Aromatic Chai Spice Sweet Potato Casserole Cups

This recipe is designed to be baked in standard 6-ounce ramekins (for a generous serving) or a 12-cup muffin tin (for smaller portions). If canned yams are in light syrup use only 2 tablespoons of brown sugar (half the original amount) when mixing the filling. ​Taste Test: After you have mashed the yams and mixed in all the ingredients (butter, milk, spices, vanilla, and the 2 tablespoons of sugar), taste the mixture before adding the beaten egg. ​Adjust: If you feel it needs more sweetness, mix in the final 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon at a time, until you are satisfied.

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

* Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350° F. Lightly grease your ramekins or muffin tin cups.

Step 2

* Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.

Step 3

* Cut in the Butter: Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the cold, cubed butter into the dry mixture until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped nuts (if using).

Step 4

* Create the Base: Press a heaping tablespoon of the streusel mixture firmly into the bottom of each prepared ramekin or muffin cup. You want a solid, packed base.

Step 5

* Partial Bake: Bake the streusel crusts for 8-10 minutes to set them. Remove them from the oven and set aside. Do not turn the oven off.

Step 6

* Mash the Yams: In a large bowl, mash the thoroughly drained and rinsed canned yams until mostly smooth. A few lumps are fine.

Step 7

* Mash & Mix: Mash your yams. Add the melted butter, brown sugar, milk, vanilla, and egg.

Step 8

* * Whisk the Spices First: In a very small bowl, whisk together the Cinnamon, Cardamom, Ginger, Cloves, and Black Pepper.

Step 9

* Tip: Because Cardamom and Cloves can be strong, mixing them together first ensures you don't get a "hot spot" of one spice in a single bite.

Step 10

* Incorporate Spices: Sprinkle your pre-mixed spice blend over the wet mixture and stir until fully combined and smooth.

Step 11

* Mix Filling: Add the melted butter, brown sugar, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and the beaten egg to the mashed yams. Mix well until everything is fully combined and smooth.

Step 12

* Fill the Casseroles: Spoon the sweet potato mixture over the baked streusel crusts, filling the ramekins or muffin cups almost to the top.

Step 13

* Bake: Place the ramekins/tins on a baking sheet (in case of spills) and bake for 25-30 minutes (for ramekins) or 15-20 minutes (for muffin tins). The filling should be set in the center.

Step 14

* Add Marshmallows: Remove the casseroles from the oven. Arrange a layer of mini marshmallows on top of the sweet potato filling.

Step 15

* Final Broil (Watch Carefully!): Return the casseroles to the oven (or better, switch the oven to Broil on High or Medium-High). Watch them constantly! Broil for 30 seconds to 2 minutes, until the marshmallows are golden brown and perfectly toasted.

Step 16

* Cool and Serve: Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.