I absolutely love how Sweet Potato Crescent Bites with Marshmallows and Pecans Recipe brings the warmth of fall right into your kitchen. These little bites are perfect for when you want a cozy, sweet snack that feels a bit fancy without a ton of effort. What makes them extra special is how the soft, buttery crescent dough wraps around that creamy sweet potato filling, then gets topped with gooey marshmallows and crunchy pecans. Honestly, every time I make these, my family goes crazy for them!
When I first tried this Sweet Potato Crescent Bites with Marshmallows and Pecans Recipe, I was amazed at how quickly it came together and how perfect it was for holiday gatherings or even a simple weeknight treat. You’ll find that the mix of flavors and textures – from cinnamon-spiced sweetness to the toasty pecans – really makes these irresistible. Plus, they’re super adaptable, so you can easily switch up ingredients based on what you have on hand.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: You can have these sweet treats ready in under an hour, perfect for busy days or last-minute guests.
- Comforting Flavor Combo: The marriage of sweet potatoes, marshmallows, and pecans is a cozy, nostalgic delight.
- Easy Ingredients: Made with simple pantry staples you likely already have, plus a can of refrigerated crescent rolls.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Great as an appetizer, side dish, or dessert—you supercharge your meal effortlessly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work beautifully together to create a sweet, creamy, and crunchy bite that feels indulgent but comes together in a snap. Shopping tip: If you can, grab some fresh pecans for that extra buttery crunch!
- Cooking spray: For greasing your muffin tin so the bites pop right out without any sticking.
- Sweet potatoes: Choose medium-sized and firm ones—you’ll want them nicely tender but not mushy.
- Light brown sugar: Adds a subtle caramel note that pairs perfectly with sweet potatoes.
- Heavy cream: Gives the filling a rich, smooth texture; you can substitute with milk if needed.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and spice; fresh cinnamon packs a fragrant punch.
- Pure vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a sweet vanilla aroma.
- Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Refrigerated Crescent rolls: This is what makes assembly easy and adds flaky, buttery layers.
- Mini marshmallows: For that melty, fluffy sweetness on top that everyone loves.
- Whole pecans: Adds a toasty, crunchy contrast; you can chop them if preferred.
- Maple syrup (optional): A drizzle before serving ups the decadence but is totally optional.
Variations
I really encourage you to make this Sweet Potato Crescent Bites with Marshmallows and Pecans Recipe your own! I’ve played around with different add-ins and even swapped marshmallows for other toppings depending on the season or who’s coming over.
- Use chopped pecans or walnuts: Sometimes I swap pecans for walnuts, which adds a slightly different nutty flavor that my kids enjoy.
- Spiced up the filling: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice amps up the autumn vibe in the sweet potato mix.
- Make it vegan: Use dairy-free cream alternatives and skip marshmallows or choose vegan marshmallows for a plant-based twist.
- Mini bites: If you want party-sized snacks, roll smaller squares for more servings that disappear fast!
How to Make Sweet Potato Crescent Bites with Marshmallows and Pecans Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Sweet Potatoes the Easy Way
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a mini muffin tin with cooking spray so nothing sticks later. Then, pierce each sweet potato a few times with a fork and microwave them on a microwave-safe plate for about 15 minutes until tender. If they’re not soft enough, just pop them back in for 30-second bursts—microwave times can vary. This trick saves so much time compared to baking!
Step 2: Whip Up That Creamy Filling
Once your potatoes are cool enough to handle, scoop out the flesh into a large bowl—skip the skins. Mash with a fork or potato masher until smooth, then stir in the brown sugar, heavy cream, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. I love adding the vanilla at this stage because it really brings that cozy sweetness forward. Feel free to taste and tweak the seasoning here too.
Step 3: Prepare Your Crescent Dough Cups
Roll out the crescent dough on a lightly floured surface and pinch the seams to seal so it doesn’t split during baking. Cut the dough into 24 squares—this fits perfectly in your mini muffin tin. Press each square lightly at the base of the tin cups to form little edible bowls ready to cradle that sweet potato filling.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake Your Sweet Potato Crescent Bites with Marshmallows and Pecans Recipe
Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the sweet potato mixture into each crescent dough cup. Then, top each one with mini marshmallows—don’t be shy, the marshmallows melt into the best pillow-like topping. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the dough is golden and the marshmallows start to toast.
Once that’s done, gently press a whole pecan into the center of each bite and pop them back in the oven for 5 more minutes. I learned this step adds a beautiful crunchy texture contrast and a nutty fragrance that’s just divine. If you want, brush the pecans lightly with maple syrup right after baking. It’s an optional finish but oh-so-good!
Pro Tips for Making Sweet Potato Crescent Bites with Marshmallows and Pecans Recipe
- Microwave Your Potatoes First: This saves you valuable time compared to oven baking and still yields tender sweet potatoes perfect for mashing.
- Seal Crescent Dough Seams Well: Pinching seams together prevents leakage during baking, keeping your bites looking neat.
- Don’t Overfill the Cups: Leave a little room for marshmallows and pecans so the dough bakes evenly and doesn’t get soggy.
- Add Pecans Last: Placing pecans after initial baking ensures they stay crisp and don’t burn.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Crescent Bites with Marshmallows and Pecans Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with these bites—just a drizzle of pure maple syrup or a dusting of cinnamon adds a lovely finishing touch. On occasion, I’ve sprinkled chopped fresh thyme to add a subtle herbal balance that surprises guests in a good way!
Side Dishes
These work beautifully alongside roasted turkey or ham for holiday meals, but I also love pairing them with a fresh green salad or glazed carrots for a lighter lunch or snack spread. They’re so versatile, they blend well with both decadent and simple sides.
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays or parties, I like arranging these bites on a rustic wooden board with whole pecans and tiny bowls of maple syrup for guests to drizzle themselves. Another fun idea is using colorful mini muffin liners for an extra festive look. Trust me, presentation gets these disappearing even faster!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and they stay surprisingly fresh for up to 3 days. Just be sure to reheat them gently so the dough stays flaky and the marshmallows don’t get too hard.
Freezing
I’ve frozen leftover unbaked bites by assembling them in a parchment-lined tray, freezing until solid, then transferring them to a freezer bag. When you want a treat, bake straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Reheating
The best way I’ve found to reheat leftovers is in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes. This warms the filling evenly and restores the crescent dough’s crispiness. Microwave can make the marshmallows tough, so I steer clear of that.
FAQs
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Can I make Sweet Potato Crescent Bites with Marshmallows and Pecans Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet potato filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge. You can also assemble the bites and freeze them unbaked, then bake fresh when ready. This makes hosting way easier.
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What can I substitute for crescent rolls if I don’t have any?
Puff pastry sheets work wonderfully as a substitute and give a flaky texture. Just cut into squares similar to the crescent dough and follow the same steps.
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Are there vegan options for this recipe?
Yes! Use dairy-free cream substitutes and vegan crescent dough if you can find it. Swap regular marshmallows for vegan ones or omit them altogether, adding more chopped nuts for texture.
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How do I know when the crescent bites are done baking?
Watch for golden-brown edges on the crescent dough and toasted marshmallows on top. The dough should feel firm but flaky when gently pressed.
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Can I make these gluten free?
You can try using gluten-free crescent dough or puff pastry, but be aware that texture might be slightly different. Ensure your other ingredients, like marshmallows, are also gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Potato Crescent Bites with Marshmallows and Pecans Recipe has become one of those recipes I turn to when I want a little kitchen magic that brings smiles to the table. The mix of creamy sweet potato, sweet marshmallows, and crunchy pecans inside buttery crescent dough is honestly something everyone can enjoy. I hope you give it a try—you might just find it becoming a new favorite for your family and friends, just like it is in mine!
PrintSweet Potato Crescent Bites with Marshmallows and Pecans Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 24 bites (2 dozen)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Sweet Potato Crescent Bites are a delicious and easy appetizer or snack featuring creamy mashed sweet potatoes seasoned with warm spices, wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough, and topped with gooey mini marshmallows and crunchy pecans. Baked to golden perfection, they offer a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Filling
- 3 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 1/4 lb.), scrubbed clean
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp. heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
Dough and Toppings
- 1 (8-oz.) can refrigerated Crescent rolls
- 3/4 cup mini marshmallows
- 24 whole pecans
Optional
- 3 Tbsp. maple syrup, for serving
- Cooking spray, for greasing muffin tin
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare 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 for 15 minutes, checking for tenderness by poking with a fork. Continue microwaving in 30-second increments if they are not fork-tender.
- Mash sweet potato filling: Once cooked, scrape the sweet potato flesh into a large bowl, discarding the skins. Use a potato masher or fork to mash the potatoes until smooth. Add the brown sugar, heavy cream, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Whisk the mixture thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Prepare crescent dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the refrigerated crescent dough and pinch the seams together to form a single sheet. Cut the dough into 24 even squares and place each square into a cup of the prepared mini muffin tin.
- Assemble and bake bites: Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the sweet potato mixture into each crescent dough square in the muffin cups. Top each with mini marshmallows. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crescent pastry is golden brown.
- Add pecans and finish baking: Remove the tray from the oven and place one whole pecan in the center of each bite. Return the tin to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes to toast the pecans and melt the marshmallows further.
- Optional glazing and serving: If desired, brush the pecans with maple syrup just before serving for an extra touch of sweetness and shine. Serve warm.
Notes
- Microwaving sweet potatoes is a quick alternative to baking, significantly reducing cooking time.
- Ensure the sweet potatoes are completely fork-tender before mashing for the creamiest texture.
- The crescent dough seams must be sealed well to avoid leaks during baking.
- You can substitute mini marshmallows with regular marshmallows cut into smaller pieces.
- For a nut-free version, omit pecans or replace with toasted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower.
- These bites are best served warm but can be reheated gently in the oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 4.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg