elephant ears recipe
The Best elephant ears recipe
I also appreciate how versatile they are. They’re great for casual after-school treats or a light snack before dinner, but they also work well as a dessert when you’re hosting a small gathering. My family loves them as a low-effort way to add a little fun to our meals, and honestly, they’re far easier than you’d think to make in bulk. Plus, they’re a great way to use up a little extra flour or sugar if you’re in the middle of another recipe. And let’s be honest, there’s something comforting about something that feels indulgent but is actually pretty healthy—packed with whole grains and a touch of protein from the eggs. It’s the kind of recipe that makes me feel good about feeding my family, even if it’s just for fun.
Easy Elephant Ears (Sweet Potato Pies)
A comforting, handheld treat featuring tender sweet potato filling wrapped in a crispy pastry crust. Perfect for a quick snack or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
🥘Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 tsp salt
- 2–3 tbsp ice water
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
👨🍳Directions
-
1
Preheat oven to 375°F. In a food processor, pulse flour, salt, and cold butter until crumbly. Add ice water 1 tbsp at a time until dough holds together. Chill for 15 minutes. -
2
Boil diced sweet potatoes in salted water for 10 minutes until tender. Drain, then mash with brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, egg, and flour until smooth. -
3
Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness. Cut circles for crusts (about 5 inches wide) and trim excess. Place 2 tbsp filling in each circle, fold over, and seal edges with a fork. -
4
Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Bake for 20 minutes, then rotate and bake 10 more minutes until golden.
🔧Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Food processor
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Easy Elephant Ears (Sweet Potato Pies) Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Elephant Ears (Sweet Potato Pies)
How do I store leftover elephant ears?
Store any unused portion in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a tray first, then transfer to a bag or container. Thaw in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture.
Can I substitute any ingredients if I don’t have them on hand?
Yes, but results may vary. For a creamier base, use sour cream or Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and heavy cream. If you lack fresh ginger, substitute with ½ teaspoon ground ginger. For extra richness, add a splash of coconut milk.
Why does the recipe call for a pinch of salt at the end?
The pinch of salt enhances the natural sweetness and balances flavors, especially in the coconut milk. It also helps the coconut milk curdle slightly, giving the dish a richer, creamier texture.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
The recipe is naturally gluten-free, but check all packaged ingredients like sour cream, coconut milk, and spices to ensure they’re certified gluten-free. If using store-bought coconut milk, opt for a brand labeled gluten-free.
