Golden Sweet Potato Pecan Delight

Embark on a culinary journey to create the ultimate Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping, a truly irresistible dish that epitomizes comfort and gourmet delight. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a star that promises to elevate any meal, from festive holiday gatherings to cozy family dinners. The harmonious blend of creamy, velvety mashed sweet potatoes beneath a rich, buttery, and crunchy pecan streusel topping offers an unforgettable symphony of flavors and textures that will captivate every palate.

Classic Sweet Potato Casserole with Golden Pecan Topping

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Imagine the warmth and inviting aroma filling your kitchen as this golden-brown casserole bakes to perfection. Whether you’re orchestrating a grand Thanksgiving feast, celebrating Christmas, or simply craving a touch of comforting sweetness on a chilly evening, this sweet potato casserole is your go-to recipe. It’s remarkably easy to prepare, transforming humble sweet potatoes into a dish that’s not only comforting but utterly irresistible. With a few simple, wholesome ingredients, you can craft a culinary masterpiece that will be the highlight of your table and leave your guests asking for the recipe.

Key Ingredients for an Unforgettable Casserole

Crafting a memorable sweet potato casserole starts with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

  • Sweet Potatoes: The heart of our casserole! Choose firm, unblemished sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture. Orange-fleshed varieties like Beauregard or Jewel are ideal for their vibrant color and natural sweetness.
  • Brown Sugar or Sweetener: Provides deep, caramel-like sweetness. The choice between light brown sugar, dark brown sugar, or a zero-calorie sweetener (like brown monk fruit) allows you to customize the flavor intensity and dietary profile.
  • Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the overall sweetness and adds a warm, aromatic note that complements the sweet potatoes beautifully.
  • Butter: Unsalted butter contributes richness and a silky smoothness to the sweet potato base, while also forming the luscious, crunchy streusel topping.
  • Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These classic autumnal spices infuse the casserole with a comforting warmth and depth of flavor. They are essential for that signature holiday taste.
  • Flour: A crucial binding agent for the streusel topping, ensuring it achieves a perfectly crumbly and crisp texture.
  • Pecans: The star of the topping, pecans offer a rich, nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy sweet potato layer.
Brandi Crawford, a chef, smiling in her kitchen.

Why This Sweet Potato Casserole Will Become Your Favorite

This sweet potato casserole stands out from the crowd, particularly for those who appreciate the pure, unadulterated flavors of fall and holiday spices. If you’re a connoisseur of dishes where vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg meld harmoniously with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, then this recipe is tailor-made for you. Unlike many traditional recipes that rely on marshmallows, this version champions a sophisticated, crunchy pecan streusel topping, offering a more refined and less overly-sweet experience.

The journey begins with perfectly softened sweet potatoes, blended meticulously with warm spices and just the right amount of sweetness to create a smooth, luxurious base. This creamy foundation is then crowned with a sweet, crunchy streusel, transforming each bite into an interplay of textures and flavors. Baked until golden and warmed through, it’s a dish that embodies comfort, elegance, and the quintessential taste of the holidays.

Beyond its incredible taste, this casserole is remarkably versatile. It can be prepared ahead of time, making it an ideal choice for busy holiday hosts. It’s also easily adaptable to various dietary preferences, particularly concerning sweeteners, ensuring everyone can enjoy a slice of this delectable creation. Its irresistible aroma alone is enough to gather loved ones around the table, promising a dish that’s not just food, but an experience.

Raw, unpeeled sweet potatoes on a rustic wooden surface, ready for preparation.

Mastering Sweet Potato Preparation: Four Methods for Perfection

The secret to a truly outstanding sweet potato casserole lies in how you cook your sweet potatoes. Properly cooked potatoes will be tender, flavorful, and easy to mash, forming the perfect creamy base. Here are four effective methods:

1. Air Fryer: The Fastest Route to Flavor

Using the air fryer is my absolute favorite method for cooking sweet potatoes, as it yields beautifully tender results with minimal effort. It locks in flavor and prevents excess moisture, which is key for a non-watery casserole. For a detailed guide, you can refer to my Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes recipe.

  1. Prepare: Gently scrub your sweet potatoes clean. You can prick them a few times with a fork, though it’s not strictly necessary in an air fryer.
  2. Arrange: Place the sweet potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded for even cooking.
  3. Cook: Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for approximately 40-50 minutes. Larger potatoes may require a bit more time.
  4. Check for Doneness: The sweet potatoes are ready when they are very tender and easily pierced with a fork.
  5. Cool & Peel: Carefully remove them from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly before handling. The skins will peel off effortlessly once cooled.

2. Boil: A Quick and Classic Method

Boiling is a straightforward method, but it’s crucial to drain the potatoes well to avoid a watery casserole.

  1. Peel & Chop: Begin by peeling the sweet potatoes and cutting them into uniform, 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes. This ensures even and faster cooking.
  2. Submerge: Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover them completely with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
  3. Boil: Bring the water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cubes are fork-tender.
  4. Drain Thoroughly: This step is critical. Drain the sweet potatoes very well using a colander. For best results, let them sit in the colander for 5-10 minutes to allow any residual steam and moisture to escape before mashing.
  5. Cool: Let them cool slightly before proceeding with the recipe.

3. Bake: The Traditional Approach

Baking sweet potatoes yields a drier, sweeter flesh, making them excellent for casserole. This method concentrates their natural sugars.

  1. Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Prick: Prick each sweet potato several times with a fork. This allows steam to escape during baking, preventing them from bursting.
  3. Bake: Place the sweet potatoes directly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for approximately 60-80 minutes, or until they are very tender when squeezed or pierced with a fork. Cooking time will vary based on size.
  4. Cool: Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and let them cool completely. The skins will be easy to remove once cooled.

4. Microwave: For When Time is of the Essence

The microwave offers the quickest way to cook sweet potatoes, ideal for busy schedules.

  1. Pierce: Thoroughly pierce each sweet potato with a fork several times all over.
  2. Microwave: Place the sweet potatoes on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for about 5-8 minutes per potato, depending on its size and your microwave’s wattage. Flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even doneness.
  3. Check & Rest: Check for tenderness by piercing with a fork. They should be soft and easily mashed. Carefully remove from the microwave (they will be hot!) and let them cool for a few minutes before peeling.

Choosing Your Sweetener and Adjusting to Taste

The sweetener you choose for your sweet potato casserole can significantly impact its flavor profile and nutritional content. Both light and dark brown sugar are excellent choices, each offering a slightly different nuance.

Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar provides a delicate, molasses-infused sweetness that complements the sweet potatoes without overpowering them. Dark brown sugar, with its higher molasses content, offers a richer, more robust caramel flavor, adding a deeper complexity to the casserole.

Zero-Calorie Sweeteners: For those mindful of sugar intake or following specific dietary plans, a brown monk fruit sweetener is an outstanding alternative. I personally recommend brown monk fruit sweetener because it’s completely zero-calorie and has zero carbs, making it a health-conscious choice. Crucially, it measures 1:1 like refined table sugar, which simplifies recipe conversion immensely. You can use the exact same amount specified in this recipe without any need for complicated measurement adjustments, ensuring consistent results without the guilt.

How to Adjust the Sweetness:

Sweet potatoes vary in their natural sweetness, so it’s always best to taste and adjust. I recommend starting with a slightly smaller amount of your chosen sugar or sweetener than the recipe calls for. After combining all the ingredients for the sweet potato base (before adding the streusel and baking), taste a small spoonful. If you desire more sweetness, gradually add more brown sugar or sweetener, a tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition until you reach your preferred level of sweetness. This allows you to tailor the casserole perfectly to your palate and the natural sweetness of your sweet potatoes.

Crafting the Perfect Pecan Streusel Topping

While marshmallows adorn many sweet potato casseroles, our recipe takes a more sophisticated and deeply satisfying route with a homemade streusel topping. A streusel topping is a delightful crumbly mixture that provides a crucial textural contrast and an added layer of flavor. It’s typically composed of butter, flour, sugar (or sweetener), and often incorporates spices or nuts, like our delicious pecans.

The magic of this topping lies in its ability to transform during baking. As the casserole heats, the butter melts into the flour and sugar, creating a crisp, golden-brown crust that shatters with every bite. This delightful crispness, combined with the rich, earthy flavor of pecans and a touch of sweetness, elevates the entire dish, offering a delightful counterpoint to the creamy sweet potato base.

The key ingredients for our irresistible pecan streusel topping are simple yet powerful: finely chopped pecans, brown sugar (or your preferred sweetener), all-purpose flour, and melted unsalted butter. The ratio of these ingredients is carefully balanced to ensure a topping that is both generously crunchy and perfectly sweet, without being overly dense or dry. This streusel isn’t just a garnish; it’s an integral part of the casserole’s charm, making each spoonful a truly memorable experience.

Separate bowls of brown sugar, chopped pecans, melted butter, and flour, ingredients for pecan streusel topping.

Step-by-Step Guide: Making Sweet Potato Casserole Without Marshmallows

Creating this delightful sweet potato casserole is a straightforward process that yields incredibly delicious results. For precise measurements and comprehensive details, please refer to the full recipe card located at the bottom of this post. Here’s an overview of the steps:

  1. Prepare Baking Dish: Begin by lightly greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish. This crucial step prevents the casserole from sticking and ensures easy serving.
  2. Combine Sweet Potato Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine your perfectly mashed and cooled sweet potatoes with room temperature eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, brown sugar or sweetener, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
  3. Blend the Base: Use a hand mixer on medium speed to thoroughly blend all the sweet potato ingredients until the mixture is smooth and well combined. You can also achieve this by hand with a sturdy spoon or a potato masher, or even in a food processor for an extra-smooth consistency.
  4. Pour into Dish: Carefully pour the sweet potato mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out with a spatula.
  5. Prepare Pecan Streusel Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the chopped pecans, flour, additional melted butter, and brown sweetener or sugar. Stir these ingredients together until they are well combined and resemble coarse crumbs.
  6. Top the Casserole: Generously sprinkle the pecan streusel mixture over the sweet potato base, ensuring the entire surface is covered. For a particularly decadent topping, don’t be shy about adding a little extra pecan mixture.
  7. Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in a preheated oven and bake until the sweet potato base is heated through and the pecan topping is beautifully golden brown and crunchy.
  8. Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. This resting period helps it set and makes for easier, cleaner slices.
A collage of four photos showing the preparation of sweet potato casserole: mashed sweet potatoes, eggs, spices, and the pecan streusel topping in a glass bowl.

Creative Toppings and Flavor Twists

While our pecan streusel topping is a classic for a reason, feel free to get creative and customize your sweet potato casserole with additional toppings or substitutions to suit your taste or occasion. Here are some inspiring ideas:

  • Toasted Coconut Flakes: Add a tropical twist and delightful texture by sprinkling toasted coconut flakes over the streusel before baking, or as a garnish after.
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: For a cheesecake-like crust experience, incorporate graham cracker crumbs into your streusel or sprinkle them on top.
  • Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the rich casserole, perfect for a dessert-like presentation.
  • Maple Syrup Drizzle: A generous drizzle of pure maple syrup just before serving enhances the natural sweetness and adds a comforting, woodsy aroma.
  • Caramel Sauce: Indulge with a luscious caramel sauce swirled over the top or served alongside for an extra layer of decadence.
  • Brown Sugar Glaze: A simple glaze made from powdered sugar, brown sugar, and a touch of milk or cream can be drizzled over the baked casserole for an elegant finish.
  • Mini Marshmallows: If you love the traditional marshmallow topping, you can certainly add a layer of mini marshmallows during the last 5-10 minutes of baking until they are golden and toasty.
Mashed sweet potatoes seasoned with cinnamon and sugar, forming the base of a casserole in a baking dish.

Pecan Substitutions for Every Preference

Pecans are a beloved component of this casserole, but if you have allergies, specific preferences, or just want to try something new, there are several fantastic substitutes that can offer similar crunch and complementary flavors:

  • Walnuts: A classic alternative to pecans, walnuts have a similar buttery texture and a slightly more robust, earthy flavor. They toast beautifully and provide that essential nutty crunch.
  • Almonds: Sliced or chopped almonds offer a milder nutty flavor compared to pecans, but still deliver a wonderful crispness. They are versatile and widely available.
  • Hazelnuts: For a rich and distinctly sweet flavor, hazelnuts are an excellent choice. Their unique taste can add a gourmet twist to your sweet potato casserole, especially if lightly toasted.
  • Macadamia Nuts: If you’re seeking a luxurious and buttery texture, macadamia nuts are ideal. They are incredibly creamy and offer a milder nut flavor that pairs exceptionally well with sweet potatoes.
  • Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas): For a nut-free option, pumpkin seeds are a fantastic choice. They provide a satisfying crunch and a subtle nutty, earthy flavor that complements the sweet potato perfectly. Toast them lightly before adding to the streusel for enhanced taste.
  • Sunflower Seeds: Another great nut-free alternative, sunflower seeds offer a crisp texture and a mild, pleasant flavor.

Achieving the Ideal Texture in Your Casserole

The perfect sweet potato casserole is a symphony of contrasting textures that delight with every bite. Our recipe is specifically designed to achieve a glorious culinary experience where the smooth, soft, and creamy consistency of the sweet potato base meets the sweet, crunchy topping of the pecan streusel.

Imagine the spoon effortlessly sinking into a pillowy-soft layer of mashed sweet potatoes, rich with butter, vanilla, and warm spices. This velvety base is the comforting heart of the dish. Then, the streusel topping provides that much-needed textural counterpoint: a golden-brown layer of toasted pecans, flour, and brown sugar that crumbles beautifully, offering a satisfying crunch. This dynamic contrast between the yielding creaminess and the crisp texture is what makes this sweet potato casserole truly exceptional and utterly addictive.

Unbaked sweet potato casserole with a generous layer of pecan streusel topping in a glass baking dish.

Using Canned Sweet Potatoes for Convenience

While fresh sweet potatoes often yield the best flavor and texture, canned sweet potatoes offer a convenient shortcut, especially when you’re short on time. They come pre-cooked and mashed (or in chunks that are easily mashed), significantly reducing your prep time for the casserole base. When using canned sweet potatoes, you can generally use them directly in the recipe without any adjustments to the baking time.

However, it’s crucial to ensure they are well-drained. Canned sweet potatoes can sometimes be packed in syrup or excessive water, which can lead to a watery casserole. Drain them thoroughly in a colander and gently press out any extra liquid before incorporating them into your mixture. This step will help maintain the desired creamy consistency of your casserole.

For more ideas on how to utilize canned sweet potatoes to their full potential, you might also enjoy my Quick Canned Candied Sweet Potatoes recipe.

Tips to Prevent a Watery Sweet Potato Casserole

Nobody wants a watery sweet potato casserole! Achieving that perfectly creamy yet firm texture is key. Here’s how to ensure your casserole comes out just right:

  • Choose the Right Cooking Method: Air frying or baking your sweet potatoes are highly recommended methods. These techniques concentrate the sweet potatoes’ natural sugars and eliminate excess moisture from the start, significantly reducing the risk of a watery dish.
  • Properly Drain Boiled Sweet Potatoes: If you opt for boiling, thorough draining is paramount. After cooking, transfer the sweet potatoes to a colander and let them sit for at least 5-10 minutes. Gently shaking the colander or even pressing them lightly with a spoon can help release any remaining moisture. Don’t rush this step!
  • Avoid Overcooking: Sweet potatoes that are overcooked, especially when boiled, can absorb too much water and become mushy, making them prone to releasing liquid into the casserole. Cook them just until they are fork-tender, then remove them from the heat.
  • Allow the Casserole to Rest: After baking, resist the urge to immediately dig in. Let the sweet potato casserole rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the starches to set, the flavors to meld, and any excess moisture to reabsorb or evaporate, resulting in a firmer, more cohesive dish.

The Science Behind Room Temperature Eggs

While it might seem like a small detail, using room temperature eggs in your sweet potato casserole can make a significant difference in the final texture and consistency of the dish. Here’s why this seemingly minor step is so important:

  • Seamless Blending: Room temperature eggs have a less viscous texture than cold eggs. This allows them to blend much more easily and uniformly with other ingredients such as mashed sweet potatoes, melted butter, sugar, and spices. The result is a smoother, more homogenous mixture for your casserole base.
  • Prevents Curdling or Lumps: When cold eggs are introduced to other ingredients (especially fats like butter or warm purees), the sudden temperature difference can cause the mixture to curdle or result in small, undesirable lumps. Room temperature eggs integrate smoothly, ensuring a consistently creamy and velvety texture throughout the casserole.
  • Better Emulsification: Eggs act as an emulsifier, helping to bind fats and liquids together. At room temperature, the fats in the eggs are more pliable, leading to better emulsification with the other ingredients. This creates a more stable and cohesive casserole base that holds together beautifully.

To bring eggs to room temperature quickly, you can place them in a bowl of warm (not hot) water for about 5-10 minutes before using them.

Baked sweet potato casserole with a golden pecan topping in a glass baking dish, ready to serve.

Storing Your Sweet Potato Casserole for Freshness

Proper storage ensures your delicious sweet potato casserole remains fresh and enjoyable for days after it’s baked. Once the casserole has cooled completely to room temperature, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. If keeping it in the baking dish, cover it tightly with several layers of plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent air exposure. Stored this way, the casserole will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Always ensure it’s tightly sealed to prevent it from absorbing any odors from other foods in the fridge.

Making Ahead: Your Holiday Hero Casserole

Sweet potato casserole is an excellent dish to prepare in advance, making it a perfect candidate for holiday meal planning or busy weeknights. Its flavors tend to meld and deepen overnight, often tasting even better the next day.

You can assemble the entire sweet potato base mixture (minus the pecan streusel) and pour it into your greased baking dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to bake, prepare the pecan streusel topping fresh and sprinkle it over the chilled sweet potato base. Bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to account for the cold temperature of the casserole. This strategy ensures the streusel remains perfectly crisp and delicious when served, rather than becoming soggy if applied too far in advance.

Sweet potato casserole with pecan topping in a baking dish, freshly baked.

Freezing Sweet Potato Casserole for Future Enjoyment

Sweet potato casserole freezes wonderfully, making it an ideal make-ahead dish for future holidays or meals. Here are some tips for freezing and thawing:

  • Freezing Whole: If you plan to freeze the entire casserole, it’s best to bake it first without the pecan topping. Let the baked casserole cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe dish or wrap it tightly with multiple layers of plastic wrap, ensuring there are no exposed areas. For an extra layer of protection against freezer burn, you can place the wrapped casserole in a large freezer bag or wrap it again with heavy-duty aluminum foil.
  • Freezing Topping Separately: For the best texture, always prepare and add the pecan streusel topping fresh when you’re ready to bake or reheat. You can, however, prepare the streusel mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month.
  • Storage Duration: Sweet potato casserole can be safely frozen for up to 2-3 months. Beyond this period, while still safe to eat, the quality and texture may begin to decline.
  • Thawing and Reheating: To thaw, transfer the frozen casserole to the refrigerator 24-48 hours before you plan to serve it. Once thawed, add the fresh streusel topping (if not added previously) and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and the topping is golden and crisp, usually about 30-45 minutes. If baking from frozen (without thawing), cover the casserole with foil for the first half of the baking time to prevent the top from burning, then remove the foil and add the streusel for the last 20-30 minutes, or until cooked through.
Sweet potato casserole with pecan topping in a baking dish with a wooden spoon for serving.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potato casserole with pecan topping is a versatile dish that complements a wide array of savory mains, especially during holiday feasts. Its rich, sweet, and comforting profile pairs beautifully with robust meats and other classic sides. Here are some exceptional recipes to serve alongside your casserole:

  • Southern Baked Ham with Pineapple: The tangy sweetness of pineapple-glazed ham provides a wonderful contrast to the casserole.
  • Cajun Spiced Roasted Turkey: The bold, savory flavors of a spiced turkey are perfectly balanced by the sweet earthiness of the casserole.
  • Baked Turkey Wings: A hearty and flavorful option that stands up well to the casserole’s richness.
  • Lobster Mac and Cheese: For an indulgent and decadent meal, the creamy, savory mac and cheese is a luxurious match.
  • Slow Cooker Turkey Legs: Tender, fall-off-the-bone turkey legs offer a comforting main dish.
  • Roasted Bone-in Turkey Breast: A classic and juicy centerpiece for any gathering.
  • Boneless Turkey Breast: A lean and flavorful option that’s easy to carve.
  • Green Bean Casserole with Bacon: The savory and creamy green bean casserole with smoky bacon adds another traditional favorite.
  • Thanksgiving Chicken: A lighter but equally festive alternative to turkey.
  • Eye of Round Roast Beef: The robust flavors of roast beef provide a grounding savory element.
  • Bone in or Boneless Prime Rib: For a truly grand meal, prime rib is a magnificent pairing.
Close-up of a sweet potato casserole with pecan topping in a baking dish, ready to be served.

Explore More Sweet Potato Delights

Sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile, offering a spectrum of culinary possibilities beyond just casseroles. If you’ve fallen in love with this pecan-topped delight, you’ll surely enjoy exploring these other fantastic sweet potato recipes that celebrate their natural sweetness and comforting qualities:

  • Sweet Potato Cornbread: A delightful twist on classic cornbread, infused with the subtle sweetness of sweet potato.
  • Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes: A timeless Southern classic, known for its syrupy glaze and tender texture.
  • Stovetop Candied Sweet Potatoes: A quicker method for achieving those wonderfully sweet and caramelized candied potatoes.
  • Slow Cooker Crockpot Candied Sweet Potatoes: Effortlessly delicious candied sweet potatoes made with the convenience of your slow cooker.
  • Purple Sweet Potato Recipe: Explore the vibrant color and unique flavor of purple sweet potatoes in a creative dish.
  • Southern Sweet Potato Casserole: Another take on the beloved casserole, highlighting regional flavors and techniques.
  • Healthy Sweet Potato Pie: A nutritious yet incredibly delicious version of the iconic sweet potato pie.
Sweet potato casserole with pecans in a baking dish with a wooden spoon for serving.

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping

By Brandi Crawford

Sweet potato casserole with pecan topping is a must-have dish for holiday gatherings and special family dinners. The creamy, velvety base of mashed sweet potatoes, combined with the rich, buttery crunch of the pecan topping, creates an amazing balance of flavors and textures that everyone will love.

Average rating: 5 from 2 votes.

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Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 1 hr 5 mins

Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins


Course: Dessert, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Soul Food, Southern

Servings: 6 cups

Calories: 250 kcal


Equipment

  • 9×13 Baking Dish

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ – 3 pounds sweet potatoes Cooked, mashed, and cooled.
  • ½ cup brown sweetener Light or dark will work for this recipe.
  • 2 eggs Must be at room temperature.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter Melted. Measured solid, this is ¼ cup.
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Pecan Streusel Topping Ingredients

  • ¼ cup sweetener or brown sugar
  • ¼ cup flour
  • 1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
  • Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, room temperature eggs, melted butter, vanilla, brown sugar or sweetener, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  • Use a hand mixer to blend the ingredients at medium speed until smooth and well combined. Alternatively, mix by hand or use a blender.
  • Pour the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the chopped pecans, flour, melted butter, and brown sweetener or sugar. Stir until well mixed and crumbly.
  • Generously top the sweet potato mixture with the pecan streusel. Ensure the casserole is fully covered. You may need a handful more of pecans to completely cover the casserole for a thick, crunchy topping.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sweet potato base is heated through.
  • Cool before serving to allow the casserole to set.

Notes

Air fried or baked sweet potatoes work best because they haven’t been cooked in water, thus eliminating the risk of a watery dish.

If using boiled sweet potatoes, ensure they are properly drained before mashing or pureeing. Excess moisture can lead to a watery casserole. Use a colander to drain well and let them sit for a few minutes to release any remaining moisture.

Avoid overcooking sweet potatoes, as this can increase their water content. Cook them just until fork-tender.

After baking, let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and firm up slightly, preventing excess moisture from pooling.

Room temperature eggs blend more easily with other ingredients, resulting in a smoother, more uniform mixture. Cold eggs can cause the mixture to curdle or create lumps.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5 cup

Calories: 250 kcal

Carbohydrates: 18 g

Protein: 4 g

Fat: 17 g

Nutrition Data Disclaimer

Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.

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