If you’ve been searching for a dish that combines cozy comfort with a touch of elegance, this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping Recipe is exactly what you need on your table. Imagine creamy, warmly spiced mashed sweet potatoes baked under a crunchy, buttery pecan topping that adds both texture and a hint of caramelized sweetness. It’s a timeless crowd-pleaser that not only boasts vibrant autumnal colors but also satisfies every craving for rich, satisfying flavors. Perfect for holiday dinners or a special family gathering, this casserole invites you to indulge in pure culinary joy while celebrating familiar, heartwarming tastes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to capturing the perfect balance of flavors and textures in this dish. Every item in this Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping Recipe plays an essential role, from the smooth and sweet filling to the delightfully crunchy topping.
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes: Use cooked and peeled sweet potatoes for a creamy, velvety base that’s full of natural sweetness.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness to both the filling and the streusel topping.
- 2 large eggs: These bind the filling ingredients together, ensuring a perfect, sliceable texture.
- 1/2 cup milk: Brings smoothness and lightness, complementing the richness of the sweet potatoes.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted and cold cubed): Incorporated into the filling for richness, and into the streusel to create that ideal crumbly topping.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the natural flavors and lends a subtle, fragrant warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a gentle spice note that makes every bite cozy and inviting.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness, bringing out all the flavors beautifully.
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour: A necessary component in the topping that helps create its signature crumbly texture.
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans: Offers a crunchy contrast and a toasty, nutty flavor for that perfect finish.
How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potato Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar, eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Use a whisk or mixer to blend everything until the mixture is nicely smooth and evenly combined. This filling is the heart of the recipe, creamy, flavorful, and slightly spiced, setting the stage for each delicious bite.
Step 2: Spread the Filling
Once your filling is ready, spread it evenly into the prepared baking dish. Making sure it’s level helps the casserole bake evenly, which is key for a perfect texture from edge to edge. It’s like creating a delicious canvas ready for the grand finale that’s about to come.
Step 3: Make the Pecan Streusel Topping
In a separate bowl, mix together the brown sugar and all-purpose flour. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a fork or a pastry cutter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Then fold in the chopped pecans, distributing the nuts evenly throughout. This buttery, crumbly topping provides a wonderful textural contrast to the creamy filling and adds a gorgeous golden appearance when baked.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the pecan streusel topping generously and evenly over the sweet potato layer. Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the streusel is golden brown and crisp while the filling is set but still creamy inside. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving to help the casserole firm up slightly, making it easier to serve and enjoy.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a few whole pecans scattered on top after baking can add that extra charming touch. For a festive flair, try adding mini marshmallows in the last 10 minutes of baking—they’ll melt to create a toasty, gooey layer that kids and adults absolutely adore. Fresh herbs aren’t usually paired with sweet potato casserole, but a small sprig of rosemary on the side can add a surprising pop of color and mild aroma.
Side Dishes
This casserole is rich and flavorful enough to shine on its own, but it pairs beautifully with savory mains like roast turkey, baked ham, or even a simple herb-roasted chicken. For a lighter contrast, serve alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted Brussels sprouts. The balance of sweet, nutty, and savory elements creates a well-rounded holiday plate that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your presentation by serving the casserole in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets for a personalized touch. Another fun way to impress guests is by layering the filling and topping in clear glass baking dishes or trifle bowls to showcase those appetizing layers. You could even add a sprinkle of edible gold dust or cinnamon on top just before serving for a dazzling and festive finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover it well to preserve moisture and prevent the topping from getting soggy. When ready to enjoy, leftovers are just as satisfying; the flavors meld nicely overnight, making it a flavorful next-day treat.
Freezing
Want to save some for later holidays or quick meals? This casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble the entire dish but don’t bake it, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It will keep well up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as usual, allowing a bit more time if still partially frozen.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole loosely with foil and warm it in a preheated 350°F oven for 20 minutes or until heated through. If you want to revive the crispiness of the streusel topping, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of reheating. This method keeps the casserole moist and ensures the topping stays crunchy and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potatoes for this recipe?
While fresh cooked and mashed sweet potatoes provide the best texture and flavor, canned sweet potatoes can be a convenient substitute. Just make sure to drain them well and mash thoroughly before using.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegan?
Yes! Replace the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute, use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and substitute the eggs with flax eggs or applesauce to keep the creamy texture.
How can I make the pecan topping extra crunchy?
For extra crunch, toast the pecans lightly in a dry skillet before mixing them into the streusel. This releases their oils and intensifies their flavor and crunch factor.
Can I add marshmallows directly on top instead of pecan streusel?
You sure can! Adding mini marshmallows on top is a classic twist, especially during the holidays. If you do, add them in the last 10 minutes of baking to achieve that perfectly golden, gooey marshmallow layer.
What’s the best way to reheat this casserole without drying it out?
Reheat covered with foil to trap moisture inside, and remove the foil near the end to crisp up the topping without drying the filling. Using a moderate oven temperature also helps avoid overcooking.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping Recipe is one of those dishes that instantly brings warmth and a feeling of home to any table. It’s wonderfully easy to prepare yet feels indulgent and special enough for holidays or cozy family dinners. I truly hope you give it a try and enjoy every creamy, crunchy, sweet, and nutty bite as much as I do. Happy baking and even happier eating!
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Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping is a classic American holiday side dish perfect for Thanksgiving or any festive occasion. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes are flavored with warm spices and vanilla, then topped with a crunchy, buttery pecan streusel. Baked to golden perfection, this casserole combines sweet, nutty, and comforting flavors to delight your guests.
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 4 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 3 large sweet potatoes, cooked and peeled)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the pecan streusel topping:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Make sweet potato filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with brown sugar, eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined. Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare pecan streusel topping: In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar and all-purpose flour. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped pecans to distribute them evenly throughout the streusel.
- Assemble and bake: Sprinkle the pecan streusel topping evenly over the sweet potato filling in the baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes until the topping turns golden brown and the casserole is set.
- Cool and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes to set before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to serve.
Notes
- This casserole can be prepared 1 to 2 days in advance and baked just before serving for convenience.
- For a sweeter variation, add mini marshmallows on top in the last 10 minutes of baking to melt and brown slightly.
