Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 5 sweet potatoes
Filling
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter (at room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Topping
- 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1/4 cup butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup pecans
Garnish
- powdered sugar (optional)
- fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Wash the sweet potatoes: Gently wash and dry the sweet potatoes, making sure to keep the skins intact for baking and stuffing.
- Bake the potatoes: Place the sweet potatoes on a lightly greased baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour, until tender.
- Cool the potatoes: Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and let them cool until they are safe to handle.
- Slice the potatoes: Slice each potato lengthwise about three-quarters of the way through from the top, being careful not to cut all the way through to keep them intact.
- Open the potatoes: Gently press the ends of each potato towards the center to open them slightly for scooping out the flesh.
- Scoop out the pulp: Carefully scoop the sweet potato flesh into a mixing bowl, leaving some pulp in the skins to prevent tearing. If any skins tear, secure with a toothpick.
- Mash the filling: Add eggs, brown sugar, 1/4 cup butter, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, ground ginger, ground cloves, and nutmeg to the sweet potato pulp. Mash until thoroughly combined.
- Refill the potato skins: Scoop the mashed sweet potato mixture back into the hollowed-out potato skins evenly.
- Prepare the topping: In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour, softened butter, brown sugar, and pecans. Mix until crumbly and well combined.
- Top the potatoes: Generously sprinkle the pecan topping over each filled sweet potato.
- Bake again: Return the stuffed sweet potatoes to the oven and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Rest before serving: Remove the potatoes from the oven and allow them to sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove any toothpicks used to secure skins.
- Garnish (optional): Sprinkle with powdered sugar or garnish with fresh parsley to add a decorative touch before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the sweet potato skins remain intact while scooping to hold the filling without spilling.
- Use room temperature butter for easier mixing in both filling and topping.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet dish.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
- For a dairy-free alternative, substitute butter and heavy cream with plant-based options.
- Remove toothpicks carefully before serving to avoid any choking hazard.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American