Peanut Butter Banana Stuffed Sweet Potatoes: Your New Favorite Healthy Meal
Are they a delightful breakfast to kickstart your day? A satisfying snack to curb those afternoon cravings? Or a guilt-free dessert that hits all the right notes? The answer is *all of the above*! These Peanut Butter Banana Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are an absolute revelation and have quickly become a staple in my kitchen. Packed with natural sweetness, creamy goodness, and a satisfying crunch, they’ve been on repeat for months, and I can’t wait for you to experience them too.
As an added bonus for all my fellow sweet potato enthusiasts, I’ve compiled five incredibly convenient methods for prepping your sweet potatoes: using an Instant Pot, a slow cooker (Crock Pot), the oven, an air fryer, and even the microwave. No matter how much time you have or what kitchen gadgets are at your disposal, you can enjoy this amazing dish!
This post contains affiliate links for products I’m obsessed with. This is also a sponsored post on behalf of Bob’s Red Mill. As always, all opinions are 100% mine. Thank you for supporting the brands that help make Confessions of a Fit Foodie possible.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Let’s get real for a moment. If you’re part of my Healthy Recipe Community on Facebook, you’ve likely already heard me rave about these. But for those who haven’t, prepare yourselves, because I am about to introduce you to a sweet potato combination that will truly rock your world. Forget everything you thought you knew about sweet potatoes being just a side dish – these are the main event!
I’ve always been a huge fan of sweet potato dishes, from savory Sweet Potato Casserole and hearty Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili, to my go-to Sheet Pan Breakfasts with Sweet Potato, Brussels Sprouts, and Bacon. But this particular sweet potato creation has captured my heart. Baking a batch of sweet potatoes and then filling them with creamy peanut butter and sliced bananas, topped off with a drizzle of pure maple syrup and a generous sprinkle of crunchy granola, has become my daily obsession. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that’s both indulgent and incredibly nourishing.
The Nutritional Powerhouse: Sweet Potatoes
Beyond their incredible taste, sweet potatoes are a true nutritional powerhouse. They are brimming with essential vitamins and minerals, making them an excellent choice for any healthy eating plan. You’ll find high levels of Vitamin A, crucial for vision and immune function, as well as Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant. They also provide a good source of Vitamin B6, potassium (important for blood pressure and fluid balance), and magnesium, which supports muscle and nerve function.
While often categorized as a carb, sweet potatoes are complex carbohydrates, meaning they provide sustained energy. Even better, they are one of the most fiber-filled and nutritious carbohydrates you can eat. The fiber content not only aids in digestion but also helps you feel full and satisfied, making these stuffed sweet potatoes a smart choice for managing hunger and maintaining a balanced diet. Plus, their natural sweetness means you don’t need a lot of added sugars to make them delicious.
The Perfect Crunch: Bob’s Red Mill Granola
While I adore making my own homemade granola, the sheer convenience and deliciousness of this dish come from how effortlessly it all comes together. That’s why I was absolutely thrilled to discover the Pan-Baked Bob’s Red Mill Granola at my local grocery store. What sets it apart from many other store-bought granolas is its significantly lower sugar content, which is a huge win for those of us trying to eat clean.
Not only are these granolas thoughtfully crafted to be low in sugar, but they are also gluten-free and non-GMO, making them suitable for a variety of dietary needs. Each bite is packed with wholesome whole grains and healthy fats, ensuring you get a nourishing boost. They come in four delectable flavors, so there’s a favorite for everyone. My kids and I can’t get enough of the Cranberry Almond and Maple Sea Salt varieties, while my mom is absolutely obsessed with the unique Coconut Spice. While they’re fantastic straight out of the bag or with yogurt and fruit, I quickly realized they are the absolute perfect crunchy topping for my Peanut Butter Banana Stuffed Sweet Potatoes!
5 Ways to Perfectly Cook Sweet Potatoes
One of the best things about this recipe is its adaptability, starting with how you cook the sweet potato itself. Having a perfectly cooked sweet potato is the foundation for this delicious dish, and thankfully, there’s a method for every preference and time constraint. Whether you’re looking for hands-off convenience, speed, or a specific texture, one of these five methods will be your go-to. Let’s dive into the various ways to achieve that tender, sweet perfection.
Regardless of the method you choose, a couple of basic prep steps apply to all sweet potatoes:
- Always wash your sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water and dry them.
- Poke several holes in them using a fork. This allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing them from bursting and ensuring even cooking.
1. How to Bake Sweet Potatoes in an Oven
The classic oven-baked sweet potato is a timeless favorite for a reason. It’s incredibly simple, requires minimal hands-on effort, and results in a beautifully tender interior with a slightly caramelized skin. This method is perfect if you’re cooking multiple sweet potatoes at once or prefer the traditional taste and texture.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Wash and dry your sweet potatoes, then poke holes in them with a fork.
- Place them directly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Larger potatoes may need up to 75 minutes. Flip halfway through for even cooking.
2. How to Cook Sweet Potatoes in an Instant Pot or Slow Cooker
These pressure cooking and slow cooking methods are fantastic for meal prepping or when you want to avoid heating up your entire kitchen. The Instant Pot drastically cuts down cooking time, while the slow cooker offers unparalleled “set it and forget it” convenience, yielding incredibly soft and moist sweet potatoes.
Instant Pot Method:
- Wash and dry your sweet potatoes, then poke holes in them with a fork.
- Add 1 cup of water to the base of your Instant Pot.
- Place the trivet (steamer rack) into the Instant Pot and arrange the sweet potatoes on top. Ensure they are not submerged in water.
- Secure the lid and set the valve to ‘sealing’.
- Select the ‘Manual’ (or ‘Pressure Cook’) setting and set the timer based on the size of your sweet potatoes:
- Smaller potatoes (around 6-8 oz): 20 minutes
- Medium potatoes (8-12 oz): 25-30 minutes
- Larger potatoes (12-16 oz+): 35 minutes
- Once the timer beeps, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure. This helps to prevent cracking and ensures a perfectly cooked potato.
Slow Cooker (Crock Pot) Method:
- Wash and dry your sweet potatoes, then poke holes in them with a fork.
- Wrap each sweet potato individually in aluminum foil (optional, but helps keep them moist and prevents sticking).
- Place the wrapped sweet potatoes directly into the slow cooker. You don’t need to add water.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until they are wonderfully tender. The exact time will depend on the size of your potatoes and your slow cooker.
3. How to Cook Sweet Potatoes in the Air Fryer
The air fryer has quickly become one of my favorite methods for cooking sweet potatoes, especially when I want a wonderfully crispy skin without deep frying. It’s faster than the oven and gives a unique texture that’s truly satisfying. If you have a Mealthy Crisp Lid, it works just as well!
- Wash and dry your sweet potatoes, then poke holes in them using a fork.
- Lightly spray the sweet potatoes with olive oil spray and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt. This helps achieve that desirable crispy skin.
- Place the prepared sweet potatoes into the basket of your air fryer or beneath your Crisp Lid. Ensure they are in a single layer for best air circulation.
- Cook your potatoes at 390-400°F (199-204°C) for 35-45 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. The exact time can vary depending on the size of the potato and your specific air fryer model. Flip them halfway through for even crisping.
4. How to Cook Sweet Potatoes in a Microwave
Did you know you can cook a sweet potato in the microwave? It’s an absolute game-changer for speed and convenience, especially when you only need one or two potatoes for a single serving. This method is incredibly quick, making it perfect for a last-minute breakfast or snack.
- Wash and dry your sweet potato thoroughly.
- Poke holes all over the sweet potato using a fork.
- Wrap the sweet potato in a damp (not soaking wet) paper towel. This helps create steam, ensuring a moist interior and preventing the potato from drying out.
- Place the wrapped sweet potato in the microwave and cook on high for 7-10 minutes.
- Halfway through, check the potato, flip it, and re-wet the paper towel if it has dried out.
- Continue cooking until the potato is soft when squeezed (use an oven mitt, it will be hot!). If still firm, add more time in 1-2 minute increments until fully cooked.
Assembling Your Delicious Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Now that you’re armed with five fantastic ways to cook your sweet potatoes, you’re ready to create these delightful Peanut Butter Banana Stuffed Sweet Potatoes anytime you desire! The assembly is just as simple as the cooking. Once your sweet potato is cooked to perfection, simply slice it open, gently mash the interior, and load it up with your favorite toppings.
For an extra boost of protein, I often top mine with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt. If you’re dairy-free, coconut yogurt makes a fantastic alternative! Don’t be shy with the cinnamon and a tiny pinch of sea salt to really bring out the flavors. The combination of warm sweet potato, creamy peanut butter, sweet banana, and crunchy granola is truly irresistible, and you might just find yourself adding an extra teaspoon of peanut butter (I know I do!).
Are Sweet Potatoes a Good Choice for the 21 Day Fix and WW?
Absolutely, yes! Sweet potatoes are an outstanding choice for anyone following a clean eating plan, including the 21 Day Fix and Weight Watchers (WW). As we discussed, they are rich in Vitamin A, C, B6, potassium, and magnesium, and offer a significant amount of dietary fiber. While they are a carbohydrate, they are complex carbs that provide sustained energy and satiety, rather than a quick sugar spike.
For those on the 21 Day Fix, 1/2 of a small sweet potato or 1/2 cup mashed sweet potato counts as one yellow container. For Weight Watchers (WW), they are approximately 5 points per 1/2 small potato, though this can vary slightly with specific program updates. The key is mindful portion control and understanding that sweet potatoes offer incredible nutritional value for their carb/point count, making them a much healthier choice than refined carbohydrates. They are a versatile food that can easily fit into a balanced, healthy lifestyle!
Looking for More Stuffed Sweet Potato Recipes?
If you’ve fallen in love with the concept of stuffed sweet potatoes as much as I have, you’re in luck! There’s a whole world of savory and sweet combinations waiting to be explored. Here are some other fantastic ideas to inspire your next delicious creation:
- Sloppy Joe Stuffed Sweet Potatoes {21 Day Fix}
- Chicken Gyro Stuffed Sweet Potatoes | Sustainable Cooks
- Harvest Paleo Vegan Stuffed Sweet Potatoes | Food Faith Fit
- Ground Beef Stuffed Sweet Potatoes | Snacking in Sneakers (remember to sub maple syrup for brown sugar for a healthier twist!)
Peanut Butter Banana Stuffed Sweet Potatoes [+ How to Bake Sweet Potatoes 5 Ways]
Nancylynn
2
servings
Pin Recipe
5 minutes
5 minutes
Ingredients
-
1
small
sweet potato
cooked using your fav method outlined above -
4
teaspoons
all natural peanut butter -
1
banana -
1/4
cup
Bob’s Red Mill Pan-Baked Granola
I used the Maple Sea Salt -
Cinnamon -
Sea salt -
2
teaspoons
maple syrup -
1/3
cup
plain Greek Yogurt
optional
Instructions
-
Slice open your sweet potato and divide into two servings.
-
Mash each potato half slightly and sprinkle with a little sea salt, 1 tsp of maple syrup, and a dash of cinnamon.
-
Melt peanut butter in the microwave for 10-20 seconds or until thin and runny.
-
Stuff each potato half with 1/2 banana, and drizzle with 2 tsp melted peanut butter.
-
Top each sweet potato half with 2 T of granola.
-
Enjoy! I like to mash everything together :). Sometimes I add a third teaspoon of peanut butter because why not?
Notes
WW Freestyle Points: 10 per half potato
Nutrition
Serving:
1
half potato
Calories:
262
kcal
Carbohydrates:
31
g
Protein:
10
g
Fat:
12
g
Saturated Fat:
2
g
Polyunsaturated Fat:
3
g
Monounsaturated Fat:
6
g
Cholesterol:
2
mg
Sodium:
86
mg
Potassium:
449
mg
Fiber:
4
g
Sugar:
17
g
Vitamin A:
138
IU
Vitamin C:
5
mg
Calcium:
67
mg
Iron:
1
mg
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We hope you’re as excited about these Peanut Butter Banana Stuffed Sweet Potatoes as we are! They offer an incredible blend of flavor, nutrition, and versatility that makes them truly special. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, a quick snack, or a wholesome dessert, they are sure to become a beloved addition to your healthy eating routine. Don’t forget to try out the different cooking methods to find your favorite way to prepare sweet potatoes. Happy cooking!