- Brown sugar (2 tablespoons for sweetness, use light or dark depending on preference)
- Salt (a pinch for balance)
- Butter or oil (for coating, to prevent sticking, use 1 tablespoon)
- Optional Toppings:
- Granulated sugar for a crispy exterior
- Maple syrup for drizzling after baking
Use these ingredients to create delicious and healthy sweet potato balls that are perfect as a snack or dessert. Don’t forget to season with cinnamon and nutmeg for an extra touch of flavor!
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Steps
### How to Make Delicious Baked Sweet Potato Balls: A Step-by-Step Guide
Baking sweet potatoes is not just about serving them as a simple side dish. You can transform them into delightful sweet potato balls that are perfect for snacking or as part of your meal. These balls are not only flavorful but also incredibly healthy, making them an excellent choice for any dietary preference.
#### Ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- A pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- A handful of chopped nuts or coconut flakes (for topping)
#### Equipment Needed:
- Large bowl for mixing
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Fork or potato masher
- Spatula
#### Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. **Preheat Your Oven**
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the sweet potatoes will bake evenly and get nice and soft.
2. **Prepare the Sweet Potatoes**
Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water. Pierce each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are not touching each other.
3. **Bake the Sweet Potatoes**
Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-60 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork. Let them cool slightly before handling to avoid burns.
4. **Create the Filling**
Once cooled, peel the sweet potatoes and place them in a large bowl. Mash the sweet potatoes with a fork or potato masher until they are smooth. Add 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using). Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. **Fold in the Butter and Vanilla**
Gently fold in 1/3 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract into the mashed sweet potatoes. The mixture should be soft but not too runny. If it’s too dry, add a little more milk or cream to achieve the right consistency.
6. **Shape the Balls**
Using your hands, roll the sweet potato mixture into small balls, about 1-inch in diameter. Place these on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each ball for even cooking.
7. **Optional Topping**
For extra flavor and texture, sprinkle chopped nuts or coconut flakes over the top of each sweet potato ball before baking.
8. **Bake the Balls**
Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and slightly firm to touch.
9. **Serve and Enjoy**
Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These sweet potato balls can be enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or even a light breakfast.
#### Tips and Tricks:
- Use organic sweet potatoes for an extra burst of flavor.
- For a healthier option, reduce sugar by half and increase cinnamon to 1 1/2 teaspoons.
- Experiment with different spices like allspice or ginger for unique flavors.
By following these detailed steps, you’ll have perfectly baked sweet potato balls that are both delicious and easy to make. Perfect for any occasion, they’re a great way to enjoy the rich, comforting taste of sweet potatoes in a fun, bite-sized format!