I’m excited to share my sweet potato apple bake recipe with you. This dish brings together the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes and the bright, tangy flavor of tart apples, creating a warm and comforting treat that’s perfect for any time of the day.
Level: Easy
Total Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
I love baking dishes that mix sweet and tart flavors, and this sweet potato apple bake is one of my favorites. With its delightful combination of soft, cooked sweet potatoes and crisp apple slices, this recipe is simple, quick, and satisfying. It’s a great dish to serve as a cozy dessert or a unique side that everyone will enjoy.
Description
This recipe uses 4 cups of cooked sweet potato wedges and one tart apple, carefully sliced thin for even baking. I create a light, sweet sauce using light brown sugar, a bit of cornstarch to help it thicken, a pinch of salt, apricot nectar, water, and a touch of grated orange zest for a burst of citrus. A tablespoon of butter brings it all together, and I finish it off with chopped pecans for a crunchy texture. Everything bakes in a sprayed pan until the flavors meld into a warm, delicious dish that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked sweet potato wedges
- 1 tart apple, cored, peeled, and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup apricot nectar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
Directions
- Preheat & Prepare Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Spray an 11 x 7-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Assemble the Base:
- Evenly spread the cooked sweet potato wedges and apple slices in the baking pan.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the light brown sugar, cornstarch, salt, apricot nectar, water, orange zest, and butter.
- Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Cook for about 2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Crunch:
- Stir in the chopped pecans into the sauce.
- Combine & Bake:
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully pour the sauce evenly over the sweet potatoes and apple slices in the pan.
- Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil or a lid.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes.
- Serve:
- Remove the pan from the oven. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving warm.
Process Details
- Preheating & Pan Preparation: Spraying your pan ensures the bake doesn’t stick and helps in even cooking.
- Even Distribution: Spreading the sweet potatoes and apple slices in a single layer is key to making sure every bite gets a good mix of flavors.
- Sauce Preparation: Keeping the sauce stirring prevents it from burning and ensures it thickens evenly.
- Adding Pecans: Mixing in the pecans while the sauce is still warm lets them absorb a bit of the sweet flavor, adding a delightful crunch to each bite.
Tips for Success
- Cook Your Sweet Potatoes Well: Make sure the sweet potatoes are soft before you start assembling the dish; this allows them to blend nicely with the sauce.
- Thin Apple Slices: Slice your apple thinly so they bake evenly and meld with the sweet potatoes.
- Stir the Sauce Constantly: This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, even texture.
- Cover Tightly: Use foil or a lid to trap steam, which helps the flavors meld and keeps the dish moist.
Serving Ideas
- As a Dessert: Enjoy this warm bake on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
- Side Dish: Serve it as a unique side dish with roasted chicken or pork for a mix of sweet and savory flavors.
- Cozy Snack: Pair it with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a comforting afternoon snack.
Nutrition Info (Approximate per Serving)
- Calories: 200–250
- Fat: 4–6 grams
- Carbohydrates: 40–45 grams
- Protein: 2–3 grams
I truly enjoy making this sweet potato apple bake because it combines simple ingredients to create a dish full of flavor and texture. Whether you’re serving it as a dessert or a side, it’s sure to bring warmth and joy to your table. I hope you try this recipe and find it as delightful as I do. Let me know what you think once you’ve made it!