I discovered these Candied Sweet Potato Stacks last Thanksgiving and they've become my new favorite way to serve sweet potatoes. Each little stack looks like a tiny tower of deliciousness with its maple-brown sugar glaze toasted pecans and if you're feeling extra indulgent those gooey marshmallows on top. Everyone at my table always gets excited when they see these individual servings.
A Fresh Take on Tradition
What I love most about this recipe is how it transforms our old family sweet potato casserole into these adorable personal portions. The glaze gets all caramelized and sticky while those pecans add the perfect crunch. Using a muffin tin is pure genius it makes everything so easy and each serving looks like it came from a fancy restaurant.
Your Shopping List
- Sweet potatoes: You'll need about 2 pounds try to pick ones that are similar in size.
- Butter: Melted butter makes our glaze rich and wonderful.
- Brown sugar: This creates that perfect caramel sweetness.
- Maple syrup: Real maple syrup makes such a difference here.
- Cinnamon: Adds that cozy warm spice we all love.
- Pecans: Chop them up nice and small for the topping.
- Mini marshmallows: Optional but they make everything extra special.
Let's Make Magic
- Get Started:
- Slice those sweet potatoes nice and thin heat your oven to 375°F and give your muffin tin a good spray.
- Mix Up The Good Stuff:
- Stir together your melted butter brown sugar maple syrup and cinnamon until it looks glossy.
- Build Your Towers:
- Coat all those potato slices in the glaze then stack them in your muffin cups sprinkle with pecans.
- Time to Bake:
- Cover everything with foil and let them bake for about 25 minutes until they're tender.
- Marshmallow Magic:
- If you're using marshmallows pop a few on each stack and broil just until they're golden.
- Ready to Serve:
- Use a spoon to lift out each beautiful stack and watch everyone's eyes light up.
My Best Tips
- Perfect Slices: A mandolin is your best friend here for getting those slices just right.
- Make It Your Way: Skip the marshmallows if you like or go nuts with extra pecans.
- Watch That Broiler: Those marshmallows can go from perfect to burnt in seconds.
Keep It Fresh
- Spice It Up: Sometimes I add a tiny pinch of nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth.
- Plan Ahead: You can get everything ready early just save the baking for right before dinner.
- Leftovers: They'll keep in the fridge for a few days reheat them in the oven to keep that nice texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these potato stacks ahead of time?
You can assemble them ahead and refrigerate. Bake just before serving and add marshmallows at the last minute.
- → How thin should I slice the potatoes?
Slice them about 1/8 inch thick. Using a mandoline helps get even slices that will cook uniformly.
- → Why are my sweet potatoes not tender?
Make sure to cover with foil while baking. If still firm, add a few more minutes of covered baking time.
- → Can I skip the marshmallows?
Yes, they're completely optional. The stacks are delicious with just the pecan topping too.
- → How do I get the stacks out of the muffin tin?
Let them cool for a few minutes, then gently lift with a spoon. Make sure to grease the tin well before baking.