Nana's Heavenly Sweet Potato Delight
This delightful sweet potato dish, inspired by my beloved grandmother, is a unique twist on traditional sweet potatoes. Unlike the common marshmallow-topped versions, Nana preferred her sweet potatoes with a warm hint of bourbon, balancing sweet and savory perfectly. This dish, which could easily be mistaken for a dessert, is a comforting and nostalgic option for holiday gatherings or family dinners. When baked, it forms a deliciously crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling. It's so irresistible that we often find ourselves sneaking back for seconds (or thirds!) even when it's cold! Whether for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a special family meal, this Sweet Potato Delight will be a crowd-pleaser, disappearing faster than you can say 'Nana's secret recipe.'
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
3 large (baked and mashed)
Butter
1/4 cup (room temperature)
Eggs
2 (beaten)
Evaporated Milk
1/3 cup (not needed)
Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon (good quality)
Sugar
1/2 cup (not needed)
Bourbon
1/4 cup (optional)
Cooking Spray
as needed (for greasing the dish)
Butter
1/3 cup (melted and cooled)
Light Brown Sugar
1 cup (not needed)
Flour
1/2 cup (not needed)
Pecans
1 cup (chopped)
Mini Marshmallows
to taste (optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Wash and bake the sweet potatoes in their skins for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until tender. Allow them to cool slightly before removing the skins and mashing them in a large mixing bowl.
3
In the bowl with the mashed sweet potatoes, add the room temperature butter, beaten eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, sugar, and bourbon (if using). Mix well using a hand mixer until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4
If preparing in advance, skip adding the bourbon until right before baking to prevent an overpowering flavor.
5
Grease a 2 1/2-quart baking dish with cooking spray, then pour the sweet potato mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
6
For the topping, mix together melted and cooled butter, light brown sugar, flour, and chopped pecans in a separate bowl until crumbly. Distribute the topping evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
7
If desired, sprinkle mini marshmallows over the topping for an added sweet crunch.
8
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crunchy. Serve hot, but be warned: leftovers may disappear overnight!
9
Enjoy this dish warm or cold; it's delicious either way!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nana's Heavenly Sweet Potato Delight?
It is a unique twist on traditional sweet potato dishes inspired by the creator's grandmother, featuring a bourbon-infused creamy filling and a crunchy pecan topping.
How many sweet potatoes are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for three large sweet potatoes.
What is the initial preparation for the sweet potatoes?
The sweet potatoes should be washed and baked in their skins for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until tender.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
Is the bourbon a required ingredient?
No, the 1/4 cup of bourbon is optional, though it is recommended for Nana's specific flavor profile.
When should I add the bourbon if I am preparing the dish in advance?
If preparing in advance, skip adding the bourbon until right before baking to prevent the flavor from becoming overpowering.
What size baking dish is needed?
A 2 1/2-quart baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How do I prepare the baking dish?
Grease the baking dish with cooking spray before pouring in the sweet potato mixture.
What ingredients are in the sweet potato filling?
The filling consists of mashed sweet potatoes, room temperature butter, beaten eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, sugar, and optional bourbon.
How should I mix the filling ingredients?
Use a hand mixer to combine the filling ingredients until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
What ingredients are used for the crunchy topping?
The topping is made from melted and cooled butter, light brown sugar, flour, and chopped pecans.
Can I use marshmallows in this recipe?
Yes, while Nana preferred the pecan topping, you can sprinkle mini marshmallows over the top if you desire an added sweet crunch.
How long does the dish need to bake once assembled?
Bake the dish for 30 to 45 minutes.
How do I know when the Sweet Potato Delight is finished baking?
The dish is done when the top is golden brown and crunchy.
Can this dish be served cold?
Yes, the recipe notes that it is delicious whether served warm or cold.
Is this a good recipe for the holidays?
Absolutely, it is described as a crowd-pleaser for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special family meal.
Should the butter for the filling be melted?
No, the butter for the filling should be at room temperature, while the butter for the topping should be melted and cooled.
What kind of milk is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically requires 1/3 cup of evaporated milk.
What type of sugar is used for the topping?
The recipe calls for one cup of light brown sugar for the topping.
How many eggs are included?
Two beaten eggs are used in the sweet potato mixture.
Is the texture of the dish creamy or chunky?
The filling is creamy and smooth, while the topping provides a crunchy contrast.
What category of food does this recipe fall under?
It is categorized as Southern cuisine and comfort food, often served as a side dish or even a dessert.
What type of vanilla extract should I use?
The recipe suggests using one teaspoon of good quality vanilla extract.
How much flour is needed for the topping?
One half cup of flour is used to create the crumbly topping.
How many pecans are needed?
The recipe calls for one cup of chopped pecans.
Does this dish contain marshmallows?
They are listed as an optional ingredient to taste, though the core recipe focuses on the pecan topping.
Should I peel the potatoes before baking them?
No, bake them in their skins first, then allow them to cool slightly before removing the skins and mashing them.
Is this recipe considered a dessert?
While often served as a side dish, its sweetness and rich ingredients mean it could easily be mistaken for a dessert.
How much sugar is in the filling?
The filling contains 1/2 cup of granulated sugar.
How much butter is used in total?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of room temperature butter for the filling and 1/3 cup of melted butter for the topping.