Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Muffin

Featured in: Warm Bakes

Enjoy golden muffin tops baked with roasted sweet potato, pure maple syrup, and crunchy pecans. These easy treats combine creamy mashed sweet potato and warm spices for a flavorful base, then get a rich, nutty finish with chopped pecans on top. They're simple to prepare, making a delicious grab-and-go breakfast or hearty afternoon snack. Serve warm with butter, or add dried cranberries for a twist. Vegetarian and wholesome, these muffin tops are a cozy addition to your baking rotation.

Updated on Thu, 30 Oct 2025 09:49:00 GMT
Golden Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Muffin Tops fresh from the oven, ready to enjoy. Save
Golden Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Muffin Tops fresh from the oven, ready to enjoy. | butterhollow.com

Tender, golden muffin tops infused with roasted sweet potato, pure maple syrup, and crunchy pecans make an excellent choice for breakfast or a wholesome snack. These soft treats combine satisfying texture with warm, comforting flavors.

The first time I made these muffin tops, the irresistible aroma filled my kitchen and my kids couldn't wait to taste them. Sharing these with loved ones quickly turned into a weekend tradition we all savor.

Ingredients

  • Mashed roasted sweet potato: 1 cup (220 g), about 1 large potato
  • Pure maple syrup: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
  • Vegetable oil or melted butter: 1/3 cup (80 ml)
  • Large eggs: 2
  • Pure vanilla extract: 1 tsp
  • All-purpose flour: 1 1/2 cups (190 g)
  • Baking powder: 1 tsp
  • Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
  • Ground cinnamon: 1/2 tsp
  • Ground nutmeg: 1/4 tsp
  • Fine sea salt: 1/2 tsp
  • Chopped pecans, divided: 3/4 cup (80 g)
  • Light brown sugar, for sprinkling (optional): 1/4 cup (50 g)

Instructions

Prepare equipment:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix wet ingredients:
In large mixing bowl, whisk together mashed sweet potato, maple syrup, oil or melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine dry ingredients:
In medium mixing bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Combine wet and dry:
Add dry mixture to wet, stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in pecans:
Stir in 1/2 cup pecans, reserving rest for topping.
Shape muffin tops:
Use cookie scoop or 1/4-cup measure to drop mounds on baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Flatten tops gently.
Add toppings:
Sprinkle remaining pecans and brown sugar if desired.
Bake:
Bake 16 to 18 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool:
Cool on baking sheet 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
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Baking these muffin tops together always sparks joy in our family, especially when everyone gathers in the kitchen to help flatten the dough and sprinkle on pecans.

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl, medium mixing bowl, whisk, baking sheet, parchment paper, cookie scoop or 1/4-cup measuring cup, wire rack

Allergen Information

Recipe contains eggs, wheat, and pecans. Always check labels for hidden allergens if needed.

Nutritional Information

Per muffin top: 210 calories, 11 g total fat, 26 g carbohydrates, 3 g protein

Fluffy muffin tops bursting with sweet potato flavor, topped with crunchy pecans and maple syrup. Save
Fluffy muffin tops bursting with sweet potato flavor, topped with crunchy pecans and maple syrup. | butterhollow.com

Enjoy these muffin tops warm from the oven or pack them for a sweet midday treat. Make them ahead to simplify busy mornings!

Kitchen Tips & Answers

Can I substitute walnuts for pecans?

Yes, you can easily swap walnuts for pecans, or use both for added variety and crunch.

What is the best way to mash the sweet potato?

Roast or boil a large sweet potato until tender, then mash thoroughly for a smooth, lump-free texture.

How do I store the muffin tops?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze for longer storage.

Can I add chocolate chips or dried fruit?

Yes, mini chocolate chips or dried cranberries make great additions for extra flavor and sweetness.

What tools will I need?

You'll need mixing bowls, a whisk, baking sheet, parchment paper, a scoop or measuring cup, and a wire rack.

Are these suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, these muffin tops are vegetarian-friendly when prepared as directed.

Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Muffin

Golden muffin tops with sweet potato, maple syrup, and pecans—ideal for breakfast or snacking.

Prep duration
20 min
Heat duration
18 min
Complete duration
38 min
Created by Ella Thompson

Type Warm Bakes

Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 12 Portions

Eating preferences Meat-free

What you'll need

Wet Ingredients

01 1 cup mashed roasted sweet potato (about 1 large potato)
02 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
03 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
04 2 large eggs
05 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

01 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

Add-Ins and Topping

01 3/4 cup chopped pecans, divided
02 1/4 cup light brown sugar, for sprinkling (optional)

Method

Phase 01

Prepare Oven and Sheet: Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Phase 02

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together mashed sweet potato, maple syrup, vegetable oil or melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.

Phase 03

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk thoroughly to incorporate.

Phase 04

Combine Mixtures: Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir gently until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing.

Phase 05

Add Pecans: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans, reserving 1/4 cup for topping.

Phase 06

Portion and Shape: Using a large cookie scoop or a 1/4-cup measuring cup, drop dough mounds approximately 2 inches apart onto prepared baking sheet. Slightly flatten each with dampened fingers.

Phase 07

Top and Bake: Sprinkle remaining pecans and light brown sugar over each mound. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Phase 08

Cool and Serve: Allow muffin tops to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Kitchen tools needed

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Large cookie scoop or 1/4-cup measuring cup
  • Wire rack

Allergy details

Always review individual ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains eggs, wheat (gluten), and tree nuts (pecans).
  • Check all packaged ingredients for potential allergens.

Nutrient breakdown per portion

Numbers shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 210
  • Fats: 11 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Proteins: 3 g