A delightful, bite-sized twist on the classic sweet potato pie! These mini phyllo shells are filled with a creamy, spiced sweet potato mixture and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or a sweet treat any time of year.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 medium sweet potatoes)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 package (15 count) mini phyllo shells
- Whipped cream, for topping (optional)
- Pecan halves, for garnish (optional)
Preparation:
Paso 1: Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This also helps prevent the phyllo shells from sticking.
Paso 2: Prepare the Phyllo Shells: Arrange the mini phyllo shells on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
Paso 3: Cook the Sweet Potatoes (if needed): If you don’t have leftover mashed sweet potatoes, you’ll need to cook them first. You can bake, boil, or microwave them. To bake: Pierce the sweet potatoes several times with a fork and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 45-60 minutes, or until very soft. To boil: Peel and dice the sweet potatoes, then boil in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. To microwave: Pierce the sweet potatoes several times with a fork and microwave on high for 5-8 minutes, or until soft.
Paso 4: Mash the Sweet Potatoes: Once the sweet potatoes are cooked and slightly cooled, mash them thoroughly until smooth. You can use a potato masher or an electric mixer for an extra smooth consistency.
Paso 5: Combine the Filling Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, salt, vanilla extract, heavy cream, and eggs.
Paso 6: Mix the Filling: Using an electric mixer or a whisk, mix all the ingredients together until smooth and well combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated evenly.
Paso 7: Fill the Phyllo Shells: Carefully spoon the sweet potato mixture into the mini phyllo shells, filling each shell almost to the top. Try not to overfill them, as the filling will expand slightly during baking.
Paso 8: Bake: Bake the filled phyllo shells in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges of the shells are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Paso 9: Cool and Serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the bites to cool slightly on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a serving platter. This helps prevent them from breaking.
Paso 10: Garnish (optional): Top each sweet potato pie bite with a dollop of whipped cream and a pecan half for an extra touch of elegance. Dust with a little extra cinnamon if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy to Make: The recipe is straightforward and uses readily available ingredients. The mini phyllo shells are a great shortcut!
- Perfectly Portioned: These bite-sized treats are ideal for parties and gatherings, allowing everyone to enjoy a taste of sweet potato pie without committing to a whole slice.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the spices to your liking or add a pecan topping for extra crunch and flavor.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The sweet potato filling can be prepared in advance, saving you time on the day of your event.
- Delicious Flavor: The warm spices and creamy sweet potato filling create a comforting and satisfying flavor combination that everyone will love.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these sweet potato pie bites as part of a dessert buffet at Thanksgiving or Christmas.
- They make a great appetizer or party snack for any occasion.
- Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Arrange them on a tiered serving platter for an elegant presentation.
- Dust them with powdered sugar for a festive look.
Tips:
- Don’t Overfill the Shells: Overfilling the phyllo shells can cause them to become soggy or overflow during baking.
- Use Good Quality Sweet Potatoes: The quality of your sweet potatoes will greatly affect the flavor of the pie bites. Choose firm, smooth sweet potatoes without any blemishes.
- Adjust Spices to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to suit your personal preferences.
- Prevent Soggy Shells: To prevent the phyllo shells from becoming soggy, bake them just before serving. If you’re making them ahead of time, store the filling separately and assemble just before baking.
- Get Creative with Toppings: In addition to whipped cream and pecans, you can also top the pie bites with toasted marshmallows, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 20-25 minutes Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Nutritional Information (per bite, approximate):
- Calories: 85
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 9g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Conclusion:
Sweet Potato Pie Bites are a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of sweet potato pie in a fun and convenient format. They’re easy to make, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply craving a sweet treat, these bite-sized delights are sure to be a hit! Give this recipe a try, and you will keep making them for years.
Q & A:
Q1: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet potato filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. However, for the best results, bake the filled phyllo shells just before serving to prevent the shells from becoming soggy.
Q2: Can I use a different type of shell instead of phyllo?
A: Yes, you can use other types of mini tart shells if you prefer. Graham cracker crusts or mini shortbread crusts would also work well, although the baking time may need to be adjusted accordingly.
Q3: Can I freeze these sweet potato pie bites?
A: While you can freeze them, the texture of the phyllo shells may change slightly after thawing. If you choose to freeze them, place the baked and cooled bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Q4: I don’t have heavy cream. Can I substitute something else?
A: Yes, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, but the filling may not be as rich and creamy. You could also use a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or almond milk for a vegan option, but keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.
Q5: How do I prevent the phyllo shells from burning?
A: To prevent the phyllo shells from burning, keep a close eye on them during baking. If they start to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the baking sheet with aluminum foil for the last few minutes of baking. Placing the baking sheet on a lower rack in the oven can also help.
