Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping Recipe
If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable holiday side, let me introduce you to Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping. This classic crowd-pleaser brings together smooth, gently spiced sweet potatoes and a crunchy, buttery blanket of pecan streusel for the ultimate combination of comfort and celebration. Whether you serve it at Thanksgiving or for a cozy Sunday meal, the flavors and textures here have a magical way of turning even the simplest dinners into something special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping lies in its straightforward ingredients—each one plays a starring role, whether it’s adding creamy richness, subtle spice, or that irresistible nutty crunch on top. Here’s what you’ll need and why each piece matters:
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes: The heart of the dish, lending natural sweetness and creamy texture—roast or boil them to intensify the flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Enhances sweetness without overpowering the delicate flavor of the sweet potatoes.
- Large Eggs: Bind everything together and give the casserole a custardy, luscious feel.
- Unsalted Butter (melted & softened): Adds incredible richness and helps create that dreamy streusel crumble on top.
- Milk: Keeps the sweet potato base luxuriously smooth and not too dense.
- Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and depth to the sweet potato mixture—don’t skip it!
- Cinnamon: Just a whisper adds gentle spice and autumnal color.
- Salt: A pinch balances the sweetness and makes all the flavors pop.
- Brown Sugar: Essential for a caramel-like flavor in the pecan streusel topping.
- All-Purpose Flour: Gives the streusel its signature crumbly texture.
- Chopped Pecans: The crunch factor! Toasting them first brings out even more flavor.
How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potato Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish—trust me, you’ll want easy cleanup when the crowd goes back for seconds! In a large mixing bowl, combine your mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, melted butter, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Blend until everything is luxuriously smooth and no streaks remain. The better you mix, the silkier your casserole will bake up.
Step 2: Fill the Baking Dish
Pour the sweet potato mixture into your prepared dish, using a spatula to spread it into an even layer. Smoothing it out now ensures every bite gets an even distribution of luscious, buttery sweet potato beneath that crave-worthy topping.
Step 3: Make the Pecan Streusel Topping
Grab a separate bowl and stir together the brown sugar and flour. Add the softened butter and use a fork or pastry cutter to combine until the mixture resembles chunky, delicious crumbs. Fold in the chopped pecans for that signature Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping crunch. This step is all about the texture—don’t overmix!
Step 4: Add the Topping and Bake
Sprinkle the streusel over your sweet potato layer, covering every inch—every forkful should have a taste of that golden, nutty topping! Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the streusel is a beautiful deep golden brown. Let it rest a bit before serving so everything holds together as you cut and serve.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping
Garnishes
This casserole doesn’t need much, but a shower of extra toasted pecans or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt really brings out the flavors. For special occasions, a tiny drizzle of real maple syrup or a few ribbons of orange zest over the top will send this dish straight into showstopper status.
Side Dishes
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping is right at home alongside roasted turkey, glazed ham, or a vegetarian main. Give it a place on the holiday table with classic stuffing, cranberry sauce, and garlicky green beans—you’ll find its creamy texture and buttery crunch balancing heartier, savory flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking individual servings in ramekins for an elegant twist, or serve scoops in vintage teacups for a charming buffet. Leftovers are sensational for brunch—try layering them in a parfait glass with tangy Greek yogurt for a sweet-and-savory riff that always delights guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once everyone’s had their fill, cool any remaining casserole completely and transfer to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping keeps for up to 4 days—making it a dream for easy leftovers or next-day holiday lunches.
Freezing
This dish actually freezes beautifully! Assemble the unbaked casserole and cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap. It can be stored in the freezer for up to one month. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, add your pecan streusel topping just before baking, and proceed as usual.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the casserole in a 350°F oven, uncovered, until warmed through and the streusel is crisp again—about 15–20 minutes. Individual portions can also be microwaved, but a quick broil afterwards revives that irresistible crunch.
FAQs
Can I make Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the sweet potato base in your baking dish and store it, covered, in the fridge for up to two days. When you’re ready, add the pecan streusel topping and bake as directed for fresh-from-the-oven taste.
How do I make this casserole dairy-free?
You can substitute plant-based milk (like almond, oat, or coconut), vegan butter, and be sure to check that your other ingredients are dairy-free. The results are still creamy, rich, and just as craveable!
Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, canned sweet potatoes (or yams) work in a pinch. Make sure to drain them well and mash thoroughly before mixing with the other ingredients. They’re a great time saver, especially on busy holidays.
What’s the difference between this casserole and candied yams?
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping features a velvety, lightly sweetened sweet potato base and a crisp, nutty streusel, while candied yams usually contain sliced yams in a simple syrup, sometimes with marshmallows. The textures and flavors are distinct—but both are iconic in their own way!
Can I add marshmallows to this recipe?
If you love a marshmallow finish, absolutely! Sprinkle mini marshmallows over the streusel during the last 10 minutes of baking for a gooey, caramelized upgrade—just keep an eye so they don’t over-brown.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping is a treasured classic—each bite is cozy, balanced, and impossibly inviting. Bring it to your next gathering or treat your family to something extra special; either way, don’t be surprised when everyone asks for the recipe (and seconds)!
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Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel Topping Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the deliciousness of this Sweet Potato Casserole with a crunchy Pecan Streusel Topping that makes for the perfect side dish, especially during holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
For the sweet potato base:
- 4 cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes (about 3–4 medium sweet potatoes)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the pecan streusel topping:
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix sweet potato base: In a large bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, sugar, eggs, melted butter, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Pour into the baking dish.
- Prepare streusel topping: In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar and flour. Cut in the softened butter, stir in chopped pecans, then sprinkle over the sweet potato mixture.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden and set. Let cool before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare the casserole up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate before baking.
- Enhance flavor by adding nutmeg or maple syrup to the sweet potato mix.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
