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
Scale
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.
