Sweet Potato Pecan Breakfast Bake
Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup (250 g) baked sweet potato, mashed
- ¾ cup (170 g) full-fat cottage cheese, blended until smooth
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup (45 g) rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Topping
- ½ cup (55 g) chopped pecans
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking dish.
Step 2: Blend the Cottage Cheese
Blend the cottage cheese until smooth for a creamy texture.
Step 3: Make the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Mashed sweet potato
- Blended cottage cheese
- Eggs
- Maple syrup or honey
- Vanilla
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
Stir in:
- Oats
- Baking powder
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Salt
Mix until well combined.
Step 5: Prepare the Topping
Mix together:
- Chopped pecans
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Melted butter
Step 6: Assemble
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the surface.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until:
- The center is set.
- The top is golden brown.
- A knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool
Allow the bake to cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information (Approximate, per serving; 8 servings)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Protein: 10 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary depending on the brands and exact ingredients used.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Up to 2 months. Wrap individual portions well.
- Reheat: Microwave for 30–60 seconds or warm in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 10–15 minutes.
Variations
- Add ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries for sweetness.
- Stir in ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice for extra warmth.
- Replace pecans with walnuts or omit the nuts for a nut-free version.
- Add ½ cup chopped apples or pears for more fruit.
- Sprinkle with unsweetened coconut before baking for added texture.
Tips
- Bake the sweet potato until very soft for the smoothest texture.
- Blend the cottage cheese well if you prefer a creamy consistency.
- Do not overbake, as this can make the bake dry.
- Let it rest before cutting so it slices neatly.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q: Can I use canned sweet potato?
Yes. Plain canned sweet potato or sweet potato purée works well. Avoid sweetened pie filling.
Q: Can I substitute pumpkin?
Yes. An equal amount of pumpkin purée can replace the sweet potato, though the flavor will be different.
Q: Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?
Yes. Ricotta makes an excellent substitute and gives a similarly creamy texture.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes. Use certified gluten-free rolled oats and check that your baking powder is gluten-free.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Use a dairy-free cottage cheese alternative or a thick dairy-free yogurt. The texture may be slightly different.
Q: Can I prepare it the night before?
Yes. Assemble the batter, cover, refrigerate overnight, and bake the next morning. You may need to add 5–10 minutes to the baking time.
Q: Can I make muffins instead of a bake?
Yes. Divide the batter among 12 greased or lined muffin cups and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes. It stores and reheats well, making it a convenient breakfast or snack for several days.
Nut Information
Contains: Pecans (tree nuts) and eggs. It also contains dairy from the cottage cheese.
