I absolutely love sharing this Sweet Potato Crescent Bites Recipe because it’s such a delightful blend of cozy, sweet, and buttery flavors all wrapped into one tiny, irresistible bite. It’s perfect for fall get-togethers, holiday parties, or just whenever you want a little treat that feels special but isn’t fussy to make. When I first tried this recipe, I was surprised at how simple it was to transform humble sweet potatoes and crescent dough into something so festive and mouthwatering.

You’ll find that these bites are not only easy to whip up, but they also bring that perfect balance of soft sweet potato filling, gooey mini marshmallows, and crunchy pecans that make your taste buds smile. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a dessert, this Sweet Potato Crescent Bites Recipe is always a crowd pleaser that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples like crescent rolls and sweet potatoes you probably already have on hand.
  • Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The sweet potato’s natural sweetness paired with cinnamon and brown sugar makes every bite cozy.
  • Great for Any Occasion: Works equally well as a festive appetizer or a sweet snack for kids and adults alike.
  • Quick and Fuss-Free: Microwaving the sweet potatoes speeds up prep time without sacrificing taste or texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together so effortlessly, and each one brings a little magic to the Sweet Potato Crescent Bites Recipe. My tip? Make sure your sweet potatoes are soft and fully cooked for that creamy filling, and use refrigerated crescent dough to save time without compromising flaky texture.

  • Cooking spray: This keeps your mini muffin tin non-stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
  • Sweet potatoes: Choose medium-sized ones around the same size for even cooking and consistent bites.
  • Light brown sugar: Adds a lovely molasses depth that pairs beautifully with sweet potato.
  • Heavy cream: This gives the filling richness and smoothness—don’t swap for milk, as it won’t get the same texture.
  • Ground cinnamon: Classic warming spice that brightens the flavor profile.
  • Pure vanilla extract: Just a hint brings out all the sweet notes wonderfully.
  • Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness perfectly.
  • Refrigerated crescent rolls: Convenient and flaky – pinch seams tightly for a perfect crust that holds the filling.
  • Mini marshmallows: For that melty, slightly toasted topping everyone adores.
  • Whole pecans: Adds crunch and a nutty contrast that takes these bites over the top.
  • Maple syrup (optional): A little brush of maple on the pecans before serving adds extra sweetness and shine.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love encouraging friends to make this Sweet Potato Crescent Bites Recipe their own—after all, cooking is about having fun and adding your touch. You can easily swap or add ingredients to suit your taste buds or dietary needs, so don’t be shy to experiment.

  • Add nuts: I sometimes sprinkle chopped walnuts instead of pecans for a slightly different crunch and flavor.
  • Spices swap: Try adding nutmeg or a pinch of allspice if you want more warmth in the filling.
  • Dairy-free version: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free crescent dough if you want to make it vegan-friendly.
  • Mini marshmallow alternatives: For a less sweet option, you can use crumbled cream cheese or leave the marshmallows out altogether.

How to Make Sweet Potato Crescent Bites Recipe

Step 1: Cook the sweet potatoes quickly

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a mini muffin tin with some cooking spray. Pierce the sweet potatoes several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking. Pop them on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for about 15 minutes. If they’re not fork-tender yet, just give them extra 30-second increments until soft. This quick microwave method saves so much time compared to oven-baking.

Step 2: Prepare the sweet potato filling

Once the potatoes are cooked through, let them cool enough to handle. Then, cut them in half and scoop the soft flesh into a large bowl, discarding the skins. Mash thoroughly with a fork or potato masher until smooth and creamy. Whisk in brown sugar, heavy cream, cinnamon, vanilla, and kosher salt until everything is well combined. The filling should be sweet, smooth, and full of cozy spice notes.

Step 3: Prepare the crescent cups

On a lightly floured surface, roll out your refrigerated crescent dough and pinch together all seams so it forms one solid sheet. Cut the dough into 24 even squares, just big enough to line the mini muffin cups. Press each square gently into the greased tin, making sure they form little cups that will hold the filling without leaking.

Step 4: Fill and bake

Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the sweet potato mixture into each crescent cup, filling them nicely but not overflowing. Top each with a few mini marshmallows—they’ll melt and toast beautifully during baking. Bake in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the crescent dough is golden and puffed. Then, place a whole pecan on top of each bite and pop them back into the oven for another 5 minutes. If you want, brush the pecans with maple syrup right before serving to add a perfect glossy finish and little extra sweetness.

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Pro Tips for Making Sweet Potato Crescent Bites Recipe

  • Microwave Check: Don’t rush removing the sweet potatoes; check tenderness carefully, or the filling won’t be smooth enough.
  • Pinch Seams Tight: Make sure you securely press crescent dough seams to avoid leaks while baking.
  • Marshmallow Timing: Add marshmallows before the first bake, so they melt perfectly without burning.
  • Pecan Placement: Add pecans near the end of baking so they maintain crunch and don’t scorch.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Crescent Bites Recipe

The image shows six small muffin-shaped pastries arranged closely on a white rectangular plate, placed on a white marbled surface. Each pastry has a golden brown crust forming the base and edges, holding a bright orange filling in the center. On top of the filling, there is a whole pecan with a rich brown color, and shiny syrup is drizzled over the pastries and pecans, with some syrup pooling on the plate. The texture of the crust looks flaky and soft, while the filling appears smooth with a slight shine from the syrup. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Personally, I love adding a light drizzle of pure maple syrup on top right before serving because it adds a sweet, sticky touch that makes these bites even more special. A little sprinkle of finely chopped fresh rosemary or a pinch of flaky sea salt on the pecans can also add a nice contrast that surprises guests in a good way.

Side Dishes

These Sweet Potato Crescent Bites go wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette or alongside roasted Brussels sprouts for a well-rounded fall meal. If you’re serving them at a party, pair with hot cider or a light sparkling wine to complement the warm flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For special gatherings, I like to arrange the bites on a rustic wooden board with fresh herbs scattered around for that cozy, inviting vibe. Adding little tags with ingredient callouts or fun names like “Sweet Potato Bliss Bites” makes them feel extra festive and encourages guests to dig in eagerly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Sweet Potato Crescent Bites store nicely in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend reheating them gently in a toaster oven or regular oven to keep the crescent dough flaky instead of soggy—microwaving tends to make them a little soft.

Freezing

If you want to make these ahead for a crowd, I’ve had great success freezing the filled but unbaked crescent cups. Freeze them flat on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready, bake straight from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through and the crescent bites regain their crunch. Avoid reheating in the microwave if you want to keep the texture perfect—oven warming really brings back their fresh-baked goodness.

FAQs

  1. Can I make Sweet Potato Crescent Bites Recipe without marshmallows?

    Absolutely! If you prefer less sweetness or don’t have marshmallows on hand, you can skip them or swap with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or crumbly cream cheese dollops for a different but delicious finish.

  2. What if I don’t have a microwave for cooking sweet potatoes?

    No worries! You can bake sweet potatoes in the oven at 400°F for about 45-60 minutes until tender. Just keep in mind it’ll add to your prep time, but the flavor and texture will be just as good.

  3. Can I use frozen crescent rolls for this recipe?

    Frozen crescent rolls usually need to be thawed before use, so make sure they’re fully defrosted and slightly chilled but still pliable before cutting and shaping to get the best results.

  4. How do I prevent the crescent dough from getting soggy?

    Pinch the dough seams tightly and avoid overfilling the cups to reduce leaking. Also, preheating the oven fully helps the dough bake quickly to a flaky crust before absorbing moisture.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Potato Crescent Bites Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it combines comfort food nostalgia with a little playful twist. Whenever I make these, friends and family are instantly drawn in by that sweet aroma and the perfectly tender, warm bites that follow. I hope you give this recipe a try—you’ll enjoy how easy it is and the way it brings people together with every flavorful, bite-sized piece.

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Sweet Potato Crescent Bites Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 97 reviews
  • Author: Lauren
  • Prep Time: 25 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Total Time: 45 mins
  • Yield: 24 bites (2 dozen)
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Sweet Potato Crescent Bites are a delightful bite-sized treat featuring creamy mashed sweet potatoes sweetened with brown sugar and warm spices, wrapped in flaky crescent roll dough, topped with mini marshmallows and toasted pecans. Perfect as a comforting appetizer or sweet snack, these bites combine simple ingredients into a deliciously gooey, golden pastry.


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

Assembly & Topping

  • 1 (8-oz.) can refrigerated crescent rolls
  • 3/4 cup mini marshmallows
  • 24 whole pecans
  • Cooking spray
  • 3 Tbsp. maple syrup (for serving, optional)


Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a mini muffin tin thoroughly with cooking spray. Pierce each sweet potato 3 to 4 times with a fork, then microwave on a microwave-safe plate for 15 minutes. Check if the potatoes are fork-tender; if not, continue microwaving in 30-second increments until tender.
  2. Mash Sweet Potatoes and Mix Filling: Once cooked, slice open the sweet potatoes and scoop out the filling into a large bowl, discarding the skins. Use a potato masher or a fork to mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. Add light brown sugar, heavy cream, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and kosher salt to the bowl, then whisk everything together until well combined.
  3. Prepare Crescent Dough Cups: Lightly flour a clean surface, then roll out the crescent roll dough and pinch the seams to seal. Cut the dough into 24 equal squares. Press each square into the prepared mini muffin tin cups to form little dough cups.
  4. Fill and Top the Bites: Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the sweet potato mixture into each crescent dough cup. Top each with mini marshmallows, then place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the crescent pastry is golden brown.
  5. Add Pecans and Finish Baking: Remove the muffin tin from the oven and place a whole pecan in the center of each sweet potato bite. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes to lightly toast the pecans and melt the marshmallows thoroughly.
  6. Serve with Maple Syrup: (Optional) Before serving, brush each pecan with maple syrup for added sweetness and glaze. Serve warm and enjoy these sweet, comforting bites.

Notes

  • Microwaving the sweet potatoes speeds up the cooking process significantly compared to baking them traditionally.
  • Make sure crescent roll seams are pinched tightly to prevent filling from leaking during baking.
  • Optional maple syrup glaze adds a lovely sweet finish, but the bites are delicious without it as well.
  • You can substitute pecans with walnuts if preferred, or omit nuts for nut-free version.
  • For extra flavor, consider sprinkling a pinch of nutmeg into the sweet potato filling.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 bites
  • Calories: 160
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

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