Candied Pecan Sweet Potato Muffins with Orange Ginger
Moist, spiced muffins featuring creamy mashed sweet potatoes enhanced with warm ginger, bright orange zest, and crunchy candied pecans on top. These aromatic treats balance earthy sweetness with citrus notes, making them perfect for fall breakfast, brunch gatherings, or afternoon snacks. The tender crumb comes from canned sweet potatoes while the candied pecans add delightful texture contrast.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups Gold Medal all-purpose flouralmond flour1:1gluten-freegluten-free
may be slightly denser
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon orange peel, grated
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 can (16 oz) sweet potatoes, drained, mashed
- ⅓ cup butter or margarine, melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 egg
- ½ cup candied pecans, coarsely choppedchopped walnuts1:1budget-friendly
less sweet but still crunchy
Instructions
- 1
Heat oven and place paper cups in muffin tin, spray with cooking spray
- 2
Mix dry ingredients in large bowl
- 3
Stir in mashed sweet potatoes, melted butter, vanilla and egg until combined
- 4
Divide batter among muffin cups
- 5
Sprinkle evenly with chopped candied pecans
- 6
Bake until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean
- 7
Remove from pan to cooling rack and serve warm
Tips
Spray paper liners with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal from muffin cups.
Mash sweet potatoes thoroughly to avoid lumps in the batter for a smooth, tender crumb texture.
Don't overmix the batter once wet ingredients are added to keep muffins light and fluffy.
Good to Know
Store covered at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate up to 1 week
Can be made 1 day ahead and stored covered
Serve warm or at room temperature
Common Mistakes
Don't overmix batter to avoid tough, dense muffins
Spray paper liners to prevent sticking and tearing
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
less sweet but still crunchy
FAQ
Can I use fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned?
Yes, roast 1-2 medium sweet potatoes at 400°F until tender, then mash. You'll need about 1 cup mashed.
What if I don't have candied pecans?
Use regular chopped pecans or walnuts, or make candied pecans by tossing with sugar and baking briefly.
How long do these muffins keep?
Store covered at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate up to 1 week. Freeze for up to 3 months.