I’m excited to share my Maple Sweet Potatoes recipe with you. This dish combines the natural creaminess of sweet potatoes with the warm, rich flavor of maple syrup and a light, airy meringue topping. It’s a delightful treat that’s both simple and impressive!
Level: Easy
Total Time: 40 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
I love making Maple Sweet Potatoes because they bring a cozy, homemade feel to any meal. The blend of sweet potatoes, maple syrup, and a hint of orange zest creates a dish that feels both comforting and special. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe adds a touch of sweetness that everyone will enjoy.
Description
In this recipe, you start by mixing mashed sweet potatoes with softened butter, light brown sugar, maple syrup, a sprinkle of orange zest, and salt. This creates a smooth, rich base that captures all the natural flavors of the sweet potatoes. Next, I bake this mixture until it’s just set. While it’s baking, I whip up a light meringue using egg whites and granulated sugar until stiff peaks form. I then spread the meringue over the sweet potatoes and bake everything again until the topping turns a beautiful golden brown. The result is a dish that balances creamy sweetness with a crunchy, airy finish.
Ingredients
• 4 cups hot cooked mashed sweet potatoes
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 3 tsp grated orange zest
• 1 tsp salt
• 4 egg whites, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 400°F. - Prepare the Sweet Potato Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, softened butter, light brown sugar, maple syrup, grated orange zest, and salt. Stir well until the butter melts completely and the mixture is smooth.
Lightly spray a 2-quart casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray, then spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in the dish. - Initial Bake:
Bake the sweet potatoes in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. - Make the Meringue:
In a clean mixing bowl, add the egg whites. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the egg whites until they become frothy. Gradually add the granulated sugar while continuing to mix until stiff peaks form. - Add the Meringue Topping:
Carefully spread the meringue over the baked sweet potato mixture, making sure to cover it completely. - Final Bake:
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the meringue turns a light, golden brown. - Serve:
Remove the dish from the oven, let it cool slightly, cut into portions, and serve immediately.
Process Details
• Mixing the Base: I ensure that the butter melts fully into the mashed sweet potatoes so that the flavors blend evenly.
• Baking in Two Stages: The first bake sets the sweet potato mixture, and the second bake gives the meringue its perfect golden finish.
• Whipping the Egg Whites: Beating the egg whites until stiff peaks form is key to achieving that light and airy topping that contrasts with the creamy base.
Tips for Success
• Room Temperature Egg Whites: Make sure your egg whites are at room temperature for better whipping.
• Thoroughly Mash: Ensure your sweet potatoes are well-mashed to create a smooth base.
• Watch the Oven: Keep an eye on the meringue during the final bake to avoid over-browning.
• Mix Evenly: Stir the ingredients well to ensure a consistent flavor throughout the dish.
Serving Ideas
• As a Dessert: Enjoy this sweet dish on its own, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• With a Meal: Serve it as a delightful side for holiday dinners or special gatherings to add a touch of sweetness.
• For Brunch: Pair it with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a unique and comforting brunch option.
Nutrition Info (Approximate per Serving)
• Calories: 220–250
• Fat: 9–10 grams
• Carbohydrates: 35–40 grams
• Protein: 3–4 grams
I truly enjoy making these Maple Sweet Potatoes because they bring a perfect balance of creamy sweetness and light crunch to any meal. The simple process and familiar ingredients make it an accessible yet delightful dish for any occasion. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out—I’d love to hear your thoughts!