Description
Sweet Potato Crescent Bites are a delightful bite-sized appetizer that blends the natural sweetness of mashed sweet potatoes with warm spices and gooey marshmallows, all wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough. Perfectly baked until golden and topped with crunchy pecans, these tasty treats make a festive addition to any gathering or holiday spread.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 3 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 1/4 lb.), scrubbed clean
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 (8-ounce) can refrigerated Crescent rolls
- 3/4 cup mini marshmallows
- 24 whole pecans
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Muffin Tin and Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray. Pierce the sweet potatoes 3 to 4 times with a fork and place them on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave the potatoes for 15 minutes, checking for fork tenderness. If they are not tender, continue microwaving in 30-second increments until soft.
- Mash the Sweet Potatoes: Once cooked through, scoop the sweet potato flesh into a large bowl, discarding the skins. Using a potato masher or fork, mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. Add the brown sugar, heavy cream, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and kosher salt, whisking everything together to create a creamy, flavorful filling.
- Prepare Crescent Dough Cups: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the crescent dough and pinch together any seams to make a continuous sheet. Cut the dough into 24 equal squares. Gently press each square into the cups of the prepared mini muffin tin, forming little pastry cups.
- Fill and Bake: Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the sweet potato mixture into each crescent dough cup. Sprinkle mini marshmallows generously on top of each filled cup. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the crescent pastry turns golden brown.
- Add Pecans and Finish Baking: Place one whole pecan on the center of each bite, then continue baking for an additional 5 minutes to allow the pecans to set and toast lightly.
- Serve: Optional—brush the pecans with maple syrup just before serving for an extra touch of sweetness. Serve warm and enjoy these delicious sweet potato crescent bites as a festive appetizer or snack.
Notes
- These bites transform the traditional sweet potato side dish into a fun, portable appetizer using convenient crescent dough.
- Microwaving the sweet potatoes is a quick shortcut to achieve tender filling without roasting.
- The mini marshmallows add a classic, gooey texture complementing the smooth sweet potato mash.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream.
- Maple syrup is optional but provides a lovely glaze that enhances the pecans’ sweetness.
- These bites can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving to save time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 93
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 113 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 1 mg
