This pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes recipe is a delightful twist on a classic dish, perfect for Thanksgiving or any special occasion. The combination of sweet potatoes and the rich flavors of pecan pie creates an unforgettable experience. With its gentle sweetness from maple syrup and warm notes of cinnamon, this dish can serve as both a dessert and a side dish, making it incredibly versatile.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor Combination: Enjoy the comforting taste of sweet potatoes paired with the indulgent crunch of pecans.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side for holiday meals or as a sweet treat to satisfy your cravings.
- Simple Preparation: Easy instructions make it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vitamins from sweet potatoes and healthy fats from pecans, this dish is both delicious and nutritious.
- Gorgeous Presentation: The double-baked style adds elegance to your table, impressing guests with minimal effort.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools will make preparing your pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
- Spoon or masher
- Oven mitts
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Provides even heat distribution for baking your sweet potatoes.
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients without mess.
- Knife: A sharp knife helps in safely slicing the sweet potatoes without damaging them.
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potatoes
- 4 medium sweet potatoes (washed and dried)
- 2 tbsp butter (salted or unsalted)
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
For the Pecan Topping
- 3/4 cup pecans (roughly chopped)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup flour (can use oat flour or GF flour instead)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
How to Make Pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes
Step 1: Bake the Sweet Potatoes
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F. Place the washed sweet potatoes on a baking sheet.
* Bake until soft in the center, which should take about 40-55 minutes.
* Test doneness by inserting a knife; if it goes in easily, they are ready.
Step 2: Cool Down
Once done baking, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F. Allow the sweet potatoes to cool until you can handle them comfortably.
Step 3: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Slice each sweet potato lengthwise about three-quarters of the way through.
* Carefully scoop out the flesh into a mixing bowl, leaving about 1/4 inch of potato inside to maintain structure.
Step 4: Mix Filling Ingredients
Mash the scooped sweet potato flesh in the bowl. Add in:
* Butter
* Maple syrup
* Salt
* Cinnamon
Mix all ingredients until well combined.
Step 5: Stuff Sweet Potatoes
Spoon the mashed mixture back into each sweet potato skin. Top generously with chopped pecans mixed with cinnamon and flour.
Step 6: Final Bake
Return stuffed sweet potatoes to the oven for another 20-30 minutes.
* Bake until filling is hot and topping is golden brown and crispy.
Enjoy your delicious pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes!
How to Serve Pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes
These pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes are a delightful dish that pairs well with various meals. They can be served as a dessert or a side dish, making them versatile for any occasion.
As a Standalone Dessert
- Serve warm directly from the oven, allowing the flavors of maple syrup and cinnamon to shine through.
- Drizzle extra maple syrup on top for added sweetness if desired.
With Ice Cream
- Top each serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a delicious contrast of warm and cold.
- Consider adding a sprinkle of nuts on top for an extra crunch.
As a Side Dish
- Pair these sweet potatoes with roasted meats like turkey or ham for a festive meal.
- They also complement savory dishes, adding a sweet touch to balance flavors.
With Whipped Cream
- Add dollops of whipped cream on top for a creamy texture that enhances the overall experience.
- Use flavored whipped cream, like cinnamon or maple, to elevate the dish further.
How to Perfect Pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes
To ensure your pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Choose the right sweet potatoes: Look for medium-sized sweet potatoes for even cooking and optimal flavor.
- Bake until soft: Ensure the sweet potatoes are fully soft before scooping, as this enhances their natural sweetness.
- Mash thoroughly: For a smoother filling, mash the sweet potatoes well before mixing in other ingredients.
- Layer flavors: Don’t hesitate to experiment with spices like nutmeg or ginger alongside cinnamon for added depth.
- Keep skin intact: Leaving some flesh in the skin helps maintain structure when refilling, preventing collapse during baking.
- Monitor baking time: Keep an eye on your second bake; remove them when the topping is golden but still crispy.

Best Side Dishes for Pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes
These pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes can be complemented beautifully by various side dishes. Here are some suggestions that pair well:
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Their slight bitterness balances the sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
- Honey-Glazed Carrots – These add vibrant color and enhance sweetness with their honey glaze.
- Green Bean Casserole – A classic side that brings creamy richness to your table.
- Stuffing – Traditional stuffing provides savory notes that contrast beautifully with sweet potatoes.
- Cranberry Sauce – The tartness of cranberries adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the dish.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes bring comfort and are always popular at gatherings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some to watch out for:
- Overbaking Sweet Potatoes: Baking sweet potatoes for too long can lead to dryness. Check them after 40 minutes and adjust time as needed.
- Not Mashing Enough: A chunky filling can be unappealing. Ensure the sweet potatoes are well-mashed and combined with the other ingredients for a smooth texture.
- Ignoring Spices: Skipping or skimping on cinnamon can dull the flavor. Don’t hesitate to add an extra sprinkle for enhanced taste.
- Using Unsalted Butter: If you use unsalted butter, you might miss out on flavor. Opt for salted butter to enhance the overall richness of your dish.
- Skipping the Topping: The pecan streusel adds texture and flavor. Don’t skip this step; it’s what makes these twice-baked sweet potatoes stand out!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- item Store in an airtight container.
- item Can be kept for up to 3-4 days.
- item Allow to cool completely before storing.
Freezing Pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes
- item Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag.
- item Best consumed within 2-3 months for optimal freshness.
- item Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating Pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in intervals of 1 minute, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to prepare sweet potatoes for this recipe?
To prepare sweet potatoes, wash and dry them before baking until tender at 425°F. This ensures they have a soft texture suitable for mashing.
Can I use other types of nuts instead of pecans?
Yes! While pecans give a traditional flavor, walnuts or almonds can also work beautifully in your Pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes recipe.
How can I customize the sweetness level of this dish?
You can adjust the amount of maple syrup based on your taste preference. Start with less and add more if needed after mixing the filling.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Absolutely! Substitute regular flour with oat flour or any gluten-free flour blend when preparing your pecan streusel topping.
Final Thoughts
Pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes offer a delightful blend of flavors that can enhance any meal, especially during the holidays. Their versatility allows you to customize ingredients and adjust sweetness according to your personal preferences. Give this unique dish a try; it’s sure to impress family and friends alike!

Pecan Pie Double Baked Sweet Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Pecan pie double baked sweet potatoes are a unique and delectable fusion of flavors that elevate your holiday table. This dish features the natural sweetness of tender, baked sweet potatoes combined with a crunchy, pecan streusel topping, reminiscent of classic pecan pie. Enhanced with warm cinnamon and rich maple syrup, these sweet potatoes serve as an impressive side dish or a delightful dessert.
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup flour (or gluten-free alternative)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and bake the washed sweet potatoes on a baking sheet for 40-55 minutes until soft.
- Cool the sweet potatoes slightly, then slice them lengthwise and scoop out the flesh into a bowl.
- Mix the scooped sweet potato with butter, maple syrup, salt, and cinnamon.
- Spoon the mixture back into the skins and top with a combination of chopped pecans, cinnamon, flour, and more butter.
- Bake at 350°F for another 20-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert/Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 medium stuffed sweet potato (about 250g)
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Choose medium-sized sweet potatoes for even cooking. Feel free to experiment with spices like nutmeg for added flavor depth. Serve warm topped with whipped cream or ice cream for a decadent treat.