A delightful baked dish combining the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and apples, enhanced with a touch of spice and crunch.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Ensure your oven is fully preheated for even cooking.
Peel and slice the sweet potatoes and apples into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
Try to keep the slices uniform for even cooking.
Layer half of the sweet potato and apple slices in a buttered baking dish.
Overlap the slices slightly for a visually appealing presentation.
Sprinkle with half the brown sugar, cinnamon, and orange zest, and dot with half the butter.
Distribute the ingredients evenly for consistent flavor.
Repeat the layering with the remaining sweet potatoes, apples, sugar, cinnamon, zest, and butter.
Press down gently to compact the layers slightly.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Covering the dish helps to steam the ingredients, making them tender.
Remove the foil, sprinkle the chopped pecans on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
Baking uncovered allows the top to caramelize slightly.
Serve warm as a side dish or dessert.
Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey for a dessert option.
