Yam Balls
Sweet and tropical yam balls combine mashed sweet potatoes, crushed pineapple, and toasted coconut for a delightful treat suitable for dessert or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook, drain, and mash the sweet potatoes.
- Add sugar and drained crushed pineapple to the mashed sweet potatoes.
- Cover large marshmallows with the potato mixture.
- Roll the marshmallow-covered potatoes in coconut.
- Place the coated balls in a buttered baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F for 5 to 10 minutes until the coconut is toasted and the marshmallows burst open.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, you can substitute regular sugar with coconut sugar for a deeper flavor. If you want a healthier version, consider using unsweetened shredded coconut and reducing the sugar. Make sure to drain the crushed pineapple thoroughly to prevent the mixture from becoming too wet. Experiment with adding spices like cinnamon for extra warmth in flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These yam balls make a great dessert or snack and pair beautifully with Lite And Fluffy Salad for a balanced meal. Serve them warm for the best texture, and consider drizzling some Terry'S Special Secret Sauce over the top for added flavor. They can also be a delightful addition to a holiday spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover yam balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coconut chewy and the marshmallows less appealing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Yam Balls contains roughly 456 calories, with 7g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (70% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value), and iron (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. It also contributes 12g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
While sweet potatoes provide the best flavor and texture, you can experiment with other varieties like purple or white potatoes. However, the end result will differ in taste and sweetness. Sweet potatoes are recommended for their natural sweetness and creaminess.
What can I use instead of marshmallows?
If you're looking for a vegan alternative, try using vegan marshmallows or even a mixture of almond butter and maple syrup as a filling. This will change the texture slightly but will still provide a deliciously sweet center.
How can I make these yam balls ahead of time?
You can prepare the potato mixture and coat the marshmallows a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. Just remember to coat them in coconut right before baking to maintain the fresh texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).