Coconut-Pecan Sweet Potato Delight
This indulgent Coconut-Pecan Sweet Potato Delight was inspired by a quest to please my grandfather's palate while caring for him. As a staple in our home, sweet potatoes became the canvas for a medley of flavors. One day, while going through the pantry, I discovered a can of rich coconut pecan frosting, traditionally meant for German Chocolate Cake. With no cake mix in sight, I decided to transform the frosting into a delectable topping for my grandpa's beloved yams. The result is a creamy, sweet, and nutty dish that's not only comforting but also elegant enough to impress your dinner guests. Perfect for festive gatherings or cozy Sunday dinners, this recipe will surely be a hit at your table.
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Servings
N/A
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
Coconut Pecan Frosting
1 (16-ounce can)
Yams
1 (18-ounce can, drained)
Butter
2 (tablespoons, cut into small cubes)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a medium-sized oven-safe casserole dish, arrange the drained yams evenly at the bottom.
3
Dot the surface of the yams with small cubes of butter, allowing their rich flavor to meld into the sweet potatoes as they bake.
4
In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the coconut pecan frosting on medium power for 30-45 seconds until it becomes easily stirrable and 'goopy'.
5
Carefully drizzle the warm frosting over the yams, ensuring an even coating. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil to trap the moisture.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the yams are heated through and the flavors are beautifully combined.
7
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. This dish will be very hot, so allow it to come to a warm serving temperature before enjoying.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Coconut-Pecan Sweet Potato Delight?
It is an indulgent side dish featuring canned yams topped with a rich, nutty coconut pecan frosting and butter.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
Only three ingredients are needed: a 16-ounce can of coconut pecan frosting, an 18-ounce can of drained yams, and 2 tablespoons of butter.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long does this dish take to bake?
The casserole should bake for 30 to 45 minutes until the yams are heated through.
What type of frosting is used for the topping?
The recipe uses a 16-ounce can of coconut pecan frosting, which is traditionally used for German Chocolate Cake.
Do I need to drain the yams?
Yes, the yams should be drained before being arranged in the casserole dish.
How do I prepare the frosting before drizzling it?
Heat the frosting in a microwave-safe bowl on medium power for 30-45 seconds until it becomes easily stirrable and goopy.
Should the casserole dish be covered during baking?
Yes, cover the dish with aluminum foil to trap moisture while it bakes.
Is this recipe suitable for holidays?
Absolutely, it is described as an elegant dish perfect for festive gatherings and holiday side dishes.
Can I use fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned yams?
Yes, but you would need to boil or bake them until tender and peel them before following the rest of the assembly instructions.
How should the butter be added to the recipe?
The butter should be cut into small cubes and dotted over the surface of the yams before adding the frosting.
Is this a vegetarian-friendly dish?
Yes, based on the ingredient list and tags, this recipe is suitable for vegetarians.
What inspired this recipe?
It was inspired by the creator's quest to please their grandfather's palate using pantry staples like frosting and canned yams.
Can I add extra pecans to this dish?
While not in the original instructions, adding extra chopped pecans would enhance the nutty texture.
What size casserole dish is recommended?
A medium-sized oven-safe casserole dish is best for these ingredient quantities.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the yams and frosting in the dish and keep it refrigerated until you are ready to bake it.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve it warm. After removing it from the oven, let it cool slightly so it reaches a safe serving temperature.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish, though you may need to increase the bake time slightly.
What can I use if I cannot find canned coconut pecan frosting?
You can create a similar topping using a mixture of shredded coconut, chopped pecans, brown sugar, and a bit of heavy cream or butter.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The yams and butter are gluten-free, but you must check the label of the canned frosting to ensure it does not contain gluten-based thickeners.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Based on the 18-ounce can of yams, it typically serves 4 to 6 people as a side dish.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used, though butter is recommended for a richer flavor.
Will the frosting burn in the oven?
As long as the dish is covered with foil and baked at the recommended 350 degrees, the frosting should melt beautifully without burning.
Does this dish have a very sweet flavor?
Yes, the combination of yams and cake frosting creates a very sweet and decadent profile.
Can I add marshmallows to the top?
Yes, if you enjoy marshmallows on yams, you can add them during the last 5 minutes of baking until they are golden brown.
Is it necessary to grease the casserole dish?
While not strictly required because of the butter in the recipe, lightly greasing the dish can help with cleanup.
What should the consistency of the frosting be after microwaving?
It should be 'goopy' and thin enough to drizzle easily over the yams.
Can this dish be frozen?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the frosting and yams may change significantly upon thawing.
Is this considered a side dish or a dessert?
It is traditionally served as a sweet side dish, particularly during holiday meals, but it is sweet enough to be a dessert.