Indulge in the rich, sweet, and velvety taste of Marjorie's Maple Vanilla Sweet Potatoes. This classic holiday dish combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the comforting flavors of maple syrup, vanilla, and warm spices. It's the perfect side dish to complement your festive feast or to enjoy as a comforting winter treat. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, these sweet potatoes are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry. Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking.
- Place the sweet potatoes on the prepared baking dish and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly. Once cooled, peel off the skin and discard.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the cooked sweet potatoes using a potato masher or fork until smooth and creamy.
- Add the melted butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the mashed sweet potatoes. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Transfer the sweet potato mixture to the greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
- If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans over the top for added crunch and flavor.
- Bake the sweet potatoes in the preheated oven for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the edges are bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with additional chopped pecans, if desired.
- Serve Marjorie's Maple Vanilla Sweet Potatoes warm and enjoy the delicious flavors!
Interesting Facts
Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them a nutritious choice for your holiday table.
Maple syrup is a natural sweetener that adds depth of flavor and richness to the dish.
The combination of vanilla extract and warm spices enhances the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes, creating a delightful blend of flavors.
Adding chopped pecans as a garnish adds a satisfying crunch and nutty taste to the dish.