans to the egg white mixture and stir until evenly coated. Sprinkle the sugar mixture over the pecans and stir until well-coated.
4. Bake the Pecans:
   • Spread the coated pecans evenly on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, then stir and return to the oven for an additional 15 minutes, or until the coating hardens. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.

Step 2 – Prepare the Sweet Potato Slices:

1. Increase Oven Temperature:
   • Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).
2. Coat and Bake:
   • Place the sweet potato slices in a large bowl or bag and coat them with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup.
   • Arrange the slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.
   • Remove from the oven, brush the tops with more maple syrup, flip the slices over, and brush again with the remaining 2 tablespoons of maple syrup.
   • Return the sweet potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized. Remove from the oven and let cool.

Step 3 – Make the Cream Cheese Topping:

1. Beat the Cream Cheese:
   • In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
   • Add 1/4 cup light brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is well combined and creamy.

Step 4 – Assemble the Sweet Potato Pie Bites:

1. Top the Sweet Potato Slices:
   • Once the sweet potato slices have cooled, spoon or pipe the cream cheese mixture onto the center of each slice using a decorative pastry tip if desired.
2. Add Candied Pecans:
   • Stir 1 teaspoon of maple syrup into 1 cup of the candied pecans. Sprinkle the candied pecans over the cream cheese topping on each sweet potato slice.
3. Serve:
   • Serve the Sweet Potato Pie Bites immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy these delightful bites as a sweet snack or a fun dessert option at your next gathering.

Nutritional Information:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Calories: 180 kcal per serving
• Servings: 12 servings

Conclusion:

These Sweet Potato Pie Bites are a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of a traditional sweet potato pie in a fun, bite-sized form. The combination of tender sweet potatoes, creamy cinnamon-spiced cream cheese, and crunchy candied pecans creates a deliciously balanced treat that’s perfect for any fall occasion. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering, a cozy night in, or as a special dessert for your family, these bites are sure to be a hit. Try them out and bring a touch of autumn warmth to your table!

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