Sweet Potato Hand Pies with Pecan Streusel

Sweet Potato Hand Pies with Pecan Streusel combine the comforting flavors of sweet potatoes and a buttery, flaky crust, with the added crunch of pecan streusel. These individual pies are a delightful fall treat, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy autumn afternoons. Each bite delivers a delicious mix of sweet, creamy filling and a rich, crunchy topping.

What Are Sweet Potato Hand Pies with Pecan Streusel?

Sweet Potato Hand Pies with Pecan Streusel are small, portable pies filled with a sweet potato mixture and topped with a pecan streusel. They feature a homemade or store-bought pie crust, sweet potato filling spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, and a crunchy streusel made from pecans, sugar, and butter. These hand pies are easy to make and offer the comforting flavors of a classic sweet potato pie in a handheld form.

Ingredients for Sweet Potato Hand Pies with Pecan Streusel

To make these delicious hand pies, you’ll need:

2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon melted butter
1 package pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 cup chopped pecans
2 tablespoons butter (for streusel)
2 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons sugar

These ingredients come together to create a perfectly balanced dessert that’s both sweet and crunchy.

Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes and Pecans

Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, and they are a great source of fiber and antioxidants. Pecans provide healthy fats and protein, making this dessert not only indulgent but also nutritious.

For another sweet treat, try this Caramel Peach Upside-Down Cake for a fruity, buttery dessert.

How to Make Sweet Potato Hand Pies with Pecan Streusel

Here’s how to make these sweet and crunchy hand pies:

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potato Filling

In a bowl, mix the mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and melted butter. Set the filling aside.

Step 2: Roll Out the Pie Crust

Roll out the pie crust on a floured surface and cut it into circles using a cookie cutter or a glass. Place a spoonful of sweet potato filling in the center of each circle.

Step 3: Make the Pecan Streusel

In a small bowl, combine the chopped pecans, flour, sugar, and butter to make the streusel topping. The mixture should be crumbly.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Fold the pie crust circles in half over the filling, crimping the edges with a fork to seal. Brush the tops with a little butter and sprinkle the pecan streusel on top. Bake the hand pies at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown.

For more fall dessert ideas, try this Pumpkin Bread for a spiced, cozy treat.

Variations of Sweet Potato Hand Pies with Pecan Streusel

Here are a few ways to customize the recipe:

Add marshmallows: Place a small marshmallow inside each hand pie for a gooey surprise.
Make it savory: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a savory-sweet twist.
Use a different crust: Try puff pastry instead of pie dough for a flakier texture.

Best Occasions to Serve Sweet Potato Hand Pies

These hand pies are perfect for:

Fall gatherings: Serve them at Thanksgiving or Halloween parties for a portable, crowd-pleasing dessert.
Holiday gift-giving: Wrap them up in decorative packaging for a sweet homemade gift.
Afternoon snacks: Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy autumn treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some tips to ensure your hand pies turn out perfectly:

Overfilling the pies: Be careful not to add too much filling, or the pies may burst open during baking.
Not chilling the dough: Make sure your pie dough is chilled before baking to ensure flaky, crisp crusts.
Skipping the egg wash: Brushing the tops of the pies with butter or an egg wash will give them a nice golden color.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these pies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the pies ahead and store them in the fridge before baking or freeze them for later use.

2. How long do these hand pies last?
They will last up to 3 days in an airtight container at room temperature or up to 5 days if stored in the refrigerator.

3. Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, canned sweet potatoes can be used, but make sure to drain and mash them before mixing with the other ingredients.

Conclusion

Sweet Potato Hand Pies with Pecan Streusel are a delightful fall dessert that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. With a flaky crust, sweet potato filling, and crunchy pecan topping, these hand pies bring together the best flavors of the season in a portable, easy-to-make treat. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday gathering or enjoying them as an afternoon snack, these hand pies are sure to satisfy.

For more delicious fall desserts, try this Vanilla Cream Rolls for a light and creamy dessert.