Coconut Marshmallow Sweet Potato Delights
Indulge in a festive twist on traditional sweet potatoes with these Coconut Marshmallow Sweet Potato Delights. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these bite-sized treats combine the natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes with a luscious marshmallow center, enveloped in a crunchy layer of toasted coconut. With hints of citrus and warm spices, each bite provides a delightful contrast in textures and flavors, making them a favorite for both children and adults alike. Ideal for Thanksgiving or any celebrating occasion, these little bundles of joy are sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds!
6
Servings
200
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sweet potatoes
4 large (Baked, peeled, and mashed)
Brown sugar
2/3 cup (Packed)
Orange juice
2 tablespoons (Freshly squeezed)
Orange zest
1 teaspoon (Grated)
Fresh nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (Grated)
Sweetened shredded coconut
2 cups (Shredded)
Granulated sugar
1/2 cup (N/A)
Ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Large marshmallows
4 (One per sweet potato ball)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Begin by baking the sweet potatoes in the oven until they are tender, approximately 45-60 minutes. Once baked, allow them to cool slightly, then peel and mash until smooth.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and freshly grated nutmeg. Mix until fully incorporated and smooth.
4
In another bowl, mix together the shredded coconut, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon until evenly combined.
5
Take a portion of the sweet potato mixture and press it around a marshmallow, forming a ball about 2 to 3 inches in diameter. Repeat this process for all marshmallows.
6
Roll each sweet potato ball in the coconut mixture, ensuring they are thoroughly coated.
7
Place the coconut-coated balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, keeping a close eye on them during the last few minutes as the marshmallows may expand and cause the balls to burst.
8
Once they are golden brown and slightly firm, remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
1g
Protein
2.7g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Coconut Marshmallow Sweet Potato Delights?
These are festive, bite-sized treats featuring a sweet potato mash around a marshmallow center, coated in toasted shredded coconut.
What are the primary ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include 4 large sweet potatoes, brown sugar, orange juice, orange zest, nutmeg, sweetened shredded coconut, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and large marshmallows.
How long does it take to bake the sweet potatoes initially?
The sweet potatoes should be baked for approximately 45-60 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until they are tender.
What is the oven temperature required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) for both baking the potatoes and the final assembly.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
While the recipe calls for fresh baked sweet potatoes for the best texture, canned sweet potatoes can be substituted if drained and mashed thoroughly.
How do I prepare the sweet potato mash?
Peel and mash the baked sweet potatoes, then mix with brown sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and grated nutmeg until smooth.
What is in the coconut coating?
The coating consists of a mixture of shredded coconut, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon.
How do I assemble the sweet potato balls?
Take a portion of the sweet potato mixture and press it around a single marshmallow to form a ball about 2 to 3 inches in diameter.
How many marshmallows do I need?
The recipe calls for 4 large marshmallows, used as one per sweet potato ball, though you can adjust based on the amount of mash available.
How do I ensure the coconut sticks to the balls?
Roll each formed sweet potato ball in the prepared coconut and sugar mixture until they are thoroughly coated.
How long do the assembled balls need to bake?
Bake the coconut-coated balls for 15 to 20 minutes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Why is it important to watch the oven in the last few minutes?
You must watch them closely because the marshmallows inside may expand and cause the sweet potato balls to burst.
Are these sweet potato treats gluten-free?
The ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels on your marshmallows and shredded coconut to ensure no cross-contamination.
What is the nutritional information per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories, 6g of fat, 1g of protein, and 2.7g of fiber.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to produce 6 servings.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sweet potato mash in advance. For best results, assemble and bake them just before serving to keep the coconut crunchy.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze Coconut Marshmallow Sweet Potato Delights?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the marshmallow and the coconut coating may degrade upon thawing.
Is the orange zest necessary?
The orange zest adds a bright citrus note that balances the sweetness, but it can be omitted if you prefer a more traditional flavor.
Can I substitute the nutmeg?
Yes, you can substitute nutmeg with ground ginger or allspice if you prefer a different warm spice profile.
What is the best occasion for this dish?
They are ideal for holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive celebration.
Should the coconut be sweetened or unsweetened?
The recipe specifies sweetened shredded coconut for the best flavor and caramelization.
What size should the sweet potato balls be?
Aim for a diameter of 2 to 3 inches so that the marshmallow is completely encased.
Can I use mini marshmallows instead?
Yes, you can use several mini marshmallows in the center of each ball if large ones are unavailable.
How do I prevent the balls from sticking to the pan?
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the sweet potato and sugar from sticking during baking.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Absolutely. Finely chopped pecans or walnuts can be mixed into the coconut coating for added crunch.
What texture can I expect?
You can expect a contrast between the crunchy toasted coconut exterior and the soft, gooey marshmallow and potato interior.
How do I know when the balls are done?
They are done when the coconut coating is golden brown and the balls feel slightly firm to the touch.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, the combination of sweet potatoes and marshmallows is a favorite among both children and adults.
Can I substitute brown sugar with something else?
You can use maple syrup or coconut sugar as an alternative to brown sugar in the sweet potato mash.