Effortless Sweet Potato Casserole With Butter Pecan Crumble Topping Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This sweet potato casserole is the ultimate comfort food for any occasion, blending creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a rich butter pecan crumble topping. It’s an easy-to-make dish that balances natural sweetness with a crunchy, nutty contrast, making it perfect for holiday feasts, potlucks, or a cozy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

sweet potatoes
butter
brown sugar
maple syrup
eggs
vanilla extract
milk
salt
pecans
flour
cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes – Peel, cube, and boil the sweet potatoes in a large pot until fork-tender. Drain well.
3. Mash the Sweet Potatoes – Using a potato masher or electric mixer, mash the sweet potatoes until smooth.
4. Combine Ingredients – Add melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, milk, and a pinch of salt to the mashed sweet potatoes. Stir until fully incorporated.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish – Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in a greased baking dish.
6. Make the Butter Pecan Crumble Topping – In a bowl, mix chopped pecans, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly.
7. Add Topping – Sprinkle the butter pecan crumble evenly over the sweet potato mixture.
8. Bake – Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and slightly crisp on top.
9. Cool and Serve – Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Variations

• Marshmallow Topping – Swap the pecan crumble for mini marshmallows for a gooier, sweeter version.
• Nut-Free Option – Replace pecans with rolled oats for a similar crunchy texture without the nuts.
• Vegan Alternative – Use coconut milk, flax eggs, and plant-based butter for a dairy-free, egg-free version.
• Spiced Sweet Potatoes – Add nutmeg, ginger, or allspice for an extra warming flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 6-8

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing – Freeze in a well-sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating – Warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

How can I make this dish ahead of time?

Prepare the sweet potato base and topping separately, refrigerate, then assemble and bake when needed.

Can I use canned sweet potatoes?

Yes, but drain and mash them well, reducing added sugar since canned varieties are often pre-sweetened.

What’s the best way to mash sweet potatoes?

A hand masher, electric mixer, or food processor all work well for a smooth consistency.

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Yes! Walnuts or almonds provide a different but equally delicious crunch.

How do I prevent the topping from getting soggy?

Bake uncovered and avoid over-mixing the topping ingredients.

Can I add a touch of spice to the topping?

Absolutely! A pinch of nutmeg or allspice enhances the flavor beautifully.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use almond flour or gluten-free flour for the topping to make it gluten-free.

What if I don’t have maple syrup?

Honey or agave syrup makes a great substitute.

Can I make this dish without eggs?

Yes, use flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer for a similar texture.

How do I make the casserole creamier?

Adding a little more milk or a splash of heavy cream will create an extra creamy consistency.

Conclusion

This effortless sweet potato casserole with butter pecan crumble topping is a must-try dish, perfect for holidays or casual dinners. With its creamy base and crunchy, buttery topping, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both simple and delicious. Give it a try and enjoy a warm, comforting treat that everyone will love!

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